So Blessed . . .

We blessed Boston on September 2, the same date that Randy and I got engaged and Grandma and Grandpa Cuff got married! It was such a special day filled with wonderful, supportive, and loving family and friends. We missed everybody that couldn't be there and were so grateful for all of the support we did have since we are so far away from everybody. Randy gave an amazing blessing. I am so grateful for the husband and priesthood holder that he is. Here are some pictures from the fun day!

My wonderful little family.  Love them so much!

This was my first attempt at a photoshoot.  He was so sad and then, as you can see on the left, became so exhausted with it all.

The little photoshoot after the blessing. He was much happier than when we tried before church.
 

Handsome Little Dude!

The Stoddard side - Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Warren even made the long drive!  We love our family.

The Cuff Side, plus our good friend Patty.  Of course the big kids were in heaven with their cousins here!

The highlight of the afternoon was for all of the kids to pile balloons on Boston.  The things that entertain us . . . . . :)

More of our family

Boston's amazing grandparents.  We love them so much!

Preschool . . . . .

As if it wasn't bad enough to send my girl to first grade, then I had to send my sweet boy to preschool! He was so excited to go and be "big" like his sister. Funny story - Kai had come to the conclusion that only girls went to school because his whole life we had been dropping her off, but he never got to go. When he found out he got to go to school too, he was super excited. It was kindof like women's liberation in reverse. ;) He goes 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours with Mrs. Jensen and was so thrilled with his Transormers backpack that lights up. He really likes school, but he hates waking up in the morning. I guess that's what we get after a summer of absolutely no schedules. He was really good about posing for his pictures until a cat sauntered by and then we got some funny expressions because he was so happy about seeing the cat.

He was a little nervous when we first got to the school, but he just waved goodbye and went on his way!

Apparently preschool is exhausting because he went in his room for a nap the first day we got back.  (and yes - another appearance by Michael - he's everywhere)

These Boys . . . . . .

are my favorite.  They are a lot alike in that they are both so happy!  They love each other and love to giggle and laugh.  Kai is CONSTANTLY kissing and hugging Boston.  Seriously - to a fault.  I am always telling him to leave him alone.  These pictures are pretty typical of how things are.  I just can't believe how much Bos looks like his big brother - with the exception of his hair - it seems to be red.  Could I have a brunette, blonde, and ginger between the 3 kids??

Poor Bos - how would it be to be so loved?

 

It happened . . . . .

My baby girl grew up. I told her not to, but she just wouldn't listen! The day that I have been dreading since she was born came - and it was bittersweet. I am NOT ready to have my sweet girl in school ALL DAY! I feel like it's the beginning of the end. She's going to be in school all day until she moves out! I need to not focus on her moving out yet though. :) She was SOOO excited to start. My girl loves school. She loves her friends and her teacher and she LOVES having lunch at school.  She also loves her new lunch box, backpack, and school clothes.  She's my girl because we definitely focus on the details.  The boys and I miss her while she's at school, but she is having a blast. She is fun and beautiful and smart and such a joy. I guess I'm just going to have to embrace her growing up. She makes me proud.

Kai may or may not have had a ridiculously swollen eye on Ava's first day.  Luckily, it didn't stick around for too long, but it looked like he got punched in the eye.

2 Months . . . .

Notice the cheeks?  He's getting chubbier.  It's funny because Kai just got thinner as time went on, Boston seems to be doing the opposite - although their faces still look identical to me.  My favorite thing about my sweet baby right now is his eyes.  They are always wide open.  Even RIGHT before he drops off to sleep.

 

  Basically all you need to know is that Bos is the best. baby. ever.  Hands Down.  He is still sleeping 8-12 hours a night.  He has done it since the DAY we brought him home from the hospital.  I can seriously count on one hand the nights he has slept less than that.  I have none of the regular "newborn" excuses because I am one well-rested mama. 

 

This kid laughs and smiles at ANYTHING.  (That is one thing he definitely has in common with his big brother)  He is also ridiculously ticklish which is the most hilarious thing I've ever seen.  I tickle him until tears are streaming down my face from laughing so hard.  He is "roughly" loved by Kai and "lovingly" mothered and taken care of by his big sister.  They just adore their little brother.  We took him in for his 2 month appointment and he was 13.6 lbs (90%), 23 in (50%), and his head was 16 in (75%).  He is short and stocky.  We took Kai in at the same time and Kai was just the opposite; 50% in weight and 90% in height - tall and skinny.  It will be interesting to see how they grow over the years.  Boston is wearing mostly 6 or 9 month clothes.  In fact, the other night I put him in these cute frog jammies that Kai got for Christmas when he was 7 1/2 months old.  They fit Boston great right now at 3 months.

 

He is such a joy in our lives and I am so grateful that we have been blessed to have him as part of our crazy family!