Photos Glorious Photos

I take a lot of pictures. Well, that is a huge understatement. I think I am about to wear out my Canon point and shoot. That camera has seen things in the bottom of the diaper bag that no camera should see (crushed Goldfish and stale Cheerios, anyone?). :) Anyway, why do I take so many photos and appreciate those that help me out in this task?

I got to thinking about that today. Time is fleeting. It goes by beyond fast. I look at pictures taken of the boys (by me or their grandparents or their awesome babysitter, who took the photos in this post) and see just how much they've grown and changed in such a little time. We are so very busy living life, going to appointments and planning this and that, that sometimes we don't stop to truly enjoy the moment. By taking photos, and lots of 'em, we can relive that moment months or years down the road.

Another reason I love photos is to enjoy the moment when I can't be there. The photos in this post were taken by Jody of Got Babysitter?. I found her through my very good friend Mari who raved about her. Finley didn't do well in a traditional mother's day out, because he's wonderful and learns a little differently. She is kind, patient and loving and has been just what the doctor ordered for a few hours each week. I get a few hour break and the boys get to play in her huge yard and make crafts and cupcakes and interact with her sweet kids. I am not there though and, as most moms can relate to I am sure, I miss not seeing them experience things for the first time. She takes photos and gives them to me. That blesses me beyond words. Without these photos, I may never know Finley's sweet first meeting with her puppy dog or how he intently made his Valentine's art project. I would never know that somehow, someway, she got them to pose sweetly for the photo together on the swing.

I am also ever so lucky to have the best mother-in-law and father-in-law in the world. Without them, our weekly occupational and physical therapy visits would be much harder to swing. When I am not there, they are great about sharing photos like they did when I was in Nashville (see here).

Speaking of glue and markers, I recently found several great blogs and sites for crafts and preschool projects. You can see my favorites section at left if you'd like to check them out.

So, yes, this blog has always been and always will be very picture heavy. I hope you enjoy! I think they tell such a story.

A Boy and His Dog

The boys have been sick. Finley has strep (he's getting better now thanks to prayer and antibiotics) and Kieran tested negative for it Saturday (although I think he might be getting it now). It's a good thing a boy has his dog Chloe to comfort him (and Sprout on TV) when he's feeling bad.

I have been sharing a lot of little "moments" like this on my Cozi Family Journal as well. Click here to check it out and we'd love a "smile" if you like.

How do you like the new look of the blog thanks to The Design Girl. I will be putting most of the personal posts here and trying to keep up with it better than I have. All of my reviews will still be at Potamus Prefers.

Have a blessed and lovely day!

Thomas Is Like Medicine?

Look at Finley's new Thomas jammies from Grandmommy and Pabba! Even though he's sick, I was able to snap this sweet photo of him walking to me for a hug. Love him!

The Vintage Train and The Magic Chair

When Daddy was a little boy in the 1900s (in the early 70s), he won a train set. He thought it had been given away years ago. Imagine his surprise (and our utter delight) when Grandmommy found it at our our great-grandparents' house this weekend. Daddy fiddled with it until he got it working perfectly and then when we woke up this morning, it was like Christmas morning. We couldn't hold in our happiness.

See the little chair that Kieran is sitting on? That chair belonged to our daddy's daddy when he was a little kid. Mommy now calls it the "magic chair" because Kieran will sit still in it for long periods of time. Kieran NEVER sits still. Magic indeed!

Here's a video of the fun:



We think Daddy enjoys playing with this set too! He sure was happy when he saw his old train set along with some of his other childhood toys. We hope he will share with us. :)

Grandmommy also brought the old packaging to Daddy’s Fisher Price Little People plane. They don’t have what was in it (bummer), but Mommy was excited about the packaging. She wants to decorate our playroom in vintage toy photos and this will look cool when she’s done… or so Mommy says. We trust her!

Daddy also has a well loved Winnie the Pooh from his childhood and a cool Mrs. Beasley doll. We aren't allowed to play with those right now, but they are really cool. It's neat to see the toys Daddy liked as a child. Do you have a fun post about a toy from childhood? We'd love to read it. Just leave the link below. If you don't have a post, just tell us the story in the comments if you'd like.

Well That's One Way to Stir the Frosting

The boys made cupcakes at Mrs. Jody's house. Finley found a tasty and easy way to help out. Mrs. Jody is awesome at taking photos of the boys while they are visiting!

Don't you hate it when your mouth is too small for the awesome cupcake you want to eat? Kieran is my eater. Boy does he love to eat. Can you believe one of his favorite foods is fresh cut green beans? Yep it is! Another favorite is blackberries.

The boys are learning so much every day and are such entertainers. Finley is walking so much on his own now and walks what we call his obstacle course all over the house. The funny part is he doesn't like doors open so he closes them all (including baby gates behind him). Then he has a little issue when he comes back around the "course". lol

Kieran likes to dance along with The Wiggles on Sprout and spin and kick with the Nutcracker ballerinas. He even tried to "skate" across the living room when watching Olympic speed skaters. When they skate off of the TV screen, he runs and looks behind the TV to find them. Classic! Such a comedian that boy is.

Bean Bags and Thomas

For Christmas, the boys received Bean Bags from Grandmommy and Pabba. They enjoy watching their best friend Thomas the Train from their comfy perches (have you noticed that Thomas is a recurring theme around here?).

Enjoy this while you can, they don't sit still for long. Here you can see their sweet faces. Yesterday, we went to see the horses near our house and feed the ducks. The boys had a wonderful time. Finley enjoyed feeding the ducks and Kieran enjoyed what he always enjoys... feeding Kieran. Finley is walking so well lately and really enjoys exploring the world on his own two feet as much as possible.

Visiting Ducks and Horses Is Fun!

Handsome Men on Valentine's Day

Just A Swingin'

We went to the park this past weekend where the boys did one of their favorite things. They giggled and swung and laughed with glee and swung and swung some more! They also watched the fish and turtles from the pier of the little fishing pond in our community. They love being outside and enjoying nature. I think they'll be glad when it warms up a bit.

Got Babysitter? We Do!

Got babysitter? We do! Mrs. Jody's "Got Babysitter" service is a wonderful personalized Mother's Day Out program. She loves all children and realizes all children have different needs and abilities. The boys love going to her house and playing with the other kids. They always do some sort of fun craft. Sometimes they bake cupcakes or cookies, too! This week they made Valentine's Day bags. Here is Finley admiring his. It has candy and photos of the boys inside.

Here is Kierie Bear admiring his Valentine's Day craft. Looks like he's thinking, "I glued the eyes on myself, Mom!"

Well, I don't know if that's true or not, but they did do a good job.

Who Said Waiting Rooms Aren't Fun?

Finley was recently diagnosed with a rare syndrome. We had an appointment earlier this week to have some medical tests done. The waiting rooms at the hospital were amazing. He had a blast. I think he's going to be the one kid that loves doctors if this keeps up. The heart and renal scans were normal. Praise God!

Here is a video. Turn up the sound. You can't help but smile.

Ten Kisses

I'm home from Blissdom '10 and EXHAUSTED. Blissdom can almost extrovert an introvert if that's possible. Everyone was friendly and kind to me. That is my kind of place.

When I went to fetch Finley from his Grandmommy and Pabba's house this morning (so I could take him to his OT and PT appointments), he walked fast to me, put his arms up and gave me at least TEN KISSES RIGHT ON THE MOUTH! He doesn't give out kisses that often. It was one of the happiest moments I have experienced in a LONG time. He missed me. :) Sweet boy. Grandmommy says he kissed her on the hand this weekend. Such a gentleman!

Kieran showed his love a little later... after his favorite Sprout show was off. :)

Finley did excellent at his appointments today. I am so proud of him. He amazes me and is awesome. We enjoyed a meal together. I think his Happy Meal and toy made him as happy as his 10 kisses did me!

While the Mommy Is Away, the Babies Will Play

I have been at Blissdom in Nashville since Thursday morning. In a way the time has flown. I have met so many people and learned a lot about blogging and relationships. I heard Harrick Connick Jr. play and met him. I even had my photo taken with him. On the other hand, I miss Andrew and the boys so very much that I can't wait to get home tomorrow night. Reports from home tell me about all their fun adventures with Grandmommy and Papa, Daddy and Grandmo and Papa Lowell. Just look at this photo Grandmommy sent me. What an angel! :)

You didn't think I would forget my sweet, lovable little Finley did you? Look at that sweet smile! Thanks Grandmommy and Papa for documenting their day and sending me updates. It makes my heart smile. Kiss em for me!

Putting the Doctor in His Place

Today, Finley had an appointment at the doctor. I have to share a funny thing. Those that know him, know he loves order. Well the doctor was sitting and got up to leave. Finley went and got him, grabbed his pinky and sweetly led him back to his chair and patted for him to sit down. Once the good doctor was back in his place, Finley was off to explore some more. Gotta love him, he's so cute.

Also, they went to stay with Mrs. Jody for a few hours this afternoon. When we picked them up, Kieran was dancing around the living room and running away while giggling so sweetly. Why? Because he was being chased by a Zhu Zhu pet. It was so cute.

Thomas and Percy Enjoy a Meal

Finley doesn't do much of anything without his best friends Thomas and Percy at his side. If he must do something without them, he will find someone in the house to "babysit" his beloved pals so little brother can't get to them. Here he is enjoying a meal while checking on his buddies.

This morning, we went to Finley's occupational and physical therapy appointments. He did really well, focusing on the tasks at hand. Today he spun on the special board they use to help his balance, he swung, played in the ball pit, sorted objects by color, jumped on a trampoline, showed off how many steps he's taking and much more. I am so proud. Kieran stays with Grandmommy and Papa Ted while brother is at therapy and he really enjoys being an only child for a bit.

Kieran likes his new friend Bucky. He is enjoying a drink of milk before falling asleep in this photo taken last week. I can't believe the boys will turn 2 and 3 in April. What will I do for their birthdays?