July...

We have had such a busy month that I thought I would do one big post of all the exciting things we've been doing! Enjoy!

A visit to GG and Great Grandpa Ando's House :)

THE POOL! It has definitely come in handy during this hot weather!!

This is our make-shift slip n' slide... A little redneck, but we love it!

Our 3rd wedding anniversary was this week! We went to Ocean Shores and had a blast!

Little Jacob all snuggled up! This is his favorite place to be, in someone's arms.

This is Hailey's new "I'm excited" face... she's so silly!

Jake's first bath.

More fun in the water... Hailey is definitely a water baby!

A visit to the station to see Daddy! (We took pics of Hailey in Jonathan's helmet last year)

One of Hailey's favorite things to do is brush her teeth!

Gardening with Daddy!

Jonathan's new hobby has been making our deck garden. He really enjoys being outdoors and loves the thought of growing his own produce! The other day we got some new pots and he went and picked up some seeds, fertilizer and soil and with the help of miss Hailey successfully planted carrots, lettuce, basil, soy beans, cucumbers and hot peppers.... it should be fun to see how everything turns out. We also have a couple tomato plants and a thorneless blackberry bush, YUM!

(This was a picture of me and Hailey on the fourth of July,

I just liked it so much I had to put it up!)

GO MARINERS!!

Jake, napping on the train.

Slater being a little ham :)

Domenic and Slater with homemade bull-horns!

(Don't worry, the bottles are empty and the bottoms are cut out)

Three generations of goofiness!

Domenic pretending to be shy

Jason and Kate!

Mike, Slater, Domenic and Mark

(The boys were so excited to ride the train!)

This last Sunday we went to took Jake to his first Mariners game. Unfortunately we couldn't bring Hailey because she's so mobile now she wouldn't have been able to sit still. Instead she had a fun filled day with Grandma Mimi and Auntie Katie. We took the Sounder train up to Seattle and had a blast at the game! If you ever go to a Mariners or Seahawks game the train is the only way to go! It was only $9.50 per person round trip and they pretty much drop you off right there at Qwest Field... we had a little walk to Safeco but it wasn't bad at all. We had a four year old with us and he didn't have any problme making it! The Mariners were playing the Texas Rangers and kicked butt!!!

A whole new world

Having two kids has been the biggest blessing I have ever received, but it has also been the most challenging thing I have ever had to go through. At first everything is exciting, new and you feel as though you can be super mom... two and a half weeks later the dilerium, sleepless nights, napless days, and piles and piles of laundry and dishes start to catch up to you. Not to mention that instead of having one child to worry about getting hurt, fed and changed/pottied, you now have two (three if you count my husband, lol). My how the days fly by! Unfortunately I had to miss my family reunion in Oregon and another relative's wedding because I just couldn't bring myself to take both the kids on an all day outing by myself. I feel terrible that I wasn't able to make it but know in my heart it's what's best for me and the kids...

Aside from the frustration, being sleepy and never feeling caught up I am having a great time watching my children grow, explore and develop into wonderful people! I love being a mommy and wouldn't change it for anything. I never knew how much my children would change my life and each day they never cease to amaze me. They make me smile and feel such joy and happiness that I feel like I can do anything. Their smiles light up a room and no matter how bad my day is going, one look from them and all my problems seem to disappear.

To be honest, it really helps to have a great support system around me. I don't know how I would have made it these last couple of weeks without Jonathan. No matter how cranky I get, or how much I let my emotions get away from me he remains supportive, loving, forgiving and helpful. I love him! Not to mention the never ending support from friends and family. Our parents and siblings and friends have been nothing short of amazing and willing to help us as much as we need it! Thanks to everybody.

Jake's Two Week Check-Up

We took Jake into the doctor yesterday for his two week check up, thinkin that he had gained a little bit of weight but had no idea he was growing as fast as he is! Last Saturday (the 27th of June)Jake weighed 7lbs 5oz and was 20 inches. Yesterday his measurements were:

Weight: 8lbs. 10oz. (60th percentile)
Height: 20 3/4 inches (50th percentile)
Head Circumference: 13 3/4 (15th percentile)

Before we know it, he's going to be as big as Hailey!!!