One fast Pop

Braxten and Kane had their first experience watching Pop run and win a race! Madera had a one mile race that was followed by a really nice parade. Pop ran the mile in 5min and 27sec and won his age group! Braxten seemed confused about why Missi and Mommy were yelling, cheering and clapping for all that ran by but he enjoyed it and eventually clapped along with us. He wore his "I crawl faster than you run" shirt, which was a huge hit with the runners. Kane was in the Ergo carrier sleeping away but she was there for support. After the race there was a 1K for kids which was super cute and I am thinking maybe B can "run" it next year. The parade was great, we walked in the opposite direction up the street so it was really quick and we still saw everything. B's expression never changed as he stared at the people, cars and the few horses. For a kid so loud and full of expression he was in awe and speechless. He was so proud of his Pop he didn't want to let him go as we loaded him in the car, he had to literally be pried off Pop's shoulder.

Kane's 2 Months Old

Our Baby Girl is 2 Months Old!

 We can't believe how fast time is going by! Our sweet little girl is already 2 months old. We are so lucky to have such a laid-back and easy going angel! She changes daily and we are loving every minute of it. Here are a few new things she is up to...

• I weigh 11 pounds and 15 ounces
• I am 22.25 inches long
• I was a little nervous to see the Doctor so I didn't show him my smiles or let him hear my noises, maybe next time.
• I had to get 2 shots and another vaccine in my mouth and I only cried for a little bit as Mommy held me but then I didn't feel well throughout the day. I was really tired and whiny. I didn't want to eat at all, I just felt like sleeping all day. Mom was concerned but she gave me Tylenol which helped and she held me most of the day (she loved that part)
• I am still eating 4 ounces but sometimes a little less and others a little more every 3 hours
  
• I sleep about 9 hours a night and then go back to sleep after I eat for a few more
• I am still not a very good napper but Mom says it's her fault because we are not always home for me to take good naps in my crib. I can sleep about anywhere though. 
• My eyes are still blue!
• I can hold my head up and push to stand when someone is holding me. I try to almost jump as they lift me up. I like to try to be helpful.
• I still think tummy time is ok and I can lift my head super high! My parents are really proud. 

Colin turns 2!

Colin's 2nd Birthday!

Colin turned 2 and we celebrated at Mamaw and Popo's pool! Lots of family and friends gathered to party with all the kids. It was a beautiful day filled with sun, swimming, great food and fun! Happy birthday Colin, we can't believe you are already 2!!

Met the rest of my immediate family!

Aunt Sarah, Uncle Jason, Rylan and CJ came to visit!!!

Kane met the rest of the immediate family and it was so much fun! The cousins love to play together and CJ is pretty excited to have another girl in the family. She was very helpful with holding and feeding Kane. Braxten was well entertained and did some of the entertaining himself. It was great to have us all together. We played outside, went on wagon rides, celebrated father's day and Jason's birthday. Family pictures were taken and we are anxiously waiting to see a full family picture. It is sure to be interesting with 10 people including 4 kids, wonder if we are putting Timmer's editing to the test. We look forward to seeing everyone again in just a few weeks! Love you!

                              

Braxten is 15 months old!

B is 15 months old!

These two pictures sum up the last month of our lives with Braxten perfectly. 

I am always on the move and has been super grumpy and whiny for the past few weeks. I guess that is a normal phase per the doctor as I had my last check up (including 3 shots in my arms that I was not a fan of). Here are a few more facts about his last month...

• I am 21lbs 12oz
• I am 30.5 inches tall
• My hair is still blond and getting a little thicker with a few curls in the back - my parents probably need to get it cut again
• I am walking everywhere without too much difficulty but I have not figured out how to stand in the middle of the room yet. I crawl super fast to something stable and stand there first. My arms are at my sides now and I can carry a few things at a time as I walk. I really like when I think Rocky is chasing me so I run to Mom or Dad for safety and I laugh really hard but when I turn around he really was just walking somewhere else. It is still funny though and I do it multiple times for fun.
• I have begun to bring my parents toys that I want them to play with normally as I just stare and smile at them but it works.
• I have crying and whining fits multiple times a day and it is just normal for my age so my parents are trying to stay patient and not pull their hair out. Mom thought it was teething or an ear infection but the doctor said no. I think she was a little disappointed that it wasn't fixable, they just have to live it out :)
• My sleep schedule has been off lately but Mom tries to keep me as rested as possible. Somedays she isn't sure what she should be doing but we just keep moving on.
• I love to be outside even though it is tougher these days since Kane and I are not on the same schedule most days. And it is really hot out in the middle of the day so mornings are when we try to walk. 
• I played in my splashed and liked it so I hope we get to do that more. 
• I still only have 7 teeth but I really think more should be coming anytime!
• Rocky gets the most hugs and kisses throughout the day and I continue to bother him constantly.
• My favorite book right now is my touch and feel one and Brown Bear Brown Bear!

Mom and Dad tell me they love me all day long and I smile, laugh and give kisses an hugs. I still don't really worry about my sister but I will give her kisses too when I feel like it. I am a sweet boy and super cute (so I am told of course), I am just having a rough few weeks that we all hope pass quickly. I am pretty tired of hearing the word NO.

Father's Day June 21

FATHER'S DAY 2015

Ralph's 1st Father's Day of 2 babies!!! We spent it with family despite working the night before and then night of. It was a great day at the pool celebrating the Dads of the Hodges family. Ralph was able to play with the kids at the pool and then come home and cuddle with each kid individually to round out a wonderful day! Nate played with his kids in the pool and Popo entertained B as he wanted more Doritos. Kane was entertained my Mamaw and Aunt Colleen. She obviously was loving the attention!

Met some more family this weekend!

Aunt Fran, Kathy and Dave came to Cincinnati for the afternoon to visit the kiddos! It was so great to see them! Braxton was shy for the first few minutes and then became the life of the party, he entertained everyone with his funny faces, dance moves and making sure that he walked to everyone individually to play. Kathy and Dave brought a new truck for him that he loves, one that doesn't make noise so we love it too :) Kane was a doll too. She ate quietly and then fell asleep right on time. She took a nap on Dave - he is more than ready to be a wonderful Grandpa, and even threw out a few smiles as we played on the ground. She is one happy baby especially when she is getting attention. Thanks again for coming down it was a lot of fun!

Kathy, Dave and Braxten

Fran and Braxten

Ms Kane at 6 weeks

Bragging about Braxten

Braxten amazes us daily but today he did two things that shocked me. He has been playing with blocks constantly, putting them in and out of cups and trying to stack them. Today he stacked 7 small wooden blocks!!! I desperately searched for more but by the time I found another one the tower was knocked over, but 7!!!! Good job B! A little later in the evening B was throwing a fit over not being able to drink Ralph's pop and we distracted him by telling him to "get his animals". The fact that he normally stops and goes over to his Noah's arc and begins to play with the animals amazed me a few weeks ago but today not only did I say "get your animals" but I followed it with "get the kangaroo". He turned around and went to the animals and brought the kangaroo back to Ralph!!!! Coincidence... Maybe but not in my mind! I am constantly telling him which animal he is playing with along with the sounds they make so maybe it is sticking! Two proud parents tonight!

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Tough morning for B

Braxten has been such as easy going little boy, always happy and playful but over the past three weeks or so he has become very whiny and needy while introducing a high pitched scream and cry. We hit a max today as there was nothing I could do to help him calm down. I checked his temperature and there is a slight fever but consistent with teething. He has been eating his hands and drooling which he has never done before. I know teething is an ugly time and very painful for them, I wish there was something I could do for him besides medication that isn't really helping. He refuses to bite teething toys, of course everything else goes on his mouth though. I am also hoping that's all it is. Poor little guy. I hate that I feel myself get so frustrated but I can't make him better and I can't stand that. He is napping now and will see how he is doing when he wakes up. Fingers crossed he feels better.

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Napping

We have been nap training Miss Kane, this is day 2. Yesterday she didn't do terribly during her first nap in her crib but not amazing. She did perfect for her second nap and terrible for the third but it wS day one. Today nap number 1 was not terrible again. BUT the most amazing thing happened... Both kids napped at the same time! I got to go and take a nap next to Ralph (as he slept from working last night). A whole hour I was off the clock - lol kind of. She is waking up now so back to being a Mommy which I can't get enough of!

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