Finding our patience

Braxten is trying our patience lately. He is so smart that he knows what he wants and knows exactly how to do it but sometimes just isn't big enough or strong enough to get it done. He stands pointing and whining an unforgettable yell. He is trying to be good and polite as he signs Please over and over again but of course we can't hear the sign and he gets upset. He is starting to repeat words but refuses to say Help or just say Mama or Dada. It has been a long two days of us not giving into the yell so he doesn't think that's how things get done but it's so hard! We love you little man - can't wait until you can talk, you obviously have so much to say and it is very important to you!

Braxton update 16 months

16 Month Old B (a little late)

Braxten is the most fun loving, adventurous, sweet little boy! He is on the go from the second he wakes up until the time we put him back into his crib. It is amazing how smart and coordinated a 16 month old can be!

Braxton now...

• can do sounds or actions of a monkey, fish, cow and pig
• knows where his eyes, ears, nose, hair and belly are
• still takes 2 naps a day (thank goodness)
• is 21lb 8oz
• loves watching Daddy's truck pull in the driveway, starts yelling DADA and runs to the door as he walks in the house
• sits on Mommy's lap randomly when they are playing on the floor

• can almost get on the couch by himself, just needs a foot of ours to stand on to be tall enough
• sits on the couch like a big boy with his remote and Mommy's phone
• still isn't super impressed with Kane but will give her kisses and her pacifier when he thinks she needs it
• loves throwing balls throughout the house and chasing them to throw them again
• RUNS about everywhere he goes
• is happier outside than anywhere else

 Braxten is an absolute joy and light in our lives. He doesn't allow a bad day to get to you because the second you are down he makes you laugh. His dance moves, facial expressions, sweet hugs, kisses and independent personality remind you of the blessings that are so easy to overlook. He amazes us by watching us do something once and then understanding what we did and trying to do it himself. It isn't always successful the first time but he is determined to figure it out. He loves his family and friends once he warms up to let his personality shine. He pretends to be shy for the first few minutes but that doesn't last long. We love watching him learn and grow daily. We are in a bit of trouble as he gets taller, his height is the only thing holding him back from some major adventures! Love you buddy!

Kane 3 Month update

Kane is 3 months old!

Kane is a wonderful, beautiful, easy going baby girl! She brings smiles to everyone she meets and has us realizing just how much love our house is full of! We are so lucky to have two amazing kiddos! Kane has had a month full of growing and learning everyday. She is...

• 13b 8oz
• 23.5 inches long
• has gray blue eyes with dark blue around them
• cooing whenever someone talks to her
• starting to giggle (no belly laughs yet)
• grabbing blankets, burp clothes and clothes constantly
• sleeping 10-12 hours a night
• getting better at taking naps
• rolling from her belly to back
• rolling from back to belly but gets her arm stuck at the end
• eating every 3-3.5 hours anywhere from 4-7 ounces
• loves to watch Braxten and TV
• trying to sit up constantly, she doesn't like to just relax laying back. Upright is best for her.
• reaching for toys that are above her head in her Mama Roo and the play mat
• wearing 3 month clothes but only the brands that are bigger 3 month - she may be in 6 month soon for comfort

Miss Kane, we love you and are blessed to have you in our lives! You bring is joy and happiness everyday. As you personality is starting to come out we fall in love with you more by the moment!

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