Being Brothers

Miles has been pretty good with transitioning to having a baby brother and not being the center of attention.  He still has his moments, again he's only 2 years old, but he's been more protective and loving of Caleb more often than not.  I look at this as a sign of what the future may hold...that he will continue to be protective of his little brother and help him when needed.  I hope for the great bond that will develop between them and that it will keep them connected no matter where they go or what happens in their lives.

For now though, I cherish every little moment I catch them playing together.  Miles seems to get great joy out of being able to make Caleb laugh.  He will do what he thinks is funny to see if Caleb will laugh at him.  Caleb is getting older by the day and really has begun to enjoy engaging with Miles.  I love how he tries to reach out for Miles.  Moment like these make me feel warm inside.

These are just a few photos I was able to catch of those moments that make me smile inside. 

Mirror

Some days I wonder how I ever make it through the day and do it all again...over and over and over again.  Other days I think I'm invincible and can take on the world (wish I had more of those days).  On days were I feel like I my body is going to fall apart I wonder "HOW? How did my mother ever do it?" Sometimes I know the answer and other times I really wonder if I'll figure out the secret, but most of the time it just makes me more thankful for her.  I am so glad to know that she of all people are helping to watch my boys for me...I know they are in great hands. 

My relationship with my mother has always been a good one.  As I've gotten older our relationship has changed in many ways and now as a mother myself  I've come to realize even more what she meant when she said "You won't know how much I love you until you have your own kids."  The idea that I would do anything for them to ensure that nothing could or would ever hurt them (although I know that I can't protect them from everything). It's amazing the things that I feel...how my heart fills up with joy and all my worries disappear when Miles looks at me and say "mommy, hug" and he gives me his biggest warmest hug, how I can stare at Caleb for hours just laying around, how my heart feels like it's jumped out of my body when Miles goes head first full speed into a metal door, how I'm filled with anticipation for the bond that is to be when I catch Miles and Caleb in a moment.  There really is nothing like being  mother and you can't explain it to anyone who isn't one, but once you become a mother how awesome it is.  I could never explain to them in words the amount of love I have for them and everyday I understand more what my mother meant.

Sometimes I wonder do I see myself like her? Do I have some of those great qualities that she has? Can I handle some of those challenges as gracefully as she does? There are many things different about my mother and I but one thing that I do hope I am like her is how great of a mother and an example she has been.

My beautiful mother holding me as a child

Fun FUN fun

So this past weekend was Miles and Caleb's first trip out of state.  My college roommate, Pa, had her baby shower.  She's expecting her first baby.  I am so excited for her.  So we made the trek up to Reno, NV to see them and spend some time with them.  Both boys slept most of the way there so it was a good drive to say the least.  By the time Miles woke up we were already in snow.  He had fun stomping on the snow.  He could care less about the baby shower, Miles was just glad there were toys there for him to play with. 

 Auntie Pa trying to calm Caleb down

After the baby shower he and Cheyenne had fun making a snowman.  Mind you this was my son's first time ever building a snowman, however he felt it was better that he delegate.  He did not actually build the snowman but told Cheyenne, Chong, and Micheil where the snow should go and how they should do it.  I couldn't believe it...the little two year old is giving orders to everyone older than him.  It was a hoot. 

 Miles walking around with his Starbucks water telling 

Cheyenne what do to

  Inspecting the snowman and checking on progress

Telling Micheil about the snowman

Then on Sunday we headed to another friend's party.  It was Amelia's first birthday and boy did we have fun there. There was a petting zoo with all kinds of animals and jump houses....and lots and lots of food.   Miles loved the pony rides.  He must have ridden that pony 4-5 times, more than any other kid at that party.  Caleb just enjoyed being held by everyone and sitting the swing.

 Riding the pony

 Swinging away

 

Playing Together

One of the things I love about spending time with my boys is watching them play together, although most of the time it's Miles trying to get Caleb to play with him.  I think it's so funny sometimes how Miles thinks that Caleb really doesn't want to play with him when in fact Caleb just isn't able to.  Either way, they do enjoy laughing together, rolling around on the floor, and jumping together among the many things they do all day.

This video is from about a week or so ago.  It's just the two of them enjoying the moment as brothers....playing together.  I wonder sometimes about how much they will enjoy sharing moment together as they get older and then I think about how much mischief they could get into but we'll worry about that time when we get there.