Dear Jace

Dear Jace,

As I write you this letter, you are 5 months old. I look at you, you are so big, yet still so small.
Your smile makes me still want to get up at in the night to feed you. How can I say no?
You laugh is contagious as I tickle your belly with my fingers after your bath.
Each milestone you hit, I'm excited for you, yet I want to rewind time. Sitting upright with almost no help at all, you struggle to keep your balance, stretching your tiny arms out to grab your favorite toy. Gums are aching as teeth try to push through them. Still a toothless smile but you love to chew on anything in sight. Lately, you've noticed your feet, trying to eat those too. Quiet when your brothers are around, watching and learning how to be a "big" boy. Alone, your little voice trickles out of your mouth. I wonder what you are saying. On your tummy you lay, pushing your chest high into the air, knowing there is a way to move.
You love wrapping your little fingers around mine as I rock you. Tonight as we played, you grabbed my face & smiled, knowing how much I love you. Quietly you'll drift off to sleep still wrapped tightly in your blanket. I'll see you at 2 am.

BEACH BUMS

Cameron's little dimples make this photo!

Jace's legs look like little elephant legs.

St. George & Finding Paradise At Home

I made the trek down to St. George and back. Let me tell you, driving that far with three small kids is not an easy task. The hardest part was the bathroom breaks and trying to entertain Jace! But the trip was worth the effort. St. George was in the mid 90's and we were able to enjoy most the day outside by the pool. Logan had a blast staying with his Grandparents. He would swim in the morning and late at night. He would cuddle up with Grandma to nap and pal around with Grandpa during the day. When Cameron, Jace, and I walked into the house, Cameron ran up to Logan and Grandma and said, "I missed you!" We had such a wonderful time there-we can't wait to go back.

Grandpa and Grandma bonding with Jace


Logan playing with the guinea pig pleading to bring one home.


Cameron always cuddling with someone...


Listening to Grandma's stories...

Two boys turning into little fish from swimming all day!

While Logan was in St. George I discovered the beach at Day Break. I took the kids over to the lake this week to show them the sand. When we pulled up next to the playground Logan giggled, "Mom you are the best Mom in the world for taking me here. Thank you!" With a big smile on my face, I replied, "Anything for my little guys." I'm glad that I can be the best Mom for just taking him to the park. I know in a few years it won't be as easy.

Lots of sand, sun, and new friends... (Logan always seems to find a bug )

Above the beach, there is a park made out of ropes.

Paradise just 5 minutes away...

Rediscovering Cameron

A few days ago Logan went on his first big adventure with his Grandparents who live in St. George. They came and got him and he will be staying there for almost a week. This past year I've told him that he could stay in St. George without mom or dad anytime. He told me he had to wait until he turned 5. A week after his birthday we were driving somewhere and he said, "Mom, I'm officially 5. I can stay with Grandpa Don and Grandma Laura. Call them!" and I did.

With Logan gone I realize how much work three kids has been. My days are a whirl wind, bouncing from one child to the next. Only having Jace and Cameron I feel like I'm on a vacation. I find myself rediscovering Cameron. I try each day to give everyone attention, but I'm realizing how much I've been missing with Cameron. Cameron is such a chill kid, it's refreshing. Jace still sleeps a lot during the day, so the past few days I have been able to give Cameron most of my attention all day. The last few days we've slowed down a notch and our days seem less active and stressful. Cameron is still in the stage where he doesn't question my choices or wants. He just says, "Good idea mom." He also will play with toys or just sit on the couch reading picture books on his own. He'll look at a book and randomly make up the story, saying words and letters (of course he isn't really reading, but I think it's awesome he is trying). Yesterday he wanted me to sing songs to him. His favorite song is Old McDonald. He enjoys coloring. He knows all the names of his colors, but when I ask them what color he is using every color is either yellow or blue. Cameron loves giving me hugs and kisses and tells me he loves me constantly. I'm very glad I'm having this time with Cameron.

Cameron turning one box into a car and the other into a bed.

Playing with his friend Kate at a new splash pad.
Hanging out with his Uncle Mike at the zoo.


**Logan is having a GREAT time in St. George. His grandparents are spoiling him with love and attention-and lots of yummy food. When he calls he doesn't want to talk to me, he'll immediately asks for Cameron. I think this is soooo sweet. I can hear his little voice asking his buddy, "What are you doing? Do you miss me? You'll come here in a few days ok." Cameron and him will continue to have a little conversation that only they can understand. Cameron has been asking where Logan is and when we will go get him from school. I know they are very good buddies and it makes me happy to hear they miss each other.
It's been a good four days with out my little buddy, and I miss him A LOT. Things just don't feel right around here without his constant talking and ideas of what we can do with our day.