Random Pics and Stories

My last few days feel like a blur of Jude clinging to me and me generally getting nothing done. I did manage to snap some pictures (the one I took of Colin on the lawnmower was while Jude was literally on my hip) I just realized this morning that my camera's ISO was set to 100 and that's why my pictures weren't turning out so well. So, after dumping most of them in my computer's trash (oh, I mean recycling bin, after all I am VERY eco-conscious), I managed to scrounge up a few. Here's Samuel wearing his working muffs while riding on the lawnmower with Colin. What is Colin going to do when Jude gets old enough to ride?
This toast I give Jude is organic sprouted whole wheat (no flour), so it isn't the best tasting. UNTIL I slather it with butter and jelly. One note: I would highly recommend these sippy cups - or at least research them. They are called Born Free and don't have the questionable chemicals in the plastic that are starting to raise questions about what it's doing to our kids. The downside? They are a bit more expensive than regular sippy cups (about $10 a piece at New Seasons). This is Jude's favorite new toy - I cleaned out all of the toys/books out of my car and put it in this grocery bag. Well, I forgot to take this bag off the floor after nap time and both boys had a hayday with it, as you can see. Jude found this mug and has been acting like he's drinking coffee out of it. It's funny what 1 year olds pick up on!
Here's Jude really getting at that toast.

This is the second day alone with the kids, so hopefully we don't drive each other nuts by the end of the day. Yesterday involved getting both very tired boys to the 8 a.m. church service - I kept them with me for worship until they started poking each other and talking loudly. Ugh. I also had to keep Jude with me the rest of the time in one of the back rooms because he is still sick, but luckily he nursed and slept in my arms most of the time. While in the nursing mom's room, another mother asked me how old he is, and after stating he will be a year next weekend, she exclaimed "Oh! Another mom that breastfeeds for a long time!!" It's funny to think that nowadays, 12 months of breastfeeding is a long time. And while we're on the topic, I noticed how much pressure I put on myself to be done nursing at 12 months to the day. I know Jude won't be done this Saturday, and that's okay. I think society frowns on breastfeeding extending beyond what doctors recommend, but then again, how often do I listen to doctors?

I would absolutely LOVE to watch 2 movies I have in my possession right now: "Sense and Sensibility" (the new BBC version just released on DVD) that my sweet friend Sarah had sent to me (there's very little I love more than Amazon prizes) and "August Rush" from Netflix. I also am reading "The Kite Runner" and just got a fresh batch of "The Atlantic Monthly" magazines from my mother-in-law. The chance I will get any of these read/watched today? Slim to none. But that's okay - my boys will only be this young once, right?

Jude is turning one on Saturday and I really can't believe how fast this 12 months has gone. I have realized that the more kids you have, especially when they are close in age, the faster the time goes.

And here's something you can try to envision: me on our roof picking up wood, insulation and nails outside of Jude's room while Samuel is asking me a million questions and Jude is crying. I will love the day we don't live in a fixer.