Those Boys...

Will went with Jack and me to
> the ortho clinic. They lit up everyone’s morning in the waiting room
> as they entertained and introduced themselves to everyone there. Jack
> was waving and saying Hey to an older couple, and as soon as they
> acknowledged him, he high-tailed it over to them lifting his arms up
> to be picked up. The older gentleman picked him and bounced him on his
> leg “like the horsey.” Jack thought it was so funny. Then Will took
> out his Woody doll and told everybody who he was and some story that
> he made up about where Woody’s daddy was and how Buzz was at his
> MeMaw’s old house. I’m not sure they could understand him, so they
> just nodded and said Uh Huh. They both waved and said Bye to the older
> couple as they were called to the back. Then when we made it back,
> Jack was all smiles until the saw came out to cut his cast off. He didn’t
like that noisy thing, but Will stepped up to hold his hand.
> He kept saying “It’s al-wight, Jack. It’s al-wight.” He was able to
> get Jack to grin and make funny faces to distract him. With the cast
> off, he got his xray and then I let him walk around while we waited on
> the doctor. He was running all over that room, so I was thinking we
> were good to go. Then, the doctor came in to say that he could see a
> faint line of a fracture below Jack’s knee, so to be cautious he
> needed to put the cast back on for another week and a ½. L This time
> we went with a green one. He went back to school, and Will who was
> feeling much better with his stomach decided he didn’t want to go to
> school since he heard me say that I’d have to stay home with him
> earlier that morning. So, he and I made our way to my office, and he
> talked to everyone he passed. He was so fascinated with the nativity
> scene and had to talk to baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, that wise man, that
> wise man, and that wise man, and that camel right “thay-er.” He asked
> the women at the elevator, “where you goin?” She told him and then he told
her he was going to his mama’s office up “thay-er.” As she left, he said
“have a good day!!”
> Needless to say, after breakfast and some toy playing, he had enough
> of office time, so he asked to go back to school to see his friends.
>
> Those boys…

Reunion

We went to Hartford last weekend for the Byrd family reunion and also enjoyed the Peacock/Brandon/Jones reunion of Jarrod's aunts, uncles, and cousins. Here are a few pics'.

Best Buds

Will and Jack have become best buds, and it warms this mama's heart to watch these sweet boys play together. They cackle and giggle with their signature laughs, and it tickles me! Here are some pics of them playing today:

That Boy...

He's something special! This one is what his daddy likes to call a M-E-S-S, Mess! He is growing up so fast. He is so smart, so joyful, and such a sweetheart. And, then there's his Dennis the Menace side. If I had a nickel for every time I have to say "Will!..." "Don't do that, Will" "Put that down, Will." "Don't play rough with your brother, Will." ...
Wilbur know just what to do to make me smile though. He's just got that gift. You'll notice that he's outgrown the crib and is ready for a big boy bed, so stay tuned for that milestone. Enjoy the pics' of my little ray of sunshine, Will:

Fast Forward

So, it'd be an understatement to say that I am a little behind with keeping up "The Brandon Blog." Rather than attempt to catch up, I'll just know that through facebook and the other "mommy journals" that I try to keep updated will have the pictures and details of the last few months. Fast forward to today, July 4th, 2011. Jack is a little over 9 months old, and he is looking more and more like a little boy and less and less like a little baby. Since the first time I locked eyes with this little fella', he has had the sweetest soul about him. But, there's a little more to ol' Jackaroo! He has a little mischief in him. He certainly holds his own when it comes to hanging with Will. Enjoy the latest pics of Jack!

Sweet Enough to Eat

Sweet baby Jack after his bath tonight. I could just eat him up!

And, here's my little ham, Will. He saw Jarrod taking a picture of Jack and me, so he ran over to the camera to say "Cheese!"

Go Away Big Bad Flu Bug...

Will tested positive for the flu this weekend. Poor baby has not been feeling well, but when his fever is down, he flashes that smile and warms my heart. We are hoping that the flu bug leaves our home soon and doesn't bite anyone else.

Hello Toes! Hello Rooster!

Discovering his toes...

Stopped a moment to say hello to the rooster...

and now, back to the toes!

Jack's Intro To Rice Cereal

A Night at The Brandon's

Weeknights are pretty routine here at the Brandon house. Jarrod picks up Will from Dandyland (4:30pm), and I pick up Jack (5:00pm). Jack gets his bottle (5:30pm)and some cuddling. While Will wants some milk, a snack, and some Mickey Mouse or Nick JR on tv. Then Jack goes to the swing for a snooze(6:00pm) **thanks to Uncle Dave and Aunt Heather for loaning us their extra swing when Jack's quit working**, while Will pulls out some toys or asks to watch his favorite youtube videos on the 'puter. Then there's supper(6:30pm), and Jarrod bathes Will(7:15pm). I entertain Will while Jarrod gets his shower(8:00pm), and then it's bedtime for Will(8:30pm). After that, there's laying clothes out for tomorrow, washing Jack's bottles, and making bottles for the next day(9:00pm). Jack will need another bottle before bedtime. Then, we all go to bed (10:00pm). Whew! Time flies when you're having fun! Maybe that's why are nights go by SO fast?!?

A Renewed Perspective...

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Jarrod and I finally made it back to Sunday School this morning for the first time since Jack was born. And, I had this realization on my heart that I feel the need to share. Our lesson was on Chapter 5 of 1 Thessalonians, and verses 16-18 stood out to me. I focused on verses 16-18 while I prayed for Heather and David to be blessed with a baby, but today, these verses had new meaning to me. I have been complaining a lot lately about feeling overwhelmed and stressed out with juggling two little ones and work. And, you know, I'm am SO blessed to have these precious little babies, an amazing husband, a job that I love (most of the time), and a family that is here to help at a moments notice. I should be rejoicing for the endless blessings in my life. I should continually pray for even the smallest needs, and give thanks in ALL circumstances. When I think about how much negativity I've had lately, I am ashamed. God has blessed me with SO much more than I deserve, so I am going to be joyful and be thankful for even life's crazy moments.

Happy Face/Sad Face

This week at Dandyland, Will learned about emotions and facial expressions.

He drew a picture of a smiling face labeled Happy and a frowning face labeled Sad...

I asked Will to show me his frowny face and he did this....

Then, I asked him to show me his smiley face and he did this! And boy, does he know how to make this mama smile!!

Standing Tall

Will has been putting the stool that he got for Christmas to good use. He has been washing his hands and brushing his teeth at the sink like a big boy. Now, if we could just get him to only put HIS toothebrush in his mouth!

Welcome to my Crib

Jack spent some time in his (formerly Will's)crib today,

so he could get used to it. He isn't so sure what this lying in the crib stuff is all about.

So, he spent his time playing with his rattle and talking to an old familiar face...Glow Worm!

Happy Wednesday From...

Happy Jack!

Turn that Frown Upside Down

Jack is showing off his frowny face...

So, Jarrod gave him some tickling...

and turned that frown upside down!

SMILE!!!