Guess who came to visit?

This past weekend I surprised my wonderful Becky by coming to Jersey for the weekend of her Bachelorette party. Her face was CLASSIC when she came to the door after I rang the doorbell. She just kept staring at me ... she couldn't figure out what was going on.

This is us chilling with her toy poodles. As most of you know, I do not have a heart for the dogs, pets in general. But, these little guys really were adorable. They look like little stuffed animals.

Her friends were really nice. We had a blast in Atlantic City. I danced my little heart out with complete abandonment. It's been so long since I've done that. It was awesome!

There is no Luke on this post. But, Gary kept him for me for the weekend. And, they had a great time planting flowers and spending time together. I thought Gary might have a better appreciation for what I do, but Lucas didn't give Gary a hard time at all. I don't think that is very fair. ;)

Our hotel room had a beautiful view ... Gosh, I forgot how much I miss the ocean.

Luke's Big Day ... Mom's Cake?

Lucas' birthday party turned out great. The weather was awesome, the kids played outside and so did the adults. I remembered why I chose this townhouse rather than an apt. There's a big backyard, lots of neighbor kids and plenty of space to have family over. This party had me a little stressed out at first. I wanted it to be perfect for Luke and for everyone attending. For the first time, I was in my OWN place. And, I love my townhouse. But, I wanted it to look so cute ... I don't know why I cared. I mean really ... it's just my family. I love them, but I certainly don't need to impress. Anyhow, I spent nearly 6 hours cleaning last Friday. I took the day off work of course. And, the place looked so awesome, I thought. Then, I had it in my head I would make Lucas' cake and save some cash. It was the last thing I did on Friday ... and, it turned into a DISASTER! Gary tried to fix it ... which helped some. But, it was pretty hopeless. But, sweet Lukie, I showed him the cake and he gasped and said "Mommy, it's lovely". *Siiigh* ... my kid is the bomb!!

Gary is such a dork ... I found him outside with Luke's new helmet, playing with Luke's new rocket. No comment.

I got Lucas a Lightning McQueen train track. It was quite a hit amongst all the boys. That was $20 well spent.

My place is not small in apartment standards ... but, I have to think people may have felt a little crowded.

Jon is still not quite big enough for the big kids table.

My Baby is Four Years Old!

So, the past four years have been quite a ride. I think my ride as a mother has been a little different than most people who begin motherhood with the support of a husband/father. But, luckily, I have a great family. However, nothing beats having two parents ... I imagine. Even still, there is nothing that makes me happier than Lucas. And, I know I will look back and treasure these years we had together. I love my little Lukie more than I ever thought I could love. Here is some highlights of the last four years ...

I was actually in labor here, and didn't know it. I was in the midst of an egg hunt with my nephews.

Here, Lucas had just arrived and I think I was pretty freaked out more than anything. It was early early easter morning.

This is lucas coming home from this hospital. It's hard to believe how little he was, even though he was 9lbs 1oz when he was born!

Wasn't he so cute? I loved that jean outfit. Becky got that for him at my shower. I still have it.

Here he is at 5 months old.

And, look at his adorable chunk legs!

My firefighter.

2 years old, and he's already a little man.

Here is his 4th bday party. More pics to come. I got to actually work today. But, let me just say, Lucas and I have come a long way since those first pictures I've shown. God is so good to us! And, today I feel so blessed to be in the spot I am in. I am genuinely happy with life, and there was a definite point in the beginning of this I wasn't sure I'd ever be this content. Thanks to all of you who saw us through to this point and will continue to be a part of our lives.

Eggheads

Easter was good this year. Lucas got to do an egghunt first thing in the morning. Gary had written a note to Lucas from the Easter bunny which I thought was really cute. I was getting nervous twitches though watching Lucas eat jelly beans at 9 in the morning! I really am strict on his intake of that stuff because he's so chunky, but I let loose a little bit on Easter.

We had my brothers in from out of town. It is always good to see their kids. I have come to realize what a kid lover I've really turned into. I really enjoy playing w/ the kids and making them laugh. I guess Lucas has really brought that out in me.

We were all happy to have Gpa with us too that day.


This is me and my sister in law Suzanne. I wish she could visit more often.

I am rubbing Gary's back and my brother thought he should get a photo of it since typically I'm the one who wants their back rubbed.

This is Grandma showing Mason how his new toy works. Mason has just turned five and can already read at a 1st grade level! He is only in preschool and taught himself how to read just by playing those v-smile games!! He is one smart cookie!!



This is Gary being retarded. He should be more like me.

Don't ask me why we decided to camp out in front of the front door. But, here is the three of us checking out Lucas' goodies.

Here are the eggheads ready to go on the hunt. Too bad we had to do it indoors. But, dangit, it was cold out there!!

Gma w/ Lexi, Mason and Ella

Spring Fever

omg, i haven't had time to post at work lately! i have been so busy! the nerve of these people at work!!! things have been going good. this past weekend we went to my brother's house for his son (caleb's) 2nd bday. we finally got to see their new house and it was really nice. some of these pics are from the day before when i had jameson over to stay the night. i've been lucky enough to have some other mom's for neighbors who also have boys lucas' age. they play outside a lot and lucas and i love it. the other mom's are so cool and i couldn't have asked for more really. the little baby is my neighbor's daughter, ella. i think she is just beautiful so i wanted to share.

on sunday we colored eggs at gary's. luke was polite about doing it, but couldn't wait till they were all covered so we could go play outside.

The pic of him sucking his thumb has to do with the drive home from zac's. jay was taking a nap sucking his notorious thumb. and, luke asked if he could take a nap too and he decided he'd suck his thumb too. he could barely hold a serious face before he started cracking up at himself.

the naked pic is the sight i get to see every night after bath while luke pics out which toy he'll take to bed. just thought his little rump was too cute to not share.

sorry for the haphazard post, but i'm trying to go home from work sometime today. :)