At long last, I am playing a teensy game of catch up on the blog. With our move, four birthdays, and Christmas around the corner all in under two months time, it’s been a challenge for me to keep up with daily life (or, rather, figure out what daily life looks like in this new space and place) and this little ole blog has been neglected a bit (that said, if you are so inclined, I am loving some instagram these days, and you can follow me there: shannonreppard). Because Christmas is upon us, I had to not wrap presents and, instead, write about my babies--Who are FOUR. I have no idea how it happened. I have threatened them with my Nana’s words of putting bricks on their heads to stop them from growing up so fast, but they don’t love that idea for some reason!
while I remember the days were long and bled into one another, I so wish I could scoop up these tiny things one more time and smooch them!
one.
two. (I cannot even stand the chub!)
three.
I don’t know how my tiny babies who were 6lbs, 12oz and 5lbs, 11oz are now FOUR and talking and debating and giggling and making jokes. While there are definitely some crazy moments involved in raising two energetic boys who no longer nap and who really thrive by destroying things, playing loud games of pretend (most of which involve rescuing someone or something) and climbing up things that no one should ever think of climbing, we LOVE watching these two interact, seeing how their little minds work, hearing how they think about things (when there is enough silence for one of them to actually start and finish a sentence without being interrupted, that is!), and we adore their smiles and laughter. These two are quite hilarious, and the amount of energy they have truly amazes me!
it is quite challenging to get two four year olds to smile for a picture. welcome to my world.
priceless.
saying cheese does not actually equal smiling . . . interesting thought . . .
50% smiling . . .
and . . . RASCALS!
The boys’ birthday was on a Sunday this year, and we had a great little morning of opening gifts as a family. Anna had decided that she wanted to get her brothers umbrellas for their birthday—they had seen them in the store, and there was much excitement to be had. One of the sweetest things to me about this morning was that my boys felt fully celebrated and Anna was SO VERY PROUD to give her gifts—oh, I loved it!
the anticipation.
the joy.
the thrill.
the pride.
for their birthday, I went into their classroom to read this book—of which they got a copy for their special day. I had one of those “I can’t believe I am doing this—I am actually a mom—moments.” It was so fun and so sweet, and the kids loved it. Hudson may have played with the hair of a little girl sitting next to him (which was SHOCKING to me!) and William may have had a hard time not interrupting me every page, but all in all, it was very fun and a sweet thing to do. (miss jenn, this picture is for you. they were BEYOND EXCITED about this!)
daddy wanted to get his boys their very first super-hero action figures. I think that Batman was well received . . .
sister was there and enjoying it all!
later that day, we had a “things that go/construction” party for them. dear friends of ours borrowed a digger (YES: BORROWED A DIGGER) from another friend and brought it to our house. I thought my boys’ eyes were going to explode. They could not believe that a digger was at their house. And, they even got to ride it. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
william taking his turn.
so excited he didn’t know what to do with himself!
hudson’s turn at the wheel!
even cousin charlie had a ride! Anna and Jake decided not to ride, but they agreed to pose instead!
MY BOYS!
our littlest digger!
this big ole boy is so much fun. Hudson is quite energetic, but very sweet and compassionate. I have loved seeing how he cares for his sister or for other people in this past year—it is so dear to me to see that God has gifted him in this way. He is a big ole boy with a huge heart. He loves to pretend he is a lion, dress like spiderman, read books, sing, practice writing the letter “H” on my furniture (!), and he is a great helper and encourager. I adore this strawberry blonde boy of mine!
this child of mine, is definitely mine. he is a lot like me, so I hear. he talks up a storm and is happy to chat with almost anyone who comes across his path. we love seeing how he thinks through things, and mr. william asks a lot of very detailed questions in order to fully understand things. he is full of energy and love to play hide-and-seek, dress up like superman, carry around tiny things, paint, sing, take pictures, negotiate and debate, and help lead the troops. william likes to know what is happening around him, and he seems to be somewhat fearless little leader. it is so neat for us to see how God has gifted him with the ability to reason in a way that is sincere and genuine and thoughtful. this boy is driven and determined, and I love that about him (except when he won’t do what I am asking him to do!)
and, while we are not in a single picture with our children, we were actually present for their birthday. our budding photographer, william, took these gems!
and, well, as for us . . . we continue to be two tremendously grateful (albeit somewhat tired) parents of three little ones who keep us on our toes (or scrubbing crayon off the walls. again.) and keep us laughing A LOT. william and hudson, I have a hunch that FOUR is going to be SO MUCH FUN!
