I am sick of messes!!! That is all.

Sullivan's first time fishing!

On Sunday we took Sullivan fishing with my parents and sisters. It was a good time and soo peaceful! Sullivan really enjoyed exploring grandpa's farm!

Big Blues

I think one of Shane and I's best features are our eyes. I've always had a thing for blue eyes and apparently he did too. With some help from the gene pool Sullivan was blessed with blue eyes too! We have gotten many compliments on his pretty blue eyes and of course I think they are exquisite!

The funny thing is when we were searching for boy's names Shane and I kept going back to the name Sullivan. I of course had to check out the meaning and it is keen eyes. It is these little things that remind me that God is in control and has a purpose for everything, especially if he had time to fit a name with one of his children. Anyways, enjoy my baby's blues!

Father's day pic a couple months late

For father's day I wanted to get Sullivan all dressed like a big boy and wearing Shane's tie and maybe shoes. I tried and tried to get that pic in the weeks before father's day with no luck. Yesterday I figured I'd try it again since I'd found this adorable hat for .97 cents at Baby Gap. Although the cooperation didn't last very long I did get a couple of good ones. And to Shane "Happy Father's day two months late!"

My big helper

Sullivan has always been fascinated by household objects, but one in particular! After I finish vaccuming I let him do it with it turned off of course. His helpfulness has extended into other areas now. He likes to dust, take things out of the dishwasher, and is learning to put his toys away. I'm glad for his helpful attitude and can only hope it continues throughout childhood even though I'm sure it won't. :)

Sundays at the Mill- My boys

When Shane was little he always used to go to the mill in Lynnville and would fish for carp in his Sunday best. I've driven by the mill many times but never stopped, but had the chance this past Sunday. We went to the Linden House (VERY YUMMY) for brunch in celebration of my dad and Shane's birthday. The Linden House is right next to the mill. Shane and Sullivan did a little exploring and Shane got to share a bit of his childhood with Sullivan (I love those moments!). Here are a few pics! Both of my boys have their fake smiles on (I'm guessing the thoughts going through their heads are something like this "why can't we have a nice moment where she doesn't take a picture?" To this I say "Sorry boys, get used to it we have many more moments to capture!!"

Happy Birthday Shane!

Yesterday we celebrated Shane's birthday. We didn't do anything over the top but enjoyed some quiet family time. Sullivan with the help of his aunties wrote birthday greetings on the driveway, I made a vanilla cake with strawberry mousse filling, and we went to George's for dinner. Shane ended his day by reading books to Sullivan! Here are a few pics! Shane and Sullivan being silly

Reading books together Eating cake! Sullivan made a bigger mess with Shane's cake than he did with his own!

It wasn't pretty but tasted good!

Love you Shane!

No big deal, right?

I have always said if I had a boy I wasn't going to make a big deal out of him playing with dolls, purses, strollers, or things that were pink. My thought is if you make a big deal with it the kid just wants it more. My other thought is someday Sullivan will have to use a grocery cart, probably push a baby stroller, and if he has a daughter will probably shop for pink outfits. I plan on remaining strong on this but there is this tiny (almost not there) voice trying to plant a seed of doubt. That little voice tried to speak up the other day when Sullivan found a purse his size and got out the shopping cart (see pics below). For now I've shut it up but would love to know what other moms of little boys think!

4th of July!

I love the 4th of July as does my husband (it is his favorite holiday and always has been). A couple years ago the 4th was extra emotional for me since my brother was serving our country in Iraq! I can proudly say that he has served his country and is safely back home with us today. Ever since that deployment the 4th has been even more meaningful for me and now I get to share that with my son. My hope is that he'll grow up to respect and honor the men in the armed services like Shane and I do. A big thank you to those that are protecting our freedom and the veterans that have. Sullivan and Shane last year on the 4th!

Sullivan and Shane this year on the 4th!

It isn't the 4th if you don't eat a stick or two!

My little man

Wow! The first year of my peanut's life has flown by. He is doing soo many wonderful things and is developing more and more each day. Two days after his birthday he started taking seven or eight steps at a time and now he doesn't stop until bedtime. He is talking all the time some things I can understand and others I can't. He says pop when he wants something to drink, a weird version of snack when he is hungry, and that when he wants something. He also knows what an airplane, dog, and duck say. You can guess who taught him what the airplane says. He also says ball, book, momma, and dada.

A recent development is he wakes up at 4 am if his dada isn't there to put him to bed at night. It blows my mind how smart he is! Ok, maybe I'm biased. He loves to climb things especially the couch and his slide. The other day he pushed his slide up to our patio table so he could climb on top of that. The kid loves the vaccum and has to use the wand b4 I put it away or he throws a fit. He also loves to sit in the driver seat in the car and pretend he is driving and push the buttons.

On a not soo happy note what to do about tantrums or biting when he doesn't get his way. I've been told to distract him or take him away from the object and neither of these work. We've tried time out for a minute but I wonder how much he understands. Any help/advice from parents out there would be greatly appreciated!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Sullivan!

My baby is 1! I did have a harder time than I thought I would and shed some tears the night before the big day! This last year has flown by and Sullivan has changed and developed soo much. I am in awe of our creator after watching Sullivan grow and don't know how people don't believe in God after watching a child grow their first year. What a wonderful, amazing, awesome God we serve. Here are some highlight from Sullivan's big day and first of a couple parties.

Some more of my favorites

The love of photography

I've been dabbling in photography for a few years and recently have rekindled my love. Here are some of my kid favorites. Watch for more to come!

Sullivan loves the parade!

Weekend away

Sullivan and mommy enjoyed a night in Des Moines with Grandma, Grandpa, and the aunties. There was lots of swimming and shopping and Sullivan was a trooper. His favorite part was bringing his beach ball back home.