The Beach

We all loaded up last minute to join my parents, Julie, Jason, Judd and Lucy for a trip to Gulf Shores, AL. We all had a blast minus the stomach bug we all got except my dad and Lily. Jack loved the sand. He was nervous at first site because it was so big but quickly warmed up to it. Judd, Jack and Lucy built sand castles like crazy and buried Jason a few times. Jack loved to be buried in the sand. Lily enjoyed just sitting on the beach. We really enjoyed our time with everyone and can't wait to plan the next trip. I was hoping to get some family pictures but someone was down with the sickness everyday so, it made it hard. Thankful for our family time.

2 years...

I think I had a headache on Jack's actual birthday for all the tears I was holding back. I had a really hard time realizing he was no longer a baby but a little kid. Jack's vocabulary has really taken off. He will just jabber and jabber. He loves baseball, airplanes, trains and Mickey Mouse. If Mickey Mouse is seen or heard, he immediately stops and looks. He loves to play baseball in the house with his dad because there is no way I would have started that habit. He loves to have a hat on like his dad. He'll come running if you get the camera out for a big "cheese." He is still going to the sale barn on Tuesdays and apparently he rules the place. He blew out his candles this year but hid his face while we all sang to him. He loves going with his dad, I think it's because they always stop at the connivence store.

Growing...

Lily has changed so much in the last month and a half. Here she is in her two month picture.

She has learned to blow bubbles (aka spit). She will light up when she gets talked to, she loves to be in the middle of the action. She has the biggest smile, which you can see here in her 3 month photo.

She is such a delight to us all. Jack still is great with her, he just forgets sometimes that they aren't the same size. He likes to hug/wrestle her. If she is ever fussy while I'm cooking dinner, I can tell Jack to go talk to his sister and she immediately stops. I think it's safe to say she loves him just as much. I do believe she will be a little feisty she will have to be to stand up against Jack. Can't believe she is about to be 5 months old. Her latest stats are weight 12.14 lbs height 23 in Here are a few more pictures. It's hard to get one of her because while I'm taking them someone always pokes his head in front of the camera with a big "cheese!"

Here is a little extra. This photo is of Lucy at 6 months. I never would have said Lucy looked like Julie because none of us see it at all but she obviously she has some resemblance to us because she and Lily favor each other.

One Month

I'm still working on my camera skills. The lighting was a little off but her cute look makes up for it.

We can't believe our sweet little Lily is already a month old. Why does the time go so fast? She is the perfect addition to complete our family. She can put up with Jack pulling on her ears (and stay asleep), getting over loved by her cousins and sleep through two t-ball games so far. I'm excited for the day she can run around with Jack, Judd and Lucy but I'm enjoying this precious time I get to love all over her. She loves her swing, our bed (unfortunately), and being talked to. We've decided she is a little strong willed. She knows what she wants and she will let you know it. Jack was so care free as an infant but not her. Everyone says it's a girl thing. At first site she and Jack looked alike but not anymore. She looks just like her daddy. I think he secretly enjoys it. I will say everyone said he would be so different with a girl than a boy and they were right. He'll sit there and hold her all day not that he didn't hold Jack but there is just a different connection present. Funny story: My sister and I are both germaphobes. So, we always make the kids wash their hands before even laying a finger on Lily. While I was watching Judd and Lucy the other day, I went and picked up Lily from sleeping while I was sitting there holding her the two munchkins disappeared next thing I know they are beside me showing off their clean hands. To say they love Lily would be a major understatement. We have to check on her every 5 minutes and they will sit there and stare at her while she sleeps. It's pretty cute. Can't believe one day they will be a senior, sophomore, freshman and eighth grader those will be some interesting and fun times.

It's Getting Close...

We are nearing the completion of our new home. I keep putting off really packing because I still feel like it's so far away, when in reality it's in less than two weeks. EEKKK! We're so excited to be in our new place. We have been working with Jack since the walls went up, which room was his and he can give anyone a tour of his room. I return to work the Tuesday after we move in. I'm hoping everything will be a little organized so that Tuesday morning I'm not scurrying around everywhere trying to find things. I was hoping for a Canton trip while I was still out on maternity leave but decided to wait till I got moved in to see what furniture I truly needed. I'm so thankful for Matthew and all his hard work he has put into our new home. I've been a little more help lately but mainly just the check deliverer while toting one kid in a wagon and carrying another. I'd like to think I've become a super woman but I haven't although it would be nice. Here are a few photos but they are already old because the tile has been laid and the granite put in. I'll try to get finished pictures prior to us moving in but I may be so excited I jump the gun.

Lily Ann Domel

Lily Ann arrived March 27th at 7:56 AM. She weighed 7.12 (the exact same as her big brother) and was 19.5 inches long. She is everything we prayed for and more. I prayed for her to have hair, her dad's eyes and chubby cheeks, she has all 3. I didn't pray for her to have all the things her big brother did get like his gorgeous eyelashes (hers don't exist) and no cowlicks (she has one straight in the middle of her forehead). Big brother loves her. He loves her so much he can't keep his eyes off of her or his hands. She has been doing great. She is quite the little eater. Can't believe she is already a week old. When we got home, we felt like Jack had aged at least 2 years. The time is going to go so fast before we know it, they will be chasing each other around the house. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers during this big transition in our lives.

2.2.12

This is the day Jack put his hand and foot prints into the cement. It also happens to be Jack "Old Man" Courtney's birthday. We will constantly be reminded of the reason we chose to name our little man Jack. Call it coincidence or whatever you like but I think it shows how he will forever be watching over us.