Headed on Vacation

We are headed to Florida tomorrow for vacation. My grannies, parents and sister-in-law are going with me and the boys. Unfortunately, Ryan has to stay and work:-(
We have been going to the pool to get the boys ready for some sun and swimming!

Reed is so excited to be going to Florida!
Braden eating his first grilled cheese. Don't worry, I only put this plate on his tray for the picture!

Braden having a conversation with Reed.
This is usually how Braden ends up when watching Einstein.

"Give me five, Braden"

"Reed, I'll give you five on your head instead of your hand"

Reed has been really practicing sitting up this week and is making some progress.

"Don't you think I am doing pretty good?!"

I will post a lot of pictures from the boys first trip to the beach when we get back!

National Cheesecake Day

I couldn't pass this up without sharing it with you! I do not love cheesecake, but Ryan sure does and for half price, who could resist?!? This Thursday, The Cheesecake Factory is offering any slice of cheesecake for half price!

It's been a good week so far. My mom and I have taken the boys out just about every day just so I can get out of the house. They do so well when we are out as long the stroller is on the move! I never thought I would enjoy going to the grocery store just to see other people besides my 8 month olds:-)!

Braden loves chewing on his fingers right now. I am pretty sure he is going to be getting his bottom teeth pretty soon. Braden can sometimes be so serious. When he meets new people, he will sometimes not even crack a smile because he is trying to figure them out first. Other times, Braden can be such the entertainer. Last weekend, we went to the lake with the Crawford's and Terry's. We had a great time even though it was in the low 80's on Saturday which meant too cold for me to get in the water. I know, 80's is great, but when the sun isn't shining it is a little chilly getting out of the water!
Reed says "Shhhhh, don't tell but Mandi and Josh are expecting baby #2!" Mandi is going to kill me for putting this picture of her on here but
isn't that what good friends are for?!? Mandi is such a great mom and we have to wait till the baby gets here to find out what they are having....that is something I could never do but love when other people decide to wait to find out! I am secretly wanting them to have a little boy so our boys will be close in age.

Mandi and Josh's sweet little boy, Preston. A.K.A "P. Diddy" He is going to be such a great big brother, and he was so sweet playing with our boys and Camille.

Braden discovered how to pull up in the crib while playing in the bed at Nana's house. He was so proud of himself but the problem is getting himself back down.

Reed is so smart that he can even read upside down!

"Braden, please quit trying to pinch my toes!"

"Reed, please practice sitting up so you can play with me"

"Reed, I like your toy better than mine"

"Braden, I might share with you if you will quit pinching my toes"

"Thanks Reed!"

Reed showing off his teeth. I think that he might be getting his teeth on top soon.

Reed loves to play in his walker. We are truly amazed at the progress that he continues to make daily.

I think Braden is a great help in helping Reed get caught up! Braden loves to talk (or yell) to Reed, shows him how to sit up, shows him how to love eating food, and the list goes on and on. I love having twins even though it is a ton of work. How many people are born with their best friend?!!!!

Pictures

It's been another hot week this week so we resort to the pool. Actually, the boys were being fussy but they weren't tired so I decided to fill their pool up. I do not know how they sat there because the water was freezing! I am not for sure what scene this was on the Farm Animals Einstein but they both loved whatever was on!
I was busy playing with Reed the other morning and Ryan called me and this is how I found them! Gotta love the turbine look on Braden!
This is how B and R spend a lot of their time playing during the day. If it's nice outside then we just move these outdoors.

"Are you talking to me?"

Brothers:

Braden: Reed: (he was ready for a nap so not really wanting to cooperate with me and give me a smile)Getting ready for bed time. I love nothing more than our boys in their little footed pajamas.

8 Months!

The boys are now 8 months old. Can you believe it?!? We are so thankful for each day that we have we them and for their continued good health. I am not for sure if I would have cherished each day as much as I do know after Reed's heart transplant. I know that I would have enjoyed them every day but his 'rough' beginning of life made us truly grateful to God for His rich blessings that He bestowed upon Ryan and me.
Now, these pictures are pretty funny. My nanny came in town and brought the boys these UK onesies. Thank goodness for Kentucky relatives!
Braden was obsessed with grabbing Reed's ear.
Reed thought that it kind of tickled at first.

Braden still enjoying Reed's ear.

Reed realizing that it doesn't tickle anymore!

Braden trying to bodyslam his brother. Braden better do this while his brother is smaller than he is!!!

Can you tell that Reed is getting some meat on those bones?! He went for his cardiology appointment today and he weighs 16 pounds 2 ounces. He is not only taking his bottles now but likes to eat sometimes at 2 hour intervals. I never would have thought I would be so grateful to keep making more bottles.

Do you think that Ryan is really asleep in this picture?

Martha Lynn, Camille, me and Braden went up to church camp one day last week. I took Braden because I figured that I would not have enjoyed the day with both boys there. People asked why I took B over R but there was really no good reason other than the fact that I didn't have to remember to give medicines while at camp:-)

Braden is already ready for camp. He loved being outside all day and only took a nap on me while in the pool! Ryan came up to camp that night and we enjoyed hanging out with some of the youth group kids. I sure missed camp this year but it woun't be long before I will be sending R and B to camp as junior campers.

Enjoying some tummy time.

The sequence of toy stealing:

What happens when Nana and Papa are left alone with the boys for a few minutes! We thought about an arranged marriage for Camille and one of our boys but we decided on Saturday that this was not a good thing!! She was crawling all over them and 'beating' them up! She better enjoy this while she can because I have a feeling that it won't be too long before they are making her cry! Just kidding! I hope that Reed and Braden are best friends with sweet Camille.

Reed a little confused by Camille's forwardness at such a young age! Zach and Martha, you better watch out for this one!

Reed has been practicing sitting up this week and is doing much better. It's still a lot of work for him but he will get it!

Braden with his best buddy, Big Bird.

Do baby's know how to fake smile? When I took this picture, I really thought Reed was fake smiling for the camera.

Braden watching some Einstein in his big boy chair. They grow up way too fast!