Toddler bed, potty training, and TWO!

I can't believe my baby turned 2 this past week! I thought the first year of life went by quickly with so many changes, but boy did this past year go by fast. Luke has changed & developed SO much. A year ago he said 1 or 2 words and wasn't even walking yet. Now he runs everywhere and does not stop talking until he's in bed at night! He is definitely a toddler-wanting to do EVERYTHING on his own. When he decides to do something, he WILL do it, including sleeping in his big boy bed and going in the potty. A few months before Bennett arrived we set up his toddler bed (generously given to us by people from church), and began talking all about how big boys slept there. He had absolutely no interest in it until a few weeks ago and he officially gave up his crib just a few days ago (sniff, sniff). We have also done the same thing with potty training. We have talked about it for months, placed a small potty in our bathroom for awhile, and told him when he turns 2 that's where he would go. We are on day 4 of potty training and I can proudly say my son is potty-trained (while at home anyway!)!!

We celebrated his birthday with family and a few friends this past weekend. Luke's 2 obsessions are Mickey Mouse and BUBBLES!! So we ate a Mickey Mouse cake-my amazing sister-in-law helped me make it!-and blew bubbles. It was simple, fun, and Luke was surrounded by people he loves and adores.

Celebrating his birthday with family-March 28th

Riding his new scooter!

Our birthday boy!

Luke & his friend Kai: so cute :)

It was great to have my brother & his family there!

Family & First Smile

March has been a busy month! We had 2 wonderful weeks with family. First, my 11 year old niece, Kaylan, was here from Kansas. She is my oldest brother, Jeromee's, daughter. We had a wonderful week going to the zoo, beach (3 times!), park and playing at home. She definitely became a baby expert and I got spoiled. I was able to cook and clean without holding a baby and also took a nap almost every day. It was wonderful!

The next week my brother Adam and his family came into town. Back to the zoo and beach we went! These are 2 of our favorite places so we didn't mind one bit. It meant so much to us that they drove the 9 hours from Sacramento to meet Bennett and spend time with us.

Bennett decided to start smiling when family arrived! His little personality has started to come out and it is so sweet. He is definitely a mama's boy and loves to be cuddled. I'll admit that the last few weeks have been pretty overwhelming and tiring with a newborn who does not like to be put down. But, each day I remind myself how SHORT this season is and I take a deep breath, put down whatever I was doing, and sit and hold my baby and play with my toddler. THEY are what matters, not anything else on my to do list. I am learning how to do ONE thing a day, prioritize my time with my boys, and look at the big picture, especially when I get overwhelmed.  I'm so grateful to be a mother and so grateful for these precious boys I've been entrusted with. What a privilege!

Cousin Kaylan and Luke at the zoo

Best picture I could get of the 4 of us :/

GREAT baby-sitter!

Snuggle time with Auntie Abby, Kaylan & Liv

Cousins! *From left: Nate, Sheanna, Kaylan, Alivia, Tyr & Luke

Hangin' with Uncle Adam on the safari ride at the Wild Animal Park

Up-close view of the giraffes

Luke was not in the best mood that day...can you tell? :)

First Smile!!