Oregon so far...

Ryan has a week break between end of classes and studying for his board exam, so we decided to pack up and head to Oregon!

*Sidenote:  On the flight over, we counted up flights and figured out that Cal had been on 19 flights by age 1, and will have been on 39 flights by the age of 2...holy smokes!

Cal is in absolute heaven.  Every morning Cal wakes up excited to play with cousins, and is equally devastated when they leave.  He loves to follow Mack and Lucy around and thinks they are pretty cool.  Caroline has decided she is Cal's mother and we are entertained watching her push him in strollers, wash his hair and brush his teeth!  Lil and Henry are kind and thoughtful, always looking out for their little cousins. And of course, there is a special place in his heart for Mimi and Grandpa.

 Ryan and I left kiddos with Mimi and hopped on some mountain bikes.  We chatted and peddled all the way up Roxy Ann, and enjoyed the crisp Oregon air and quiet surroundings.  We talked about our simple life before the boys joined our family - the hikes, runs, camping, and adventures we were able to do.  Although we definitely miss those days, we are loving our new adventure!

My Loves

For a few split seconds, the stars aligned.  Both boys were happy and willing to sit still (which for Cal is a rare thing).  I love these pictures because you can see how much Cal loves Grady already, and makes us excited to see what these next few years will bring as they grow older and have more fun together.  I love being surrounded by all my boys!!

 Cal,

My fun, happy boy!  Life would mean so much less without you.  You bring light and laughter into each and every day.  I am excited to see you in the morning, and miss you minutes after I put you to bed.  You are kind and gentle to everyone, but especially Grady, and are loved by all around you.  We feel so blessed to have you as our little boy.

 Grady,

My dear, my love.  You are the sweetest little thing that's touched the planet.  You are almost always content to watch and listen, and love to be snuggled and loved on by anyone that is willing.  When you are awake, you are alert and waiting to catch someone's eye to flash your contagious smile.  You are handsome, and mild.  We are extremely grateful to have you in our family.

Ryan,

My handsome man.  I am so lucky to have you as my best friend.  You bring so much happiness to my life, and make me laugh no matter what mood I'm in.  I love your laugh:)  I know you love me, because you are so quick to tell me the reasons why.  I love to watch you be playful and goofy with Cal, and tender to Grady.  You work harder than anyone I know, are kind to everyone, and are anxious to serve the Lord.  I look up to you in so many ways, and am grateful every day that you are mine forever.  

Grady's Blessing

We decided to bless Grady in our home, and it was a sweet experience.  My parents were in town for about 36 hours, my cousin Anya and her family were able to join us, and some dear friends of Ryan and I came to support us.  Although we were sad not to make it back to Medford to bless him, it was so touching to see Ryan surrounded by family, but also his friends that have become family through this process of medical school.  

Rituals

Grady quickly grew out of all newborn and 0-3 month sizes.  Oddly, I look forward to the sorting and stowing away that happens once clothes become tight and are ready for storage.  It has become a ritual of sorts.  This weekend I brought out all of Grady's small clothes, and all of Cal's small clothes, and began making piles.  As I fold and sort, I am flooded with memories.  It is hard to explain my emotions, but most of the time I get choked up seeing my boys' lives passing so quickly one full bin of clothes at a time.  But it also brings feelings of anticipation, as I wonder what their lives will be like, what memories we have yet to make.

I never thought of myself as a "kid person".  Besides my own nieces and nephews, I hated babysitting of any kind, wasn't a huge fan of holding babies, and didn't go out of my way to interact with little kids.  But these boys have changed my heart.  I am going to hold on to every day while these two are still innocent and young, and savor our time together.