Happy 4 weeks today.

Baby Reece is 4 weeks old today. Here are some pics of my growing boy.

Plus a comparison of Jax when he was 4 weeks old.

This is Jax at 4 weeks...they do look alot alike after all.

Reece Gibson.

I suppose it's about time I update this thing. If you aren't sure, yes, I did have baby #2 already. Reece Gibson Leuenberger was born on Dec 1, 2010 at 8:50 in the morning. He weighed 8 lbs and was 21 inches long. This delivery was so different from my first b/c I knew what I was getting into but I actually a little more nervous this time. Reece is a perfectly healthy little man who has a wonderful big brother that loves him to death!

The adjustment of having 2 kids has been more difficult than I thought it would be but is wonderful all at the same time. I think its because I feel pulled in 3 directions all at the same time and trying to get the 2 boys taken care of and still taking care of Hubby and it just gets a little overwhelming at times. I know this will all get better over time as I learn my boundaries and figure out how to meet all the needs of my 3 boys!!

I love my growing family and am so excited to see all that God has in store for us.

So--the last few weeks I've been recovering from surgery, finishing my Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, playing with the kids, going to the park, hanging out with my Grandma, addressing thank-you cards and Christmas cards....basically not much has changed, we had a baby and life must go on. No breaks or naps around here....maybe in January I'll be able to take a break!

37 weeks.

My oh my, how things grow?!! Here's a pic of me just shy of 37 weeks. I could not be more ecstatic that little man will be here in just 3 weeks. These days are getting very uncomfortable and the strange weather patterns are not helping my allergies. Sleeping is pretty much non-existant unless I take some Tylenol PM. So, I guess until my nose clears up, I'll be doped up on drugs until this baby arrives. Other than that, I feel good. Not great-let's face it, who really "feels great" when they are pregnant? Those that say they do are just plain liars!!

The nursery is ready, his diaper bag is ready and I finally think I am ready. Jax knows there is a baby in my tummy but I don't think he has any idea what is about to happen. He has such a sweet nature though, that I think he is going to absolutely LOVE his brother. We'll see.

Speaking of Jax, he is growing up so fast and becoming more and more independent. He loves to play with his trucks and cars and the way he says "cars" is just the most adorable thing ever. I love that his vocabulary is expanding every week and it thrills me to hear him finally say "Mommy".

I'll try to post some pics of him soon and then before you know it, I'll be posting pics of new baby boy!

Pumpkin Patch.

Last Year's Pumpkin pics (7 months old)

This year's Pumpkin Pics (almost 19 months old)

Still can't get him to smile for the camera too much. Plus it was super hot outside. I guess this fall and winter we will be wearing shorts and t-shirts through most of the season.

Dear Lord, as much as I appreciate the weather being in the 80's, it would sure be nice if we could have some weather closer to the low 70's. I know you're busy and have plenty of other things to be concerned about-just thought I'd make a special request. Thank You! I love you. Amen.

Me at 29 weeks.

Me at 29 weeks!

This baby is moving like crazy-I tried to take a video but of course when I pressed record he decided to take a nap. sorry-maybe next time.

We have not decided on a name for this one yet-poor baby, he just isn't getting near as much attention as the 1st, I guess that's just how it goes with each kid. We've been busy getting Jaxon's big boy room put together and I'm really excited because his new furniture arrives tomorrow and then I can really get him organized. The last 2 days I've spent cleaning out the closets upstairs. There were several boxes that I had never gone through once we moved in, so I finally threw out a ton of old junk and was able to box up alot of things to keep in the garage. It feels so good to get more organized. Now its time to to get to the Container Store to finish my projects!

Only 10 weeks to go and our handsome little man will be here! I can't wait and am getting so antsy waiting for his arrival.

Swimming!

Jaxon swam all by himself with floaties today!! He is getting so big!

Check up.

So, last week I finally got Jax in for his 15 month check up, however, he was 17 months. I feel bad getting behind, but all went well and he is still super healthy, growing boy. He's 25 lbs and 2'8" tall. His Dr is excited about his physical ability and pleased with his eating habits. I was glad to hear he's doing so well, sometimes I get nervous that maybe I'm not feeding him all the right foods, but apparently he's doing way better than alot of other kids, so YAY!!

He's still not saying too many words clearly, but some things I get recognize are "car", "here you go" and "cracker". Everytime he sees any animal he says "woof woof". I don't know how he knows a dog sound, we don't have a dog and when we read books I make all animal sounds. Kids just know this stuff. He also makes a certain sound for cars, trucks, planes, etc. So cute and fun to watch him learn and grow. Jax copies everything his Daddy does, which Bryan loves and looks for something silly to do that Jax will repeat. He copies his dance moves, sounds, noises and they chase each other around the house screaming. I'm not quite sure what I've gotten myself into--this house gets loud with those 2 boys and now I'm adding another!

We've been busy with family in town and are now trying to wind down for the fall!! I'm so excited its September and I can't wait for cooler weather. We have my 10 year reunion this weekend and I'm really excited to see everyone. Hopefully I'll have some pictures soon to post-but Jax is not cooperating when it comes to being still for the camera.

Okay-that's all I have to share for now--enjoy Labor Day weekend--and enjoy the less humidity!

Pictures.

Here's some pics from the last few months...Lake Tahoe Wedding and family visits!!

Nana with all her grandkids.

Jax loves to drum!!

The brothers and their wives! 2 of us our preggers!

Jax and Ally are a year apart-however they are about the same size! They had a blast together.

Playing with the cousins!

My little surfer!

Life.

Not much going on around here to share. A couple of weeks ago Bryan's younger brother, Josh and his family drove through town on their way to move to the San Diego area. We had a fun weekend with their 3 kids and Bryan's older brother and his wife came down from Dallas and their parents hopped over from Oak Ridge. We spent the entire weekend swimming, eating and running around in the yard. Unfortunately I have no pictures to share of that weekend b/c our camera got stolen again from Bryan's car. Yes, I said "again". This is twice in 3 months and we have come to find out that the whole neighborhood has been hit. I'm not sure what is going on to solve this problem, but its very disturbing and I hope it doesn't happen again. We can't keep spending $600 on a new camera every 3 months but my little digital is just not taking very good pictures.

Other than that drama, I've been staying busy chasing Jax around and swimming a lot. Its been too hot to go to any parks so I decided to take him out to the pool almost every morning and he's had a blast. Jax is even learning to "jump" into the water. Its so cute and he just absolutely LOVES the water. I, however, am not doing so well in the heat. I get so light-headed after being outside for any extended period of time but I am doing my best to keep Jax entertained. I only have to deal with this heat for another couple of weeks and then I believe it will start cooling off. I cannot wait for the fall---I LOVE FALL WEATHER!! I'm already looking forward to putting up my fall decor and wondering if its too early to pull out my pumpkin candles and potpourri??

Our little man is kicking and moving around like crazy which is fun for a little while and then just annoying when you're trying to sleep. But I'm glad to know he's alive and moving and practicing all those cute little baby moves! I cannot wait to meet this little guy and see how much he does or does not look like Jaxon. I hope I can contain myself until Dec 1st!

Its officially time to get Jaxon's big boy room ready and rearrange the baby room. When its finished I'll post some photos. I've been busy searching the internet for new bedding for Jax, furniture for his room and also a double stroller. I would love any advice or recommendations of your fav stroller.

Enjoy these few pics....remember-camera got stolen, so this is all I have.

Jaxon's new favorite hiding spot. He closes the door and hangs out in there while he eats his snack. Then he laughs at himself because he thinks he is being soooo funny.

Hubby's 30th B-day!

Here's a pic of me and my new sister-in-law!! We're Pregger together! She's about 7 weeks behind me and I'm so thrilled that she is preggers with me. Our little kiddos will be so close and hopefully best buddy cousins!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYAN!!

Last week my incredible Husband and best friend turned 30, so of course we had to do it up big and celebrate with all the old buddies. We set up a stage under the porch because it was raining but it was still awesome and we had such a great time. Thanks everyone for celebrating with us--we love you and Bryan really had a fantastic time! Here are some pics to enjoy.

Singing Happy Birthday and his favorite Cake--Tres Leches

Eric, Jonathan and Bryan

Enjoying the music!!

Of course we had to have a little two-steppin'

Enjoying the music poolside!

Bryan, Garrett and Amanda

Thanks mom and dad for helping me with food and clean-up!

The Band (Justin, Bryan, Matt and Susan)

More of the Band, You guys rocked it out!!

I got so excited when I found this new background because it totally matches Jaxon's baby bedding, which will also be the bedding for the new little peanut. Now I have to figure out what I'm going to do for Jaxon's big boy room. ...so much to think about and get done in the next 4 months. AHHH!!

Jax would like you to meet....

Jax would like you all to know that he is having a baby Brother! We could not be more thrilled to add another boy to the family and I am praying that they will become best friends!!
Here is our newest little man~~

July 4th and 15 months.

Oh my, there has been so much going on these last few weeks, its hard for me to capture everything so I don't have too many pics to share. However, I'll post what I do have.
First, here's a pic of Jaxon's new favorite accessory. He wears this pretty much everyday, all day.




Last week my mom and I went to visit my dear friend Katrina who just had a little precious baby boy named Cole. He is such a sweetie..oh how I love when they are just passed out like this! ...here are the photos.
Jax actually did really well despite the slap on Cole's head. I think that's how he shows he's interested, he just doesn't know what else to do. Sorry baby Cole!

Later in the week I started up women's bible study again for the summer and then went to a friend's bachelorette party, the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and then her wedding on Saturday. Of course I have no photos to show for that, but we had a great time, the bride was GORGEOUS, and I was exhausted.
On Sunday Bryan and I enjoyed an afternoon out and we went to a movie, then drove up to my parents house for fireworks. Jax was not a fan at first but got used to them and enjoyed sitting with his Daddy while all the neighbors around the lake shot off their fireworks. It was quite an amazing show and I think everyone from the Woodlands should come out there to watch next year. It was certainly way less crowded then heading to Market Street or somewhere around there. And I'm sorry to announce that I have no photos from July 4th either--boo. But here is a video I took of him on our way to see the fireworks. Bryan was making drum sounds in the car and Jax started trying to repeat. It was so cute. Of course I couldn't capture how amazing he was, but you'll get the idea.




On baby news, I have started to feel little kicks and jabs throughout the day, which makes me very excited to finally feel something! And hopefully we will find out whether the little peanut is a boy or girl on Friday. Let's pray he/she cooperates!!

Jax Stats.

So I don't think I've posted any of Jaxon's stats lately...here are a few.
-He now has 4 teeth. Yes he is 13 months old and only has 4 teeth, but hey, at least they are there.
-Jax LOVES swimming. He's not so good at listening so we have to be super careful, but he loves the water and screams when its time to get out.
-He weighs somewhere around 22lbs, that was at his 12 month check up so I'm sure he's over that by now.
-Jax is eating apple sticks and sweet potato fries and chicken nuggets and grapes and hot dogs. Really just about anything. I know I need to let him try feeding himself, but I am just not ready for the mess. Maybe in another month or 2.
-When I ask "who's on the phone?", he holds his hand to his ear, tilts his head and starts speaking babble in a high pitched voice. So cute.
-He is climbing on everything, loves to sit on things his level to make it a chair and runs circles around the living room. Let's just say I don't feel like I need to work out at the end of day.
-Jax LOVES music. I've been getting out my guitar once in a while and he'll come bang on it with me, he plays on his drums and dances and sings anytime he hears a beat. I am so glad he's going to have some rhythm. Of course I have dreams of him being a worship leader with an incredible voice and selling millions of albums...what a mother can dream can't she?
Basically Jax is growing up before my eyes and I am amazed at all that he is learning, even things I don't teach him. I just can't wait for him to start using his words so I can hear him say "I love you" back to me.

Vacation and Weddings.

Wow. I have so much to share and we have been super busy but I'll try to keep this short. We recently had a little vacation to San Francisco and Lake Tahoe for my brother-in-law's wedding. We were so glad to get some time away and be together but I don't think I will travel with a one-year old like that again. Unfortunately, Jax did not do well with the plane ride, the time change and staying in different hotels. He is so used to his own bed and his space that it was hard to get adjusted the entire time we were gone. By the 3rd day, I was in need of a time out away from Jax and luckily the bridal luncheon was that day, so I got away for a few hours and it was wonderful. You know, sometimes you just need a break. I've never felt that way before, but for 3 days straight I had no space from Jaxon. His whining was driving me bananas!
Bryan and I had a wonderful time walking around San Francisco, eating Churros and watching the Sea Lions, but we realized that this would be more fun when the kids are older and we can enjoy the underwater aquarium and take a boat ride and tour more of the city. So we'll have to go back in a few years when Jax will truly enjoy it. On our way to Lake Tahoe for the wedding we stopped off at the Jelly Belly Factory, which was just a few miles from my old house. My Aunt Patty and Grandma came over to go through the tour with us when they were on their way to Sacramento. We finally arrived in Lake Tahoe and it was GORGEOUS!! This place is so beautiful and the weather was absolutely perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with family that we hadn't seen since last summer and of course LOVED watching Bryan's brother get married to an amazing woman and we couldn't be happier for them. Jax was finally in a good mood for the wedding and he had such a blast. He was the life of the party and I think everyone was watching him on the dance floor instead of the bride and groom. It was just so cute to watch him in action.
Below are some pics of our trip a bit out of order. Enjoy.

The new completed Leuenberger family....until more kids come of course.

The Bride and Groom, they were so happy and in love. Such a beautiful wedding!

All the sister-in-laws!

Jaxon and his cousin, Ashlin, were the life of the dance floor!