Moments any mom would love...

...like when you're tucking your not-so-little-one in bed and he puts his arm around your neck and cuddles with you. So sweet!

As of late most days have been a painful reminder that I have a two-year-old...even bedtime has been difficult. He's been waking up freaked out at night and coming to tell me it's 7 o'clock (or in his words, "a clock mommy! a clock!") when, in fact, it is barely past 5 a.m.. During the day his favorite thing to do is say "no" and hit mom. Naturally, I get frustrated and throw my tantrums too- well, mommy tantrums you know?!

Then there's moments like tonight, when he just smiles sweetly as if you're sharing some little secret. When he says "wa-doo" first. When he gives you a hug around the neck just to give a hug and not to make you stay with him because he's clinging on for dear life.

Tonight was a good night.

Downstairs Before and During

The "After" Shots

Tyler's sweet bed head! Got to love this kid's crazy hair.

Had to include one of Jacob chillin in his favorite spot- the jumperoo.

Well, not totally after. The grout is in and one of the toilets is put back on but the baseboards won't be on until the end of work downstairs too...so, this will do for now.

Bathroom Tile

BEFORE..

Guest Bathroom

Master Bathroom

DURING...

Master Bath

Guest Bath

We bit the bullet and hired out to re-do our floors. We are getting all new laminate laid downstairs and tile in our bathrooms. Happy Anniversary to our house. We love that you're getting more beautiful with age ;)

(Jacob's) Tricks and (Tyler's) Treats

We've been having a lot of fun and keeping plenty busy lately. These pictures document the good...but this is a reminder to myself that we like to remember the good- but we've had our fair share of insanity lately. I am grateful for a spouse that is so willing to work hard for us and with us. We are loving our two boys and struggling with the challenge of a two-year-old. We love the silly times and want to pull our hair out with the tantrums. We love the smiles, hate the late nights.... just saying. Life is wonderful, normal, and far from perfect ;) However, here are the moments we are choosing to remember most.

Our silly boy. He has this punch balloon from Grandma and Grandpa. He recently decided it would make a good head piece. The balloon is about the size of some girls' bows these days. Guess he just felt left out ;)

Caught ya! Sneaking a cinnamon roll Sunday morning. Little stinker! He found his step stool out and used it to the fullest.

Chocolate ice cream on Sunday afternoon. What else is better? Tyler has yet to eat an entire meal with a utensil. I don't know why we bother. Yogurt, ice cream, pizza...you name it...he ends up eating with his hands still.

All of Tyler's cars needed to go through the laundry apparently. He had fun dumping them all in my laundry basket and sitting in there with them to "get clean". He's been getting more creative with his play time lately and I love it. My favorite is when he makes me pretend meals and throws them across the room for me to try. You've gotta see it!

Little guy working hard on moving around. He's got the backward scoot going on which means crawling isn't too far away. Wonder what kind of fun I'm in for with two mobile kiddos.

Tyler's costume for Halloween this year. He was inspired by Kung Fu Panda- which dad recorded on the DVR and we watch it over, and over, and over again.

Jake is working hard on sitting up. He gets so excited when he does something good and gets applauded for it. He can sit up for small amounts of time on his own.

Tyler the ninja warrior. Such a serious face! Daddy went all out and didn't just get a costume- but accessories also. Now I just have to hide the swords until Tyler can learn how to use them safely.

Finally- a good one of his two teeth. He is such a light in our home. So quick to smile. He can make anyone's day! (just ignore the orange left on his face from whatever his meal was right before the picture)

Big ol' goof ball. Jacob has been loving his jumperoo. Now he stands straight up to stretch out. If you look close you can see those two teeth again. He is growing up way too fast.

Father/son date last Friday. The boys got to go out for McDonalds (aka Donalds) and to pick out pumpkins for Halloween. They came home with costumes, toys, and other groceries we needed as well. Tyler had a blast spending some quality time with daddy.

We tried big boy underwear for a day...or about 30 minutes ;) We'll try for real around December. He was so excited to wear them though. Hopefully we'll have an easy go of potty training when the time comes.

Yummy! Tyler goes right for the guts (of his gummie snake).

Eating a delicious snake that came in his Halloween package from Granny. It was way more gross than the pictures can show.

Matching jammies! We're at the point where Jacob adores Tyler...and Tyler gets annoyed with all the attention :) Oh the fun times ahead.

Six Months

I can't believe that my little Jacob is already 6 months old. Half of the first year gone- like some one just handed him to me today. Love him so much. He always impresses company with his calm demenor. We sure are lucky to have him in our family.

6 Month Stats:

27 3/4 inches...90%

18.1 lbs...50-75%

2 shots today (we postponed one. yes- I'm one of those moms) he cried for a second, got some cuddles, and cheered right up!

LOVE HIM!

Hammerschlag Family Reunion- Vegas style!