Differences...

Colin at Birth: 6 lbs, 2 oz
Logan at Birth: 9 lbs, 2 oz

Colin is a blondie (and for his first two years, a complete toe head) with bright blue eyes.
Logan has dark hair and greenish blue eyes.

Colin was as slim as they come as a baby.
Logan is affectionately known as a line backer.

Colin can be quite the picky eater while Logan would eat the entire family's dinner if I let him. And on that note, last night I discovered yet another difference: their first reaction to tofu!!

COLIN:


LOGAN:

Lo Lo man is 10 months!

Mr Lo Lo's,

I simply cannot believe how much love you bring to our lives. You amaze me with your sweetness, your LITERALLY never ending smiles and your pure personality. Your face expresses just ease, patience and acceptance. I love to watch you watch the world...taking it all in and just relaxing into the chaos at times, and the calmness in other moments. I am in awe of just how easy you are to care for and of course, how easy you are to love.

Our bond is so strong and I secretly love how you cling to me. Much of this I know, is because I still am nursing you. When I walk through the door after work around 4:30, I simply can't strip fast enough. :) Your crawl has become a bolt and you move as fast as possible towards  me and begin climbing up my leg to a stand so I can whisk you away to feed. It is our special time, and I treasure how well our rhythm works.

You have the most hearty giggle and your babble is something that brings tears to my eyes. Your bright eyes are filled with curiosity and now that you are cruising around furniture, everything is of interest to grab and nothing is too far from reach. You and Colin have such a playful nature and you adore him, that is for sure. You watch him with the largest of grins and he can make you chuckle like nobody else. You love to love, and we love to love you.

You, my sweet Logan Finley, have stolen my heart more than I ever dreamed possible and keep me constantly in check on what matters...

I love you with all I have...

Love, Mama

3 years of love...

Dear my sweet Colin,

Three years ago, you entered our life and changed our world. I remember like it was yesterday, my long labor to bring you into the world... You took your time, and then in an instant, my heart was different.  Better...full...complete.  Now three years later, you are a curious, sweet, independent and very verbal little boy. You have endless energy and love to play hard. You have two very distinct sides to you... one that loves to go, go, go from the time you wake up and announce "mommy, daddy, I slept till it's 7", and another side that is the gentle, cuddly child who loves to read books, sit, play and hum, and lately ask a lot, "hold me". Your cuddles are the best and when you insist on a kiss...and hug...and squeeze, my heart melts. Last night, I put Logan down for bed a bit early, and was able to then put you to bed...something that typically doesn't happen. You had me laughing like crazy with your hilarious little comments. We were reading one of your new books, and you were quick to let me know that certain animals you liked and others, you didn't like. You are opinionated and strong...and I love that about you.

You are so very sweet with your brother and although you love to rough house with him, you have a soft side.  Your compassion is deep and if he or anyone gets hurt, the sadness is all over your face. You have been known to burst into tears if Logan begins to cry. You are a sensitive soul and I'm so thankful you are.

We celebrated your birthday this past weekend and you loved every second. Then last night, you and I made blueberry muffins to take to your class today. You were so proud and eager to share them with your friends. When we got to school, Ms. Tori had balloons and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN sign in your honor. When she told you "Happy Birthday", you beamed and instinctually said, "Thank you Ms. Tori!" Then you so graciously handed a muffin to each classmate and sat at the head of the table beaming. You are a leader and are very confident... my heart is so proud of you.

Colin, you make my life so rich and while you absolutely exhaust me with your jumping and running and curiosity, I woudn't have it any other way.  I adore you... and no words will ever describe my attachment to you or express the overwhelming love you bring to my life.

Happy 3rd birthday my sweet boy...

Love, Mama

Brought to you by the letter "C" and the number "3"

Today we celebrated Colin's 3rd birthday Sesame Street-style. Colin has been pretty much obsessed with all the characters of SS for a good year now, so felt it was appropriate to honor his favorite friends at the party. We thoroughly enjoyed having his party at our home, and having many good friends and family come celebrate our beautiful little boy.  Daddy surprised Colin with "Dorothy", (the goldfish on SS) so now we have our first official pet.  And the highlight for sure, was Oscar the Grouch singing to the kids. It was priceless watching all the children stare at Oscar and Colin was high fiving him regularly. He was so thrilled his favorite friend came to see him. (He had been talking for WEEKS about ALL the characters coming, but was finally ok with just Oscar coming to his birthday). He also has been looking forward to his "healthy cake"... thanks Auntie Tay Tay for bringing a sugar free healthful cake to mark 3 years of no sugar for C! When all was said and done and we asked Colin if he had a good birthday, he replied in true 3 year old fashion, "Yes, and I want to have another birthday and do it again right now!" Only 365 more days, buddy!

Making Beer...

Root beer, that is!  This past weekend, our friend Scott who is a darn good brew master came over to make homemade, organic/healthy root beer for Colin's upcoming birthday party.  What a cool day and Colin had so much fun helping mix and stir and sprinkle in all the ingredients! (That is until 3 year old antics took over when Morgan wouldn't smell the sassafras long enough for his liking!!)

We're looking forward to trying the yummy beverage this weekend. Thanks, Scott!!

Logan happy as can be watching the process!

Gettin egg-cited for Easter!

Now that Colin is almost 3, Easter is a totally different holiday.  Years past, we by far were more excited than he was- assisting the collection of eggs at local hunts for our indifferent Colie Bear, and highlighting the contents of his basket to our deadpanned little guy. But this year, Colin is all about it. And precious Logan won't take his eyes off his big brother sprinting from egg to egg. Yesterday, Colin and I had some sweet one-on-one moments when I took him to his school easter party.  He gathered an entire basket of plastic eggs...and then his sly teacher swapped the candy filled eggs with toy & sticker filled eggs (does she know me or what?)  Today we had a great time at our Clubhouse easter party and egg hunt. Our friends, the Caudill's joined and we watched the kids enjoy collecting eggs, meeting the easter bunny, getting fake tattoos and checking out the bouncy house (Colin didn't want any part of it and daredevil Tyler couldn't get enough)! Tonight we continue the festivities with our friends when we dye eggs...and tomorrow of course is the real deal with Daddy easter bunny's infamous egg hunt in our backyard (so happy to finally have a huge yard to do this). Spring is such a time of rejuvenation and makes us excited for the warm months ahead enjoying the outdoors!

Colin, Gina, Flora, Tyler ready for Saturday morning's egg hunt

Eggs for everyone!!!

Lovin' the Easter Bunny!!

A beautiful day... Colin's 3rd easter egg hunt and Logan's 1st :)

Later that day, we dyed eggs with the Caudill's!

and Sunday morning, the Easter bunny left our babes special baskets full of fun goodies.