A present for myself . . .

It's not often, or ever, that I will splurge on something for myself. This time I did. I have really enjoyed taking pictures of my boys - but have been disappointed on more than one occassion when I can't capture the moment because of the darn lag on my digital camera. I won't have to be concerned with that any more! I recently purchased a new digital camera made by Nikon and am having a blast taking pictures with it. I have been able to actually capture my boys expressions before they turn and run and I end up with a back of the head photo. The picture clarity, the colors, all of it is amazing. I am still learning all that I can do with the camera - and hopefully some day will actually be able to uses it to it's full potential. Until then, I'm having fun playing with it. Here are just a few of the hundreds of photos I've already taken. Enjoy!

Our Bullmastiff, Gus - who has not shown up in many pictures . . .he get's a little left out with the boys around now - but we still love him.

Aidan showing off those beautiful baby blues . . .

Jacob playing on his slide with Grandpa - Ready?

Here I come . . .

Crash landing at the bottom . . .but still having a great time!

The Big "3-0"!

On February 7th, I turned the Big "3-0". On the Saturday following I celebrated with friends and family at TGIFridays. Thanks to all that came and helped make it a fun birthday! Here are a couple photos (not everyone is represented, sorry!) FYI . . .I only had one drink(first drink in over two years) and it didn't seem to affect Aidan in any way. :-)

The girls - Tiffany (best friend of 30 years - yes, 30 years - we've known each other since birth), me, my sister Lorissa and our friend Andrea

Smiley boys . . .

We have had great weather here and have had fun playng outside. Here is another picture that shows what a big boy Jacob is becoming! Every day I look at him and my heart grows more and more. He fills our days with laughter and is quite the entertainer.

Our up and coming entertainer . . .Aidan is starting to have more awake time and is a happy baby. I love to see him smile and listen to him try out new vocal sounds. I am trying to take in everything, knowing how fast this next year is going to fly by.

I LOVE MY BOYS!!!

Beautiful Boy . . .

Here is Aidan James at two months old. At his 2 month doctor appointment he weighed in at 9 pounds, 12 ounces and was 23 inches long. He is definitely making up for lost time. We are so thankful to have a happy and healthy boy!

A little late, but thought you should know . . .

We are raising Bear's fans!
We rooted the Bears on and were very disappointed at the loss!!
Maybe next year. . . .

Jacob and Aidan see snow for the first time!

We spent the past weekend at our friends cabin, Kamp Keller. It was our annual girls weekend with our little ones. We had a blast in Heber playing in the snow. I'm sorry for so many pictures, but it was hard to pick the best ones!

Jacob sledding for the first time!

Jacob at Grammie and Papa's lot

Aidan all warm and cozy

Aidan all warn out from playing

Mama and Aidan

Mama and her boys!

Jacob and mama sledding

My sister, Lorissa, and me getting ready for our race

Aunt Lorissa, Grammie, Jacob, me and Aidan (well the top of his head!)

The art of snowball making - Jacob and Tyler learn how to make the perfect snowball

Beautiful blue eyed boy!

Isn't life sweet . . .

I have discovered that there are many "moments" that occur with your kids. There isn't one moment that is more special than another, they are all amazing. I had one of those "moments" with Aidan this past Wednesday. I was sitting on the floor, playing with Jacob and Aidan was laying in my lap. I took a break from playing and looked down at my little wonder and he looked up at me. At that moment, he recognized me as mama - his blue eyes lit up and he smiled. What an incredible moment. I would consider that to be a moment of pure joy. I look forward to many more "moments" with my boys. We are truly blessed.

Attempting to be creative . . .

These are some photos of Aidan. I was attempting to be a little more creative with my photography. I still have a lot of practise ahead of me. Anyway, I like these and thought I would share. Enjoy!

Brotherly Love

Jacob has become the best big brother! He loves to give kisses over and over again to Aidan. Just yesterday, Aidans blanket fell off and Jacob walked over and placed it back on him! It's so amazing to watch the love he has for his brother grow and grow. It will be fun to watch their relationship bloom as they both get older. I have been blessed with two amazing boys.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We hope everyone had a great Christmas! We did - spending it with Cody's family Christmas Eve and first thing Christmas morning and then with my family Christmas day. The boys did great and had a blast; you would think playing with their new toys, but no. Jacob had more fun playing with the large boxes and his old toys. Oh well - I know he liked what he got. Later that night, the boys had a special visitor. After delivering all of his gifts, Santa was able to make a special stop at my parents house Christmas night. Aidan obviously could care less. Jacob was a little more sceptical about the big man in red. At least he didn't scream! (Like his mama used to when she was his age and then some . . .) Overall it was a great Christmas and I look forward to next year!

A Christmas Tradition

For the past several years, we get together with my family (The Davis side) and decorate my parents tree. Last night was the night. We celebrated my moms birthday and then had fun decorating the tree. Jacob had more fun pulling the decorations off - but that's OK - he was having fun.

Here is the group! Uncle Doug, Aunt Lorissa, Ang, Aidan, Cody and Jacob

Me helping Jacob put an ornament on the tree - of which he yanked right off!

Aidan's First Christmas

Aidan hanging his very first ornament!

A very special present under the tree . . .

Mommy and Jacob

Me and my boys!

Welcome to the world and welcome home!

After spending 5 days in the NICU, Aidan James Thomas, born on November 30, 2006, has come home!

Aidan made an early entrance into the world at 36 weeks and 6 days due to a condition that I was diagnosed with. The morning of the delivery, it was confirmed that I had Cholestasis - a condition that could be potentially life threatening to the baby. So, being almost "full term", my dr. decided to deliver right away. Aidan joined us at 8:27pm via C-section, weighing 6 pounds, 4 ounces. Really a pretty good size for a premie! He would have been a big boy if delivered at full term! After spending a couple of days with us in the hospital, they discovered that Aidan had a pneumothorax, or air in his lung. After a couple of days of oxygen and rest, Aidan was cleared to come home. We have been so blessed to have the help of our family and friends during this time of going back and forth to the hospital and taking care of Jacob. We appreciate all of the prayers and support everyone has given us. It has been an emotionally and physically draining time. We just thank God that Aidan is doing well and that we are finally a family at home.

I can't believe it has come and gone!

This past Wednesday, November 15th, we celebrated Jacob's 1st Birthday!! We had family and friends over for a party and Jacob seemed to love being center of attention. We only had one major meltdown - so not too bad. It's amazing how quickly the first year has passed by. I can only imagine how quickly the rest will pass . . .I try so hard to cherish each moment, whether it be in the middle of the day or the middle of the night (which can be hard). It has been so amazing to watch him grow and change over this first year. I am excited to see what year two will bring.

We have a walker!!

I'm not sure at what point do we call it "officially walking". Jacob has been toolin' around with one of his push toys since the ends of August. And watch out, he is quick with it! As of October 30, he started taking 5-6 steps towards someone or something and each day since he has added more and more steps. He's even getting the hang of turning around and regaining balance before he face plants. If he needs to get somewhere quick, his preference is still crawling or his push toy - but it won't be long before those are a distant memory . . .

I have discovered that it is very difficult to get a picture of him walking. You'll just have to trust me that he is walking in these photos and not just standing.

Halloween Fun!

For Jacob's first Halloween, we had fun dressing him up as "T I double Gu R!" I don't think he even had any clue that he was dressed up. He did to seem to have fun going from Nan's house, to Grammie and Papas, to Uncle Les and Aunt Lori's to Farmor and Grandpa's. I just don't think he understood why we saw so many people in one night!

At Nan's house

At Grammie and Papa's house

Helping with the dishes at Farmor and Grandpa's

With Aunt Lori and Cousin Luke