Good days and bad days

Life at our house isn't always easy. J has been working over time and going out of town. Momma has been working over time at home and feeling overwhelmed, but then I stop to remember how lucky I am to be their mom....and they need me!  One night when Jared was gone, both of the kids woke up at the same time. I didn't know how I was supposed to get them both back to sleep and so I broke down and cried. My sweet Roman could see that I was sad and immediately stopped crying. I lied him down on my bed and he went right back to sleep, and I was able to deal with Bennett.  These two boys are my world. They are the greatest examples to me. Being a mom isn't always easy, but it is SO worth it. I wouldn't change it for anything:)

A good day at our house looks like this:

A bad day at our house looks like this:

Roman turned 2 in December. He is such a character with all of his talk and silly facial expressions. He will copy almost anything we say. He is definitely a 2 year old - a busy, energetic, wild boy:) 

Little Benny is such a chill baby. He is 7 months now.  Rolling over, says "dada", loves watching "UP" with his big bro, and just got his two bottom teeth!  He is starting to grab more.....in the pic below i left the table for one second and when I came back, my dinner fork was missing. I underestimated him!  

Bennett and baby Mac holding hands (they did it on their own!)

Bennett's Blessing......November 6,2011

Jared gave Bennett the sweetest blessing,  and we had so many wonderful friends and family there to share this day with us. I wish we took more photos and I REALLY wish we got a better family shot.  Sadly, Roman is nearly impossible to photograph.  Nonetheless, it was a great day!

Halloween 2011

We kicked off the Halloween celebrations with a fun walk around Gardner Village to see all the witches.

FUN AT CORNBELLIES

WITH ALFALFA AND THE BANANA

NOW THERE IS A CLASSIC PORTRAIT OF THE STRAIN FAMILY......THIS JUST MIGHT BE OUR CHRISTMAS CARD PHOTO:)

.......Roman was in heaven!

PUMPKIN CARVING

TRICK OR TREAT!!!!!

Life With 2 Kids.......

It's 10:15 PM, usually about the only time to blog.....even though it's my bed time. Yep, that's a typical day with a VERY energetic almost 2 year old and a 2 month old. I first have a story to tell about  A BIG SQUEEZE:  So, after coming home from the hospital, I was so excited to see Roman. I REALLY missed him in the hospital!  But Roman was very distant from me. I tried to read to him, but he wouldn't let me. He would take the book to dad instead. I was sad, because I have been so used to having one on one time with him every day. I think he just saw me bonding with Bennett and that was his way of dealing with it.  But finally after a few days, I put him to bed. I rocked him and read him some stories and when it was time to lay him in his bed, I gave him a hug. Roman gave me the biggest squeeze back and we just stood there holding each other as tears were coming down my face. My little Roman is not a hugger or cuddler, so this moment was a long time coming. It's moments like these that make it all worth while. I will NEVER EVER forget this. I love my Roman. 

Okay, so now we can move on:)

Wow, I have to say Brother Roman is still not sure what to think of little Benny boy. It took him a few weeks before we could get him to hold Bennett. He often likes to get up in his face and say "Hi-eeeeeeee"! He means well, but tends to smother and when Roman gets near him, Bennett usually knows.....and doesn't like it . Haha!  But Roman knows his name and likes to call him "Benny". I can't wait until they start playing together!

Look at his smile!

Bennett had to lay on the Billy light for his Jaundice for 3-4 days. 

FAMILY/NEWBORN PICS (BENNETT 2 WEEKS OLD) 

PHOTOS BY HEATHER TELFORD

 3 weeks old.

Roman 22 months:

loves to jibber jabber (wish I knew what he was saying!), loves cars, trucks, airplanes, skateboards, bikes, books, movies, dancing ("HAPPY DANCE"!), diet coke, putting everything on his head (he thinks everything is a hat!), his cousins, bath time.

Mr. Roman can't put down his new motorcycle.

Watching another movie. Currently his favorite is "Shrek". Also loves Yo Gabba Gabba and Caillou.

This ear thing is hilarious. He covers his ears if he is afraid of something. Loud noises, people, anything! 

 

FARM COUNTRY AT THANKSGIVING POINT

BENNETT - 1 MONTH OLD

BENNETT AT 2 MONTHS:

Bennett loves to be held!  He is a very different baby than Roman was. Roman just wanted to be swaddled and layed down with his binky.  I love that I can snuggle him so much! Well, as much as Roman will let me:) He LOVES it when you talk to him. He will smile and coo back.

Roman loves his cousin, Hailey. He starts dancing and spinning around with excitement when she comes. So adorable.

NEWPORT BEACH GIRLS TRIP (AND BENNETT TOO)

a much needed and long over due trip to the beach. it was absolute heaven:) love my sisters (and Kaitlynn too!)

THAT'S A BLUE WHALE!