My superhero

A couple of days ago Jackson kept running around the house saying he was a superhero. I asked him if he would like a cape and he enthusiastically said yes. One small blanket and hair tie later, and his cape was born. Add in his favorite red sunglasses and garden boots and you have one pretty awesome getup.

He LOVED running around with his cape. We spent most of our morning outside and he kept it on the entire time. He talked a lot about "super powers." I asked him what his super powers were and he said "swinging" and "riding his bike super fast."

One of his super powers in action:

haha, like father, like son!

As a proud mommy, I would like to add a few more super powers to his list.

Including:

-An infectious smile and laugh that brightens any situation. He has a light about him that helps make our home a happy place. He's also learned he can use his smile and charm to his advantage... I guess that makes him a smart super hero, too.

-Luck. It has seemed to follow him even before he was born. All of the sudden we (he) started winning stuff like online baby showers, prizes for services from our doctor, gifts from the hospital for being the New Year's baby, etc. Hence his nickname, Jackpot.

-A memory that is unreal. This kid remembers EVERYTHING. He loves to play an animal memory game on Sean's phone and is really good at it. Sean and I will mention something haphazardly and he will remind us of it days later. He can memorize a new song in no time.

-His hair. I consider it a super power because people are drawn to it like a magnet! Complete strangers are always patting his head and wanting to touch his hair.

-Being the best big brother I could ask for.

He truly loves his little brother. They are lucky to have each other.

Yes, Jackson, you ARE a super hero. Never forget it.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day Sean!

These are two very lucky little boys to be able to call you dad! Thank you for being such a great example to them!

And of course happy Father's Day to both of our dads:

We love you!

Garden-- 3rd year

I am sure everyone is just dying to know what we planted in our garden this year. Ha! I know I am such a nerd for getting so excited about it, but I can't help it. I find it so gratifying! Before we planted a garden for the first time three years ago, I couldn't keep anything alive. Not even bamboo, which is supposed to be one of the easiest things to grow. The fact that our garden has proven even remotely successful is a major victory in my mind. I walk out to our garden plot pretty much every day. Let's be honest... I don't have a whole lot going on right now besides wiping bums, nursing, etc., so that may account for part of the excitement.

We planted pretty much the same stuff we have the past few years with a couple of exceptions. We have zucchini, tomatoes, tomatillos, bell peppers (green, red, yellow), jalapenos, pumpkin, sunflowers, peas, potatoes (red and gold), beans, green onions, lettuce, and spinach.

New additions:

Artichoke-- I am VERY excited about this

Strawberries (or "Fodder berries" as Jackson calls them):

Something keeps eating them so we need to build a fence or something. If anyone has any tips, send them our way!

I tried a mixed lettuce (left) that I am excited to start eating this week and our spinach (right) actually grew this year after being a no-show last year:

We are quite proud of our homemade trellis for our peas.

I would be really embarrassed if anyone knew how long it took us to construct this.

And finally, judging from the five small zucchini I found on our plant this afternoon, we should have plenty to pass around. The faster it grows, the better-- I am dying to try a recipe for a zucchini cranberry bread with vanilla glaze from my Food Network magazine. Maybe if it turns out I'll post the recipe!

Smiles and stats

Bode had his 2-month appointment today and here are the stats:

Height: 23.5" (72%)

Weight: 13.32 lbs (85%)

Head: 15.5" (35%)

Thatta boy!

It's been fun trying to coax smiles out of him. Hopefully we'll be seeing them more often!

Bode's blessing

Sean blessed our little man this past Sunday! We had several friends and family come support us and we are so thankful to everyone who could come!

The blessing was beautiful and Sean did a great job. Bode was calm throughout and I thought he looked pretty handsome all dressed in white. :) We did have a minor blowout after, but thanks to the onesie, the blessing outfit was saved!

A few proud parent pictures:

Group family shot:

Cute kids all over the place!

Kisses from cousin Emerson:

Thanks again to everyone who came-- especially those of you who had to travel. Bode is lucky to be surrounded by so many people who care about him. We love you Bode!