catch up time

This might be a long post, don't say I didn't warn you. We have had a busy summer this far. I am staying home with the kids, and we are always up to something, even if it's all laying in my bed watching Calliou. (Cole's fav) Anna Reed is getting so big, she is 7 months and worships her big brother. She is obsessed with Sophie the giraffe and still hair fabulous.

Cole is almost 3, and completely potty trained! We didn't have to work at that AT ALL, thank goodness, he just got up and decided one day he was ready. No going back!! I bet I've already saved a ton in diapers! Anna Reed still doesn't sleep that well, she is an early riser!! (actually anything before 9 is too early, but I've learned to be thankful for even 6am) We have spent lots of weekends with the grandparents, been to the lake a few times, and heading to the beach in a couple weeks..praying for no oil! Cole LOVES to swim! Which is great, considering we started off the summer in lessons that I had to cancel because it was so pointless due to the screaming.

Cole amazes me every day with the things he says. It's like he woke up a little boy, no longer a baby. We went to the zoo last week, and as we were leaving he said "thank you mommy, for taking me to the zoo. I love you so much." After I passed out, I wanted to just cry because I realize he is no longer a baby. He also at times has a much sharper tongue. His latest comments are "don't tell me what to do" and "mommy, I don't have to obey anymore!" But he equally loves his sister as much as she loves him. He tells her "good morning sweet girl", at all hours of the day.
Life is finally getting a little easier, with the kids getting a little older. Cole can do so much by himself now, and I am less tired bc Anna Reed is sleeping...some. I can't even IMAGINE throwing another child in the mix right now! (and don't worry, I'm not!)
We are still crossing things off our house to do list slowly but surely. We've done a ton in the past 9 months we've lived here, and have so much more to do! But we do have a backyard now!
On a sadder note, our beloved dog of 15 years, died while we were at my parents for the 4th of july. This picture was taken hours before he got sick and passed. (He was old, and had a troubled heart.)
RIP Chip Dobson