Elijah is THREE!!!!!

Roarrrrr! Shut the door, Elijah is THREE!!!! I can hardly believe how this past year has just flown past! Elijah has grown by leaps and bounds in the past year and he's really turning into such a nice young man. Boy does that comment make me feel old, but I feel so much pride seeing him practice manners, show others kindness and go through life with his happy heart. Elijah has brought so much joy to our lives, giving our hearts a happiness only children can bring. We thank God to have him in our lives and wish him years of joy, love and ROARING to come.

Today was just our own little personal birthday as Matt had to fly to Utah for a fundraiser to support his friend, Ben Harrow, in the Steel Warrior foundation. We certainly made the most of the day, despite the intermittent rain, by going to the park nice and early, before the rain hit us. Elijah had so much fun going up the ladder and down the slides, swinging and  (drum roll please) using the potty like a big boy that's finally potty trained!!!!!!!!! Hello 3! I think I'm going to like you!!!

Once home from the park, Noah went down for his nap and Elijah and I headed outside. By then the rain was starting to fall and we took full advantage by playing soccer in the front yard, playing chase (by Dinosaurs of course), riding his bike and doing some puddle stomping for two! We had a blast and just as the rain really starting coming down, CC, Aunt Carol and Cake-lyn arrived to bring PRESENTS!!!!  

On a side note, blessed doesn't begin to describe how amazing these women are to us and how very grateful we are for each of them every day. Aunt Carol, whom we met just after moving to SC, has taken us in, shown us love in so many ways and been there for us the way only family does. CC (Sara Elise) is such a wonderful young woman and she was the first sitter we ever had. She helped teach Elijah how to be kind, have fun, be creative and just be yourself. We've missed her a ton this past year while she was away at college and are so excited to have her back for the summer. And last, but certainly not least, Cake-lyn (Caitlyn), who was recruited by CC and brought into our home to take care of BOTH boys. The thought of caring for a 2yr and 3 month old scared me....and they're MINE. Cake-lyn keeps the boys and makes it look easy. She's kind, loving, totally herself and a brilliant young woman. Again, we couldn't be more blessed to have her with our children and loving them with her whole heart, just as we love them. Thank you ladies. We are blessed.

CC and Aunt Carol brought Elijah an awesome DINOSAUR that eats MONEY (a dino bank). They were even kind enough to bring dino food with BALLOONS!!!!! Thank you CC and Aunt Carol!!!

Cake-lyn brought some amazing dinosaur paintings (that she did herself!!!!), a window bird house that you can look into and watch the birds and (drum roll.......) A SLIP AND SLIDE!!!!! Seriously, I'm not sure who's more excited, Elijah or Cake-lyn and me?! Either way, it's going to be AWESOME!!!!!!!! Thank you Cake-lyn!

After all that fun, Elijah took a little nap, Noah and I played a ton and I even gave Noah his first haircut. Admittedly, I'm not talented in this area. That is unfortunate. It doesn't look bad, but I promise I won't do it again. 

Either way, Noah was POOPED. 

After eating a wonderful, on the fly dinner, we had a very special birthday cupcake from Sweet! Elijah loved the candle so much, he blew it out a second time. Who knows what he wished for....dinosaurs....but he was H-A-PP-Y

Elijah has never been one for sweets beyond an M&M or chocolate chip. Tonight, for the first time, he went after that cupcake and loved it! 

Happy 3rd birthday to a wonderful, kind, sweet, funny, silly, loud little boy that makes my heart feel so happy every day. We love you!

Enjoying Summer...

Summer has arrived again and it's so wonderful getting to enjoy it this year, as opposed to last year when I was ready to pop! The boys are getting so big and really seem to enjoy one another. They have been sharing better than I expected and Elijah is very nurturing to Noah. Needless to say, life is good and we are blessed. Here are a few of the photos I captured on just another day with the Bowerman Boys.

Just a little morning indoor lacrosse practice

Brother Love

There's my sweet smiling boy, showing off those teeth he's been working so hard on for the past few months

Nom nom nom face

Mommy and Noah Bear selfie!

Elijah showing off one of his MANY airplanes, with which he's obsessed 

Elijah will get me for this picture someday...but for now it's just too funny

Murrells Inlet 2014

Two posts in one day! As Elijah often says, " I CAN BELEEBE IT!?". Thank you to my sweet family for all the wonderful photos. I'll have to collect the remaining photos from Matt's iPhone when he returns from his trip to Ohio, where he's participating in the "Man of Steel" fundraiser concert for CPT Ben Harrow. Enjoy the photos and captions.

Our first night in Murrells Inlet. From left to right, Uncle Juju, Lala, insert server, Aunt Trinka, Matt and Elijah. The food was great and it was right on the water. 

This is Daddy and Aunt Karen, his older sister.

Another evening out a Wicked Tuna. The food was so wonderful, we went for a second meal! 

Noah bear keeping us entertained in the house before pool time. He was an incredible sport, despite coming down with hand-foot-and-mouth while on vacation. 

Our wonderful (rented) heated pool right at the back of the house and just off from the beach. Ahhh it was beautiful. 

Aunt Karen and Daddy again. Great picture :)

The view off the back deck. We had nothing but beautiful weather. A huge blessing, considering the previous week of rain and thunderstorms!

It was impossible to keep Elijah in clothing while at the pool. He reluctantly agreed to wear swim trunks on the beach, but refused at the pool. It certainly helped reinforce potty training and he had a blast. 

Digging holes on the beach with Daddy. 

Handsome E-bug getting ready for a night out with the family.

Sweet Noah bear enjoying a little fun in the sun and pool time. 

Lala with Noah bear

"ROAAAAARRRRRRRR!!!!"

The rare family (almost) shot. Noah missed out....it was nap time. 

Oh that face! He's getting so big and always so handsome.

"Tiny but Tough" So true. Noah on the last full day, feeling more like himself and laughing with us.

Thanks you to my family for going in on a wonderful vacation home for the week. We had a wonderful time with everyone and look forward to the next time we're all able to get together and enjoy a relaxing and peaceful week together. 

Time to Catch Up Again

Well, it's been several months again since my last post and I'm sure you all understand how busy things can be these days. It seems to be the new norm, despite feeling like things couldn't be any busier prior to Noah's arrival. Trust me (and many of you know), the activities somehow sneak their way into the calendar and things just get busier. Alas, I woke up before 5am today, so I have a few minutes to post a plethora of new photos to gush over today. Enjoy and I'll add a little caption to follow along with the photos.

Elijah and Noah sporting the Christmas shirts I made for them.  Although it's a little late, Merry Christmas.

Noah starting feeding himself and began by devouring Mum Mums, which was a favorite of Elijah's. He has since taken on just about anything else we place in front of him. He's unstoppable at mealtime. 

Happy Valentines Day....late again, but the boys wore the V-day shirts to their school party that day. It was so cute, a polka-dot tie with a red heart in the center and of course, suspenders. 

Working or not, I always try to be at school for the parties. Thank goodness I'm only part-time. Those kids party a lot. There's really nothing cuter than 12 two and three year olds having a little party together. 

Elijah had asked Santa for a "blue horsey" and Santa brought not only a Blue Horse, but a Red Horse just for baby brother. Elijah is a maniac on the Rody horse and I'm sure Noah will follow suit in no time. 

Uncle Juju came to visit and after a few hours of Noah crying every time he came near, he finally warmed up and saw what a great Uncle he has. This was actually taken about a week or so before Juju had his accident. I'm so grateful we've been blessed to spend so much time together and thankful beyond words that Juju is well and improving daily.

After Juju's accident, he was in the ICU at Inova Fairfax Medical Center for less than 48hrs. It's absolutely a miracle. While still there, we all drove up and this was taken in the ICU waiting room. The boys were a nice distraction from the seriousness of those days.

Happy baby, Happy Papa

Elijah joined the Upward Soccer Program and it playing on Team Lightning. Although he doesn't really understand the Team of the sport, he does enjoy occasionally getting out on the field to kick the ball and ROAR at the other team. It's an intimidation tactic and I think it works. 

With spring upon us, we make an effort to be outside every day it's not raining. It's been wonderful expanding our play area and getting out all our outdoor toys again. Bring on the summer!

Elijah loves his bubble blower. Any toy that looks like something Daddy uses outside is a winner with him. 

Just a towel full of love. Noah's growing by the day and chunky chunky.

Noah enjoys sitting in his seat and watching Mommy cook and bake....which she does often. 

Elijah has been so sweet with Noah as he become more and more mobile. He enjoys getting on the floor and rolling around with him, demonstrating how to crawl and just dancing around to make him giggle. 

"Night at the Museum" is one of Elijah's ALL TIME FAVORITE movies. If you haven't seen it (100 times like us), the night guard at the museum, Larry, carries his keys and flashlight on his belt. Hence, Elijah walks around our house with keys in his pants and a giant Mag flashlight tucked inside his pull-up. 

Noah's doing a great job of sitting up on his own and soon enough, crawling. 

For now, rolling is his preferred method of mobility. Works for me. 

This was Noah's first time in our toddler swing and he LOVED it. I remember when Elijah used to swing at the park on Fort Sill and just giggle the whole time. So much joy with these little guys. 

Our big boy is just getting more handsome by the day.  Maybe a future USMA grad right here. 

Elijah's at it again with the lawn work. Daddy's just not cutting it alone. 

Now that it's really warming up, we go out on the patio and play each day. Noah enjoys sitting with me and playing with toys and sometimes even a bowl of water to splash. Snapped this picture mid-play. Look at that face!

After church, we've been going to Starbucks for "special milk" and some treats. It's a nice routine and Elijah really enjoys it. I can't get over how big he's getting. 

Just another sweet photo of Noah. He's getting so big and he has such a wonderful personality. You can practically see it in this photo. 

And his sweet smile... 

Elijah is "silly silly silly" and loves making Noah laugh. 

A close up of Elijah ROAAARRRRRing at one of his soccer games. He really gets into it. Hilarious!

Another beautiful South Carolina day on the back patio. Noah was sitting on Elijah's Thomas the Tank Engine "bikeccycle" pushing the buttons and calling out orders on the handheld speaker.

"Yes station 1, this is the Noah Bear requesting track 1 for drop off"

We've made it to Easter. This was taken at All Saint PMO Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn. Once again, I was at work and made it just in time to see the little cuties running around finding eggs. Elijah had a wonderful time and I really enjoyed seeing him so happy and excited. 

"CHEEPS" as I snap a picture for Daddy

As I said before, there's nothing cuter than a bunch of 2-3yr olds having a party. 

Elijah and Noah back at home in their school party clothes still. Just such handsome and sweet boys. We are so blessed.

Well, that's all the photos for now, but obviously it's the middle of May and a lot has happened since this last photo. I will do my best to collect more photos from our family vacation to Murrells Inlet in SC, which was May 3-10. More to come. God bless.