I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home!

Jeff just got home yesterday from a trip to California with his brother. They were there cycling and watching the Tour of California (a big bike race). Needless to say, he was missed. Rex was super happy to have daddy come home (and so was I). He has been going through Jeff's bag and wearing his helmet today.

He's got a little more growing to do before the helmet fits and before he gets to go with daddy on rides, but in the mean time, he's Jeff's biggest fan.

Two ' Lil Monkeys

Cass and I wanted to take a few shots of little Cooper with his sock monkey beanie. You've heard me say it before, but he is the sweetest baby. I'm hoping he has a twin that will be sent to me in May.

It's hard to believe this little guy is almost 9 months!
He IS however, a little monkey. He crawled super early and has figured out how to get into everything at a young age. (You gotta have moves when you've got an older brother to keep up with.)

Thanks for being our little model, Coop! We love you!

Can You Say "Cheese?"

When Rex sees a camera he starts yelling cheese. We went to children's museum the other day and some lady wanted a picture of her kid. When Rex saw her get her camera out he started leaning into the frame and saying, "Cheese!" She thought it was pretty funny. Who wouldn't want a picture of this sweet face?

I think he's slowly starting to look like a big boy. I am lucky that he's still a little snuggler, though.

Narrowing It Down...

I wanted to say thank you to all of you who contributed name ideas for our new little one. I thought I'd let you know what we've narrowed it down to. We finally have a few we both like. (Which really means I like them and Jeff hasn't said "absolutely not!") Let me know what you like. We probably won't pin down the official name till we meet the little man. We're still open to other suggestions, too.

Drake. I like this one because it's different, but not hard to pronounce or foreign sounding.

Bingham. We'd call him Bing. I have a little 4-year-old boy in the church class I teach with this name. He's adorable and his mom told me they are moving and she wouldn't care if I stole the name. I love it.

Breck J. Breck from my dad and J from Jeff's dad. I love the sentimental value of this name.

Joining the Circus

Rex found a bag of balloons in our home a few months ago. They have been one of his favorite toys. He likes to have you blow them up and then static-stick them to his hair. Then he prances around with a grin on his face because he knows he looks funny. I love his little sense of humor. Here's my little balloon boy.

Rex's current favorites:

1) He still adores chapstick and thinks he needs a tube with him at all times.

2) When he knows he's doing something he shouldn't be doing he says, "Hi! Hi!" to you in a sweet, soft voice with a cheesy grin.

3) He just saw the movie "Cars" for the first time and he's obsessed with it. I didn't realize the can of worms I was opening by letting him watch it. He loves the racing scenes.

4) His favorite food is currently Cool Whip. (Disclaimer: Cassie told me it's better to give your child Cool Whip on pancakes or waffles than syrup.) He chants, "Cool! Cool! Cool!" at breakfast time and eats a whole wheat waffle with cool whip every morning.

A Valentine for You...

Pretend you haven't seen this picture of Rex before. Here's a Valentine just for you, from Rex.

My sweet piano students brought Rex a few valentines. Today he was carrying them around the house for awhile. It's like he understood that they were for him. One of them had a picture of a car on it. He liked it so much that he insisted on taking it into the bath tub with him. I could only fight him on it so long. Now we have one soggy valentine, but he still loves it.

The Final Moments...

We took my parents to the airport today. They will fly to LA, Korea, and then Vladivostok, Russia. They will be gone for 18 months, which we're hoping will fly by. I am so proud of them and what they are doing. They are trying to share the best gift they have ever received with others. Their lives were never the same after they joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints thirty-some years ago. I admire their willingness to sacrafice their time and talents and I am so excited for the adventures to come.

Here's a look at some of our last moments today. Don't they look adorable?

This little guy got a few dozen extra hugs.
Grandma gave out a few more tic-tacs, which she is quite known for having on her at all times.

My parents got in a little practicing :)

This little man got to follow "Bahm-pa" around some more.

Can you tell that Coop is in love with this lady. He adores her.

I caught Cam getting in some extra snuggles while watching "Cars."

You will be more than missed, Mom and Dad. We love you so much!

Help Name My Baby Brother

Jeff and I have had a hard time coming up with names for our new baby. His suggestions are always jokes and he doesn't like any of the hundred names I've suggested. Jeff says he'll make suggestions in the hospital, but I'd like to have some ideas before we get there, so I'm asking for your suggestions. I like names that aren't super popular, but not so creative that you can't pronounce it. Throw them my way, please!

I took a few pics of Rex today. I needed to get my photography fix.
Here's a more cross-processed version.