some BIG milestones

Well it happened, today my little man got his first little tooth. It is just poking through but it is there and number two is right behind.

I feel like these boys are already growing up so fast. Gauge is going to be 1 before we know it! We did hit some milestones this week and one that I am VERY proud of...Paxton now calls me Mom! Not Mommy or Ma, not Whyee or Whit, but Maaaooom. He almost sings it every time he calls me. One of my friends at work told me to not respond to Whitney anymore and he would start calling me Mommy. I tried it but it didn't quite work until Ryan starting calling me Mom and having Paxton say it every time he wanted me. It is such a beautiful word. I feel like I am finally a Mom. Now I don't get myself confused with Woody who is also a close sounding "Wooy" when Paxton is talking.

Another thing that Ryan and I have noticed is that overall Paxton is trying a lot harder to speak. Before, we couldn't get him to try at all, as though he just wasn't ready. Now, he repeats what we say to his best ability and we are realizing how much he really does say. One big word that I wish he did not know is "Mine" He has hit that stage where everything is his and he is going to drive me crazy! Also, he finally says (and may I say he does it with quite a bit of passion) "NO"
It has to be his favorite word right now. I really can't wait for the terrible two's to end. He isn't really that bad, we don't get too many tantrums, but he just isn't the kid that I know.

Gauge is no longer happy just sitting around and watching everyone and I have to say, it is totally my fault. I really really spoil that kid. I am a little afraid for my Mom this weekend who has been kind enough to watch Gauge for us when we take a small trip. I have been holding him like crazy and have been singing him to sleep. I just can't get enough of the kid and it is turning into a bad thing. He is also already growing out of his current clothes. He hit a growth spurt recently where he only slept and ate and now he just seems huge. This kid still smiles like crazy too, every chance he gets and it still melts my heart every time. He and Paxton play really well together now and when Paxton pushes his stroller or sits down next to him at the Saucer Gauge stops what he is doing and just smiles at him. I feel like they are going to be close. I sure hope so. They are such wonderful boys! It would make me so happy to have them always be close.

Another very nice thing we got to do this weekend was go to my nephue and Paxton's cousin Colby's 5th birthday party. I will always remember his birthday because he was born the week that Ryan and I were married. He seemed to have an awesome time but the best part was having Paxton hang out with his cousins. As soon as he got to the party he and Colby were scaling a little playground Col has in his room. There were balloons and treats, he had such a blast. Something nice for me is that I finally got to hang out with my brothers and sisters. We all live such different lives and I feel like we have grown so far apart. I really enjoyed just talking and laughing with everyone and being able to relax. My parents also came and it was so good to see them. You don't realize how much you miss people until you get to see them. My Dad hugged me for such a long time. I really miss his hugs. It is really hard growing up sometimes you know? I feel like our family used to be so close and now, while we are starting families and finding our places in the world there just isn't any time. Anyway, we had a great time!! Thanks John and Beth for inviting us to Colby's party!! I love you all so much!