Progress is Helpful

I feel so blessed to spend my days as a stay-at-home mom with these two wild and crazy boys who try my patience, and make me laugh, and even more so, makes me feel just a glimpse of how much Heavenly Father loves us. Because I know it's more than I love these two little guys, and that's hard to fathom.
Xander is starting to grow some hair. The Stevens commented that this picture reminds them of Jack Jack from that Disney movie 'The Incredibles'
Yes, we have a toddler on our hands, that is for sure. We have a rocking recliner that I discovered Kaleb sitting on top of. If you know this little guy he loves buttons and knobs and he discovered the A/C wall unit and how to reach it so he could turn it on. Sometimes I think this kid is too smart!
Kaleb has been talking quite a bit more. Doesn't say much but he knows basic words.
Shirt, Shoes, Socks, Duck or is it Truck? Drink, Hungry, All Done. Then there are those words and sentences that I just can't figure out for the life of me. I've quickly learned not to just smile and nod because who knows what he's really asking me and what I'm giving him permission to do!
Kaleb has finally mastered the art of using a spoon...need to work on a fork with more solid foods. This has been such a relief. Mealtimes as I said last post are pretty hectic and having one being able to feed themselves helps cut down on the whining and crying.









The boys are starting to acknowledge each other more and play together fairly well for the most part. There is the occasional fight over the lap but I've become pretty good at rocking them both at the same time.












I found this picture of Jake's dad as a child and I wanted to share it. Yes, it's a picture of a picture so it's not that great. Hmm, does anyone else see a resemblance with Xander or Kaleb? The boys really didn't get their looks from my side of the family. As one of my family members once said. The Stevens are very dominating in their gene pool. It's a good thing I married into such a good looking family! Okay, I guess Kaleb does look like my side of the family. He especially has eyes like my Dad.
Friday I packed Kaleb over to a friends house so he could spend the day. This was the first time he's been left alone without one of us for this long of a time period. I was so nervous about how he would do. It sounds like he did just fine and was only a little whiny. Crying as I left the house "no mama, don't go bye bye"
This friend has three girls so there was plenty to distract him, not to mention a muddy backyard - his favorite! We really need to leave these boys more often!

I took Xander to his Dr appointment. At 6 months old he weighs 17 lbs and is 27 inches long. 1 pound and 1 inch bigger than Kaleb was at this age. Xander is pretty long, I have a problem with his clothes not fitting him length wise.
Right after the appointment we headed North to St George to meet Jake's family.
the drive was uneventful and went real well. I only had to stop twice for feeding the boy and once for feeding me and the car.
Jake's mom and his sisters and I shared a three bedroom condo with other female cousins and aunts. Fifteen of us in this condo was a lot of fun!
That first night as soon as we got there we went to cousin Paul and Nancy's house. It was built as a cement bomb shelter bunker but they have turned it into a lovely home. There are tunnels in the dirt basement. One leads to a vacant field across the street and another up to the carport. The original intention, as the rumor goes, for the tunnel to the vacant field, is that a polygamous family built the house and the brother was going to build in the field so they could trade their wives back and forth. Ha ha ha - it was an interesting house.
The next day we just hung out. Went shopping a bit then had lunch at Brick Oven

Raygan's friend was able to join us.

Hannah and Shawna (a side note - Congrats to Daniel and Hannah! They are expecting their first the end of September - wahoo!)









Visited Grandma and Grandpa Saturday and Sunday. We went to church on Sunday at their ward then we all went our separate ways.
Great-Grandma Stevens and Xander.



























The drive home wasn't quite as smooth but it was still fairly good. Despite the two hours when Xander cried because he was sick of the car. I just powered through since there was no reason to stop until it was time for him to eat again.
I came home to squeals of delight from Kaleb and a delicious Chinese Chicken dinner. I love having a husband that cooks!

We are seeing little miracles every day with Jake's nephew. He was transferred to a different state where there are specialists in some of the rare illnesses and problems that children have. Kids from all over the world come here to be treated. Hailey feels very confident in the staff. Jesse has been improving over the time he has been there. He has been breathing on his own now for 24 hours. We continue to pray for the miracles and pray that this study drug they are giving him is helping his body. Can't wait until we can hug and squish him again.

Kaleb has learned how to give high fives and blow kisses. When he does a kiss he sucks in his cheeks like you would to make a fish face. I tried to capture it on film but of course, he wouldn't cooperate. So, here's the best attempt. I'll keep trying to get a picture or video because it's so funny and cute!
Hugs and kisses until we see you all again. It was great spending time with some of you over the weekend. Thank you for everything.
We love you!