Lazy Days

We had one of those weekends where we just laid low and hung around the house. Tate had a basketball game (in which they got creamed: 24 to 1) early yesterday morning and we had some friends over for dinner last night, but it was still a really quiet few days... well not exactly "quiet," but you get my drift.

Today, Tate finally got dressed around 5:45pm (no clue why he even bothered). Knox has been in a diaper since he dumped a glass of water on himself at lunch. And Brady is in her second set of jammies since she peed through the first one.

As uneventful as it was, I sat at dinner tonight thinking, I'm one lucky lady to share my weekends with the four other people that were in my kitchen at that moment.

My sweet babies hanging out in Brady's crib... please forgive Tate's blue mouth (Sonic slushes do that to ya)

Love to y'all,

Tracy

Help Wanted

Every year around this time, our family starts to gear up for our annual participation in the March For Babies benefiting the March of Dimes.  We've been a part of this since 2009, less than one year after Nash passed away.  We raise money as a team and the proceeds go to this amazing organization that specializes in making sure babies are born healthy.  Many people know that March of Dimes does huge things to prevent prematurity in infants, but they also are responsible for funding research in order to lower infant mortality rates.  Nash was born full term, and yet his little heart wasn't working how it was supposed to.  I often wonder if there had been screenings or tests available for him, could we have seen the problems before it was too late?  

Raising money for March of Dimes gives me the feeling that I'm doing something in the face of the tragedy that our family lives with everyday.  By raising money, maybe we can save other babies' lives.  When Nash first died, people often asked us what they could do to help.  Back then, I wasn't really sure what I needed... but now I know how to respond.  By donating, people are remembering our little boy and helping other babies at the same time. 

Last year, our team finished in third place out of 400 Dallas family teams, and raised $10,590!  I am still blown away by this!  I am hoping to get to that total again this year, but I know that it's going to be a tough thing to achieve.  So please, if you would like to help our family reach our goal, please click the link below and donate.  I cannot thank you enough for you generosity.  

 Pics from March For Babies 2011

Click here to donate.

Love to y'all,

Tracy

Knox is TWO!

Knox is officially two as of today and he couldn't be more excited!  I think that with every birthday a parent watches their children have, we wish time would slow down a little bit.  I cannot believe two years ago, I was holding his little newborn self in my hospital bed, praising God for the miracle he sent to me.  Two years later, I still give thanks each and every day for that same miracle.  What a blessing this little boy is.

I love everything about Knox, but here are my top ten favorites as turns two:

10. The way he "dribbles" a basketball... envision the ball lying on the floor with him patting the top of it.

9. How he says "please" (or should I say, "peas") with EVERY request - which makes me wonder how's a mama supposed to ever say no?!

8. How he constantly wants to kiss Brady... and it's always has to be on her face.

7. The way he lies his head on my shoulder when I sing him his goodnight song.

6. His giggle... gets me every time.

5. His voice when he's saying, "Baby Nash."

4. His toes.

3. The way his eyes crinkle up when smiles.

2. That he COMPLETELY idolizes Tate.

1.Cuddling on the couch as we read books after a long day.

Lovin' him some Monster Trucks!

Big brothers are great for opening presents.

Best gift of the night from Grandma and Grandpa Smith.

My Little Sugars

I love you, Sweet Knox.  God Bless you today and always.

Love to y'all,

Tracy

FINALLY!!!

Since Brady was born, I've been trying to get a good picture of the three kids together.  Every time I try, someone's crying, or running away, or not looking at the camera.  And after three long months, we FINALLY have one! Phew!

Love to y'all,

Tracy

Happy Happy Birthday

Today would have been Nash's fourth birthday.  I cannot get over the fact that my little baby would be a preschooler.  I try to imagine what he would look like, who he would be...  It's so hard though.  

I miss his little face.  I look at this picture and notice things that I wish I could touch and smell... like that little spot on his neck right below his earlobe.  I just want to kiss him again.  I want to wrap my arms around him and tell him how happy I am to be his mommy.  I want to see his face as he blows out his candles and eats his cake.  I want to watch him with his friends at his party - see him run around and play.  I just want him back.

Each year on his birthday, I share a slideshow my friend made back on his first birthday.  Click here to see it.  Please feel free to watch it... maybe it's your first time or maybe it's your fourth.  Either way, please remember my little boy today.  

Love to y'all,
Tracy

Daddy's Dinner

Just a quick post...

Brad made dinner tonight: steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans... in other words, a "man's meal."  The boys all loved it and Tate (once again) had the quote of the day.

"This is frickin' good!"

Love to y'all,

Tracy

Overheard Conversation

I was just in my room putting makeup on and overheard Tate talking to Brady as she sat in her little bouncer.  Here's what I heard:

Tate talking in a little, gentle baby voice... you know, like everyone does when they talk to a baby...

"I have nipples.  But you have boobies.  Boys have nipples.  See?  And girls have boobies.  Let's see... Yep!  Your boobies are growing!!!" 

Don't ask where this came from because I have no clue.  Can you imagine how embarrassed poor Brady will be if Tate repeats this conversation in thirteen years??? 

Love to y'all,

Tracy