Firsts...

Before the summer slips away, I wanted to post a couple of "firsts" Marshall has experienced in his short 3 year life!

Potty training! He did great thanks to the "3-Day Potty Training Method"

First time hanging a shelf with daddy

His first "last day of school" - he LOVES Ms. Jackie!

And ADORES Ms. Lucy!

First time learning how to catch a baby frog

and how to let them go...

This wasn't his 1st Smore, but just too cute to pass up!

First time playing with sparklers

First time to stay up and watch the July 4th fireworks (with our community group friends)

The kids were in awe of the fireworks
(Andi, Camryn, Marshall & Allie)

It's been an amazing summer and we're excited about getting back to the school year schedule. Marshall will be going to Mothers Day Out 2 days a week this year and will begin the children's program at Watermark during my women's bible study. I can't wait to see how much he learns and grows, sweet little boy!

Spencer - 5 months old!

Spencer,
Five months old, already!!! You look so grown up with more hair coming in and your chubby cheeks disappearing, so sad! I want time to slow down so I can soak in your babyness...a mom can dream!

When you're playing, you prefer to stay on your tummy these days and take in the world. You can roll onto your stomach both ways, but haven't quite mastered getting to your back again. The way you occasionally move your feet and knees in this position make me realize we are on borrowed time. You'll probably be crawling in a month or two like your brother...I need a moment....

You smile all. the. time. It's a true joy to anyone you meet...you just beam at them like they are your new best friend. It's precious! You love to laugh and your brother can really get you going anytime he comes near. You are crazy ticklish, and the laughs that come from it melt our hearts. The absolute joy and ease that you possess are sweet treasures to us.

Things you like...anything that crackles, sleep, your thumb, Maggie and being outside.
Things you don't like...being startled (you are kinda jumpy,) dirty diapers and being hungry.

This past month you got to meet your Uncle Andy for the first time, sorry I didn't get a picture. But you gave him the crazy infant "no blinking stare" that he loves to much...it was obviously love at first sight! You get to meet your Uncle Adam for the first time this week, I know he's really excited about all your drool. :)

5 month pic with Gordo

Mom, should I be snuggling with this gorilla?

My little mini-me

Spencer's 4 months old

Spencer,
You're 4 months old and things are starting to get more fun in your world! A couple of things have happened in the last month...you found your feet, your voice and you rolled over for the first time!

You are a little smitten with your feet! Every time you catch a glimpse of them you either start panting or "clucking" as you reach for them...you are a man on a mission. You've also become quite the screamer whether you are happy or sad. It's funny to see you find your range and sometimes you surprise yourself with how loud you can squeal. So cute...for now.

You rolled over for the first time at 3.5 months when we were out at the farm house with Gana and Papa. You were on the floor and we were all busy painting the living room when Papa found you on your tummy. We rolled you back onto your back and you quickly rolled to your tummy from your left side. Initially you weren't too thrilled with your new position, but you've been doing well with tummy time ever since. The little play mat is one of your favorite spots and you are quite the aggressive grabber of what's near by...a toy, someone's face, hair, etc.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with all this thumb sucking!?! It makes your mama crazy!

Your 4 month stats (basically the exact same as your brother at this age, crazy!)

Weight: 15lb 13oz - 75%

Height: 25-3/4" - 80%

Head: 16-3/8" - 30%

We love you buddy!
Love,
Mommy

4 month picture for Gordo

"Look how much I've grown!"

Zoos make me sleepy...

Your usual position...thumb in mouth, cuddling a blanket, sigh.

An action shot after you rolled over for the first time, just a little stressed out!

3 months old

Mr. Spencer,
Well, look who's 3 months old!?! My how you've grown...you don't have a well baby appt so I don't have any stat updates, but I know you're growing because you can't wear any of the 0-3 month stuff anymore, tear.

You are still sleeping like a champ, you're up to 12 hours a night 8am-8pm. This makes your daddy VERY happy! We also transitioned you out of sleeping in the swing at night and now you're sleeping in your crib for naps and nighttime! You have started tracking everyone in the room much more and your brother is always your favorite target! You always give him big smiles and a few chuckles. When you laugh it literally fills my heart, so adorable!!! You are definitely a social butterfly, always asking to be in the middle of things. We sit you in the bumbo seat on top of the kitchen table when we eat and you are in heaven, smiling at everyone and watching how this whole eating thing works. Speaking of eating...you are turning into a picky bottle drinker, meaning you aren't a huge fan of them. You usually come around because you're hungry, but you definitely show your unhappiness in the process. Mom can't be around all the time, so you better snap out of it! ;)

We love you Spenc, it seems like you've been in our lives forever! Our family is definitely complete now that you're here!

Love,
Mom

3 month Gordo pic

It's already begun...they knew I wanted a shot of them in their brother shirts and this is what they do, sigh.

Ta-dah! Big Bro/Lil' Bro shirts!!!

Happy Bouncing Birthday!

Turning 3 is so much fun, especially when you have friends to bounce with! Marshall and his favorite bud, Egan, have the joy of celebrating their birthdays together every year! So when both of their mommies had babies months before, we opted to divide and conquer the celebration this year. It could not have been more perfect and the boys had a blast!

Whitney posted a fabulous recap on her blog, I recommend you check it out to get the full scoop, here.

Like father, like son

Go Lisa Go! (with Jack)

Preston and Egan

T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

The Dodd girls brave the hurricane machine!

Gana and Grandma with Spencer

The birthday boys on their "thrown"

Elvis has left the building...

Look who's 3!!!

Dear Marshall,
My baby is 3, how did this happen!?! What a fun year it's been watching you become a "big boy" and soak up the world around you with such gumption! As I'm typing this, I realize how busy we've been and how little I've blogged about all the hilarity that's been going on around here. Your personality is HUGE and there's no holding back all that energy. We love it!

Things you LOVE: playing rough with Daddy, all things Batman, anything with wheels (you typically like to ask each vehicle's make and model), and lots and lots of snuggles!

Not such a fan of: sleeping without your paci (you gave it up on your own, but you are still sad about your decision), Dinner...you love food but would prefer one of your five food groups of burgers, pizza, PB&J, corn dogs and CANDY...adult dinner food, not so much!

Sweet son, you are truly a joy! Spencer is two months old and your love and affection for him is growing by the minute. It's so sweet to see you together, the sweet voice and faces you make while talking to him and telling him that's he's "so cute!" I can not wait to see how much fun y'all will have together. We love you dearly!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

The first of many mud puddles found at the farm, which lead to your first front yard hose bath!

With Auntie Vicki

Hanging at the Arboretum with Camryn and friends

Peek-a-Boo

You take egg dyeing very seriously

One of your most beloved gifts from Aunt Leslie & Uncle Adam

Blowing out the candles on your birthday "dirt cake with worms!" 

Spencer - 2 months old

Dear Spencer,
You are 2 months old and what a fun 2 months it's been! Your little personality has been coming out over the last couple weeks and we are just smitten with you. You are a very friendly little boy (friendlier than your brother at this age) giving adorable smiles and coos to anyone that stops to smile at you.

Things you love - eating and sleeping (you've been sleeping through the night for a week now), baths and snuggling like a tree frog on anyone's chest. You definitely prefer to be upright than cradled in someone's arms.

Not such a fan of - gas (which you kinda have a lot), stop lights - you want the car to GO! and laying flat on your back. (Bad parenting confession, you've slept in the swing every night since you've come home...you don't need it to swing, you just like it's snugly cocoon factor.)

You went to the Dr and here are your stats, you are definitely following your brother as a big Uphues boy!

Weight: 13lb 8oz - 90% (you gained 2 lbs in a month!?!)
Height: 24.5" - 90%
Head: 15-3/4" - 50%

What a little blessing you are! It's been fun navigating our world with two little boys. Your big brother just adores you and can. not. WAIT. until you can do more than just lay around, get ready! You make this mamma's heart smile!

Monthly picture with Gordo the Gorilla - it's a love/hate relationship right now.

Hanging out with Gana

LOVE those cheeks!

The Uphues Boys