what a gift...

I was lucky (although I didn't always think it at the time...) to grow up with two sisters. My oldest sister is jus three years older than me and her three boys are like my boys. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for them...anything they couldn't come to their Auntie CoCo for. My younger sister, Brittany has become one of the most beautiful, tenacious people I know...and she's getting old...22! After I had Katie, I was advised STRONGLY by my doctor that having another child would be detrimental...even life-threatning. So, I took every precaution necessary...at least that is what one thinks...and along comes Carter. I never expected to have two little ones so close together...but Carter has always been my unexpected surprise in so many ways. Even when I had come to terms with the fact that I was going to have an only child (except I was actually pregnant at the time....) I ached that my KJ would never have a sibling connection. My sisters in my formative years, and my brothers, who came much later, have formed and shaped who I am to such a strong degree. I apologize for the montage of pictures that follow, but there were too many to pick from. My babies are best-friends. They really rarely fight, and usually just the usual sibling squabble over a toy. KJ would protect her "bubby" at all costs and always makes sure I know what he needs (sometimes over and over and over...I think kids seriously think adults can't hear). I'm so blessed that they have each other. It is a gift for them, and a gift for me, to watch them grow together.

snuggling on the couch together (unposed) watching Tom and Jerry (the latest fave)

KJ tickling bubby playing with toys in his room. They would do this all day....

Sharing...amazingly enough. You know it's so funny, out of all the expensive and huge toys they own the Mega Blocks school bus I bought at a garage sale for fifty cents is such a hit. Shows me.

KJ's 2nd Birthday party and a couple days before I decided that it was time to face it...Carter's curls were going to have to be cut. I loved them...but he was starting to look like a girl

Before you think I let my kids watch scary movies....I think they were just scared of the flash. KJ didn't feel good and bubby was snuggling with her (even sharing his precious blankie :)

Hanging out on momma's bed (I was trying to do grad school work) and watching cartoons. They loved being that high and being in a bed that big..but the excitement quickly wore off. Soon my bed just became a huge trampoline. Silly monkeys...

My two munchkins at the zoo...both standing by the giraffe "ruler." Carter's just a little bit shorter then Katie...who is remarkably tall considering her weight (just barely 27 pounds). She doesn't have a chance...

Our favorite thing to do...snuggle on the couch and read a book before bed. It's okay for now....but soon there won't be enough space for both of them.

Round #1-Daily Wrestling Match

Round #2-Daily Wrestling Match (looks like KJ wins this round)

oh...but wait...the amazing Carter gets free! He takes Round #3!

and I think we have to declare this match a tie...you should have heard those giggles

both of my babies are little fish. They love to be in the water and throw an absolute fit whenever they have to get out. There are so many toys I don't know how they fit...but KJ is pretty good at sharing...(just not the ones that are her favorites....)

This is one of my favorite pictures of them together. Carter looks like a little cheese I know...and those curls are starting to get pretty long, but they so rarely smile at the camera together. Right before we took them to church for Easter, after screaming their way through getting ready, they decided to give Mommy one nice smile. Thanks guys....

on the pier with both my water babies...

KJ keeping a close eye on her brother at the playground...

A precious moment that I'm so lucky was caught on camera. She just wanted to give him a kiss. They are lucky, lucky kids.

I am an even luckier mom.