MACK

When I found out that I was having another boy approximately 6 months ago I smiled... and then became a bit frightened... and then started praying. I always wanted boys. I've never been really girly and the picture I created in my head long ago centered around a suburban load of boys. The picture has become a reality, but rather than a suburban - I'm happy with my Tahoe... and I'm pretty sure that the "load" will be me - plus 2 and only 2!

I have had my hands full with Mason.
He's 5 in a 2 year old body and has never been "easy."
He's never wanted to hold my hand.
It's like pulling teeth to get him to cuddle with me.
He's a miniature version of his father.
I've caught myself saying several times: "well, he's cute... he's got that going for him!"... and lately have felt like screaming at the top of my lungs when he looks at me and says "Don't want to!"
I always pictured myself as a mother of boys, but after 2 1/2 years with high spirited, energetic, always on-the-go Mason, I wondered (and still do) if I was going to make it with two boys. I could barely handle one... how in the world was I going to manage with two.

Prayer changes things.
Prayers are answered and just when you think you're free-falling off the high dive... God shows up.
Mackinley Tellier has been an amazing baby his first 4 weeks of life.
His cries are heard, but aren't ear-piercing.
His personality seems to be pretty mellow so far.
He isn't phased by his brother running circles around him.
He falls asleep easily.
He eats well.
He's nothing like Mason was at this stage of life.

I realize that his little life has just begun, and it may be a little too soon to say that he's much "easier" than Mason... but...
I have to continue to believe that God knew what he was doing when he gave me another son.
I have to trust that I will make it - and be successful - as a mother of boys.
I have to know that my prayers were answered... as well as the many others who were praying along side me for something "calm" to enter our lives.

Mack is a treasure that we're so blessed to have.
He's beautiful.
He's peaceful.
He's growing - right before our very eyes!!

My buddy.

My buddy.
Wherever I go - He goes.
My buddy.

Mason has enjoyed every minute of summer.
What little boy wouldn't - especially when they can spend the majority of their time with their Papa doing anything and everything imaginable.

Like...

FISHING...

and PLAYING...

and GOLFING...

and MOWING the yard...

and 4-WHEELING...

and FEEDING THE BIRDS...

and SWIMMING.

When I asked my parents to come and stay this summer, I didn't realize how lucky my little boy would be too! His Papa Gary has become his best friend - teaching him things that every little boy dreams to know, like using a walkie-talkie, fixing flat tires, casting to the perfect place in the pond, singing Jesus Loves Me as he sits down to dinner, driving (pretend driving) the parked loader and CAT, hitting a golf ball, and much, much more.
My dad has had an amazing amount of patience and love for this high energy boy we're so lucky to call "ours."
He treats him like a partner, a friend, a son.

Thank you dad for everything.
For putting up with the hundreds of thousands of "watch this papa"... "come here papa"... "papa, papa, papa"...
For helping Mason see that he isn't the boss.
For taking time to do what 2 year olds want to do.
For showing Mason how to do things safely.
For allowing Mason to be Mason and loving him in the process.
For being Papa!

Whidbey Island Race Week

Beautiful.
Captivating.

Amazing to watch.

After a short bus ride from Oak Harbor to Coupeville, we spent a few hours watching the sailboat races. Mason's first experience with public transportation was a hit and he loved being on the docks - up close and personal with the boats. It was beautiful weather and the boats were out in full force. I don't know much about boats - let alone sail boats - but I must say that they are amazing. So, so, so thankful that we were here during race week.

And how about the choice of snacks?

Doesn't get much better than that!

These words...

sum up life right now!
(notice the new bump on Mason's head)

Headed home today...
Have had much needed R&R, great naps, great visits, and am feeling totally and completely loved!
Ian on the other hand thinks he resides in todays version of Auschwitz. Pathetic.
I'm sure he'll be more than happy to see us tonight!!

I'll do my best to post again this week, but I can't promise.

"lets live our lives so fully that each day explodes, not just ends." - Claude Farley

Tea Party... well... sort of.

Who would have thought that Mason would make such great friends with a "bird bath"...
He sat with her for a good 15 minutes and when I asked him what his friend's name was, he proudly shouted MASON.

"you can be a wonderful human being just by being human" - Claude Farley

Sweetness

The pictures say it all...
Loving this boy and doing my best to "capture" him!

Have Flat... Will Travel

As we drive through town and pass Les Schwab... I hear an "oh man"... "sat tire Mommy!" (having a little trouble with "f"... but we're working on it)
Most kids recognize McDonalds or Dairy Queen... but not mine.
Nope... I think that John H. better watch out because Mason just might possibly be the next Les Schwab employee of the month!

He's quick... he's intense... he looks good when he's dirty... he's a boy with a mission... and totally enthralled with "sat tires."