The Boys Do P-Town!

Armed with iPads, crayons and snacks, Jeremy took on the task of traveling with the boys to Poughkeepsie to visit his family. From his account, it sounds like the kids did great...minus some stroller riding jealousy by Ayden. But, once they hit NY, Grandma C saved the day with another stroller.

To keep Mommy and Madi in the loop, J created a photo stream that he uploaded the days' photos to. It was a super idea and fun to see their activities in (almost) real time. Once again Apple pulls through ;)

The photos didn't upload in order...but you can get the gist of each day. 

My absolute most favorite part of these pictures are the ones that capture the joy of the boys together. I hope they always find this joy in being together and cherish their relationship. There is nothing better than a sibling who is also a best friend.

Gavin was in the middle of potty training, so a side of the road potty stop was required =)

Wahoo for no accidents!

I love this picture because you can really see the resemblance in the boys.

Continuing his obsession with puzzle making, Gavin wowed everyone when he put this together (without help) and without a picture to reference.

Our little spotter....

He sees a......

"Really big elephant"!!!

Despite the fact that we have a closet full of clothes, somehow this child always ends up in belly shirts when daddy dresses him :)  But it is a really cute belly.

Brothers!!!

Pop-pop Joe took the boys on a train ride!!

Where they got off the train, there happened to be a beautiful park!

Perfect for two boys to blow off some steam before the ride home.

Snack time.

Always important for all the boys in my house :)

Corinne and Joe hosted a party for family and friends to see J and the boys....

Helping with chores!

What form!

And Gavin's rendition....Boch-tree-ball. J said somehow he always lost.

Why let having to go to the bathroom effect your painting????

Love these brothers!!

Happy boys.

Oh, how I hope you stay close your whole life.

4 generations of Riley boys

The last night the boys set up the "Epic Battle"...

all of these figures are from J's childhood....

The trip was a success! Though we missed the boys dearly, Madi and I enjoyed our girl time =) The house was so quiet and clean. I don't think since Ayden was born (4 1/2 years ago), have I had the house to myself.

The Boys Try Yoga

Ayden wanted to do some "Yoga Moves"....so we set them up.

Anything cuter that two tushies in the air??

Two down, One to go!

That's right folks....we are officially down to one child in diapers. I know I brag about my kids a lot (I mean why else does anyone have a mommy blog!), but seriously, sometimes these children just blow my mind.

Shortly after Madi was born, Gavin decided one day (on his own...or perhaps with some persuasion from big brother), that he wanted to use the potty. Taking a page from Ayden's book, Gavin has never looked back. Now, don't get me wrong, there are still some battles over taking time out from playing to go potty, but having just returned from a road trip to San Diego with ZERO accidents, I feel very confident in saying he is potty trained. While I'd love to take credit...or even pass it along to Sarah, J or Mimi....really, the two who deserve the praise are Gavin and Ayden. Gavin made the decision and Ayden has supported him the whole way. Believe it or not, when they get up in the morning, Ayden assists Gavin in getting his pants down so they can sit on the potty together (oh the things you learn from monitor stalking!). They even have the cutest "Pee Pee on the Potty" dance they perform.

There is nothing like having your 4 year old do your parenting! Thanks Ayden!!

PS - The key to travelling with a potty training child.....bring the potty with you!!

Bye Bye Binkie

Oh how old this post is, is quite embarrassing...but hey, at least this milestone will be memorialized. Better late than never!

Some where after Ayden's 4th birthday and before Madi's arrival Ayden decided (120% on his own) that he was done with the binkie. He simply said one day that he no longer needed it, that he wanted to give it to Madi, and has never looked back.

By this point the binkie had been utilized only at bed/nap time, and we had half-heartedly tried to get rid of it maybe once or twice before...always to no avail. But, in true Ayden style, once he decided he wanted to do something, he did it and never looked back. I have to say, there is certainly something to listening to your child and letting them lead the way. This milestone came and went faster than I could blink. No crying, no bribing, no nothing. Just a little boy growing up =)

Madi Photo Catch-Up!

To say that her arrival has changed our lives is an understatement. Madi has brought so much joy, excitement and feeling of completeness. Yes, our family in complete I believe.

Any guesses on who will be wrapped around this little girls finger.....as it rightfully should be :)

Her first of many bows was sported on her trip home from the hospital. 

Yes, I am fully embracing this.

A nap in the Momma Ru....you won't believe how this thing has changed my life :)

(She looks so tiny!)

Ayden is head over heels in love with his sister.

Someone looks identical to her older brother....

Lovin from Ms. Tristy!

Great Grandmere!!

Three generations! Where are you Mimi???

Back in the momma ru....and already so much bigger!!

First swim in Tata's pool.

This was her sweet sweet face at 3am after a feeding. 

I was exhausted but just couldn't put her down.

The boys are obsessed with their little sister. Always wanting to give hugs and kisses and keep her company. This was an attempt at a shot of all three....clearly Madi wasn't excited about it.

These pictures just melt my heart.

This little girl has come into our lives and completed our family. She fills my heart with such extreme joy and love it is hard to believe. How it is possible, I am not sure, but she has even made my boundless love for her brothers grow exponentially. The way they watch over her, protect her and respect the rules around her. I am not kidding myself that there won't be trying times between them in our future....but the love that has already forged itself between them is tangible and makes me the happiest person in the world.

The last picture says everything there is to say about our Madi. She is sweet, she is happy and she is content. As my friend Stacy would say, "We won the baby lottery yet again". 

A Typical Night in the Riley House

These two videos were taken a few weeks before Madi was born. It never ceases to amazing just how much 'boy' we have in this house.

It also makes me appreciate little Madi even more =)

T-ball Practice

A couple months ago the boys got into playing T-ball. Ayden was playing on a little T-ball team (I think I posted something about it back then...but basically it was a disaster...won't be doing that again for a few years!!). However, the T-ball games at home were great.

Both boys have some coordination...yippie!! =)