it's a cliche...i know

but I couldn't resist taking pictures of her feet with my wedding rings!! And look at those cute little wrinkles!!

bubbles

since I've been home all week potty training and getting used to having 3 kids, i've pulled out a lot of toys I bought at wal mart one day just for these moments.
bubbles. that's all my boys need.....luke knew how to handle the bubble gun pretty well....and then dylan, well he just pointed it at himself the whole time!! He put on quite a show! Until they dump out the whole bucket of bubbles on the ground. then those fun 20 minutes or so are over and it's time for me to think of something else creative:)

FINALLY!!!

luke is potty trained!! Well, I may be speaking to soon, but we started on monday- my decision- and he hasn't had one accident!! Last summer he was interested and I think I scared him out of it since I was so excited!! So, he hasn't been that interested until I thought to myself.....I'm changing 3 diapers and I think I'm about done!! So, I went to the store with luke, bought lots of candy and toys and he's been doing sooo good!!! I know there will be accidents here and there, but It's way better than changing 3 diapers!!! And dylan has now wanted to go on the potty since he has seen luke doing it-or maybe it's just all the candy afterwards that he wants! So does anyone have any advice for me as far as leaving the house and going somewhere "new" just being potty trained? I'm afraid Luke will be scared and not go!!! Do I do pull ups when we go out the first few times or keep him in underwear?!

bucket of love

I really have to control my constant need to take pictures lately!! Although, it's good because I love it! and I'm making avery's baby album so I need lots of pictures!! Here are just some that I took tonight-it was 8pm and I was still able to capture some light without using my flash! I love the outdoors....and the last one of her and the boys~already so protective:)

hugs and kisses

I finally got a moment to capture the boys and avery....but just a moment! the boys were all over her wanting to hold and hug and kiss her. sometimes I think dylan thinks she's a play doll....but he has his gentle moments with her. here's to the start of having 3 kids under the age of 3!! I can do this right?!

avery:take three!

I know....I can't get enough of her! Danielle made a comment wondering when you'll get to see pictures of the boys again, and I hope that it's soon!! They've been at my mom's and now my mother-in-law has kidnapped them during the day this week, so I haven't had much time wih them!! So, avery and I have been snuggling and taking pictures!! I just love her so much and even more than ever since she's such a good baby. I have to say that I have been missing my boys and before they went to bed tonight, we all snuggled on the couch and watched sponge bob. I love my boys...and they seem so HUGE now that I am always holding a little tiny baby. I am so thankful for my growing family:)

avery's photo debut

My friend Toni asked me if I wanted her to take pictures of my little girl when she arrived....of course!!! Toni is an outstanding photographer and I couldn't be more pleased with how she handled little avery. she put a couple up on her blog so check it out and let me know what you think! I can't wait to see the rest Toni!! You're amazing!! click here

avery: take two

Here are a few more of avery...she's been such a blessing! she sleeps and eats...and opens her eyes occasionally! I happened to catch one of those times last night when her eyes were open. It has been so much fun putting her in pink clothes and hair bands!!

avery jean porter

She's here!!! Long story short-I was at the local mall play area with my boys yesterday and the minute we walked out the door to go home, my water broke! So, I calmly drove to the hospital and avery was born at 6:59pm. She was 7 lb. 15 oz. 20 inches long. She has dark brown wavy hair which is new for us!! Our boys were both pretty bald! Everything is going well....my lovely mother has taken my boys to her house for a few days so I can spend time with just avery. Thank you mom....I love you. Here's a couple pictures I just took the minute we got home.... she sleeps so well!! I can already tell we're going to have a good time having a girl in the house:)

my boys...

happy mother's day

I love mother's day not only because my husband does anything and everything for me.... but It lets me reflect on what an amazing mother I have. I have the most wonderful mother. Being a mother now, I look back and think...WOW! How did you raise us 5 kids!! She has taught me so much and has been such a good example to me. She taught me to follow my dreams and to never give up. And when I call her asking for advice on how to raise my boys...she calms me down and tells me everything will work out. She is also the best grandmother anyone could ask for. I go to her house every week and she plays with my boys while I go run around and get some shopping done:) Thank you mom for always being there and loving me no matter what!! I wouldn't be the mom I am today if it weren't for your example and guidance. love you!

just another day...

Well, I'm still pregnant and still posting! I have been exhausted all week long wishing and hoping that avery would come!! So I decided to take some more pictures to take my mind off of some contractions I've been having all week!

my chunky monkey striking a pose


luke laughing...which I will always love especially when his dimples show!


the chunky feet...again, I couldn't resist


the duo playing some tunes...too cute!


this is mark's other woman...which I'm o.k. with, she is pretty good lookin!!!


this was a random one...but I sort of liked the angle

so blessed...

It must have been my lucky day a few days ago when I walked in to my living room and found my boys on top of the coffee table in a box-together-laughing. A rare moment I had to capture. This will probably be one of the last photos I will take of my boys before the new addition comes along. I was so happy to walk in, take pictures...and my boys were PERFECT! They even looked at the camera!! I am so blessed to have such healthy, happy little boys in my life. They mean the world to me and as hard as the next few months may be with a newborn.... they will always be my little dudes who make my life so wonderful.





dylan was trying to kiss luke...


and then he was tickiling his nose for some reason...luke couldn't stop laughing!

WHAT!!

oh, sarah, sarah, sarah....how i love you so!!!
my sister in law sarah sent me a few things in the mail today and as I was looking through the pile of cute pink clothes...I come across the cuttest thing I ever saw! This silver metallic TINY bikini!!! I just had to take a picture and share this. I would not allow my daughter to dress like this when she's a little older....but for a 1 year old-why not!