Being a Mommy of Two

     Before we had Titus, Mark and I ashamedly discussed if and how we'd be able to love another child as much as we love Marcus.  Every parent of multiple children told us that we would, but there was always a little bit of doubt in the back of our heads.  Well, now that he's here, we were fools to think that.  We absolutely adore Titus and our love for Marcus has grown even stronger.  He's a super big brother and is very protective over Titus.  He even tells us how to parent.  "Mommy, he doesn't want his paci right now."  "He's firsty (thirsty) Mommy.  Go get him a drink."  and so on...
     We are definitely enjoying having a baby around again and like we said before, we're enjoying the challenges that another child brings to the family.  I'm not sure how well of a balancing act we're doing, but we love spending time together, with each other and with our boys.  I feel guilty for admitting this, but deep down, I wanted another little boy so Marcus would have a brother, close in age, to play with.  We're thankful that happened because I can already foresee them playing together a LOT when Titus is big enough.  
     *Update on Mark* He had an MRI on his wrist Wednesday and saw a Bone & Joint specialist yesterday (Friday).  The MRI showed no ligament or tendon damage, so all doctors are leaning towards something arthritic, even though it's only one joint and his blood work is not conclusive that it's that.  He'll probably begin taking some type of medication to treat rheumatoid arthritis after he sees the rheumatologist again.  His wrist is now bigger and more swollen than I've ever seen it, so please pray for relief and healing in his hand.  Also, he saw his oral surgeon again this week and after a CT scan, the only thing they can come up with is that he had a nasty infection that wouldn't leave without a LARGE dose of antibiotics for three weeks to kill it.  In the mean time, he has lock jaw and can only open his mouth a fraction of the way.  He can eat, but it's SMALL bites.  In fact, he's lost 15 pounds.  To put it into perspective, if I were still pregnant, we'd either weigh the same or he'd weigh LESS!  He just doesn't feel as good as he should, so please join me in continuing to pray for both his wrist and jaw to heal and for the infection in his body to go completely away.
     Finally, here are some of the latest pictures I've taken of the boys.  And I'm sure you noticed the picture at the top!  We had some newborn pictures taken of Titus along with a few of the rest of our family.  I am VERY excited to see them all, but thankfully our photographer gave us a sneak peek with this picture.  (Don't worry Canadian family - I had pictures made with his Jays cap, too!).  Until I get them all back, here are pictures that I took myself.  Enjoy!

Blue hydrangeas!

And pink!

A sweet friend, who brought supper one night, brought these PURPLE ones as well.  I LOVE having fresh flowers in the house!

Sweet baby & his pink paci (it's the only one he'll take)

Working with his number and letters

Pulling the letters out of the "soup"

He LOVES washing bottles and I LOVE IT TOO!

Amen to that!

Marcus loves his baby brother

Titus: feet up  Marcus: playing with his feet :)

Preciousness

Our sweet friend Whitney brought over her two kids and supper one night.  It was YUMMY and the kids played well together.  Here, Dagen was DYING to hold Titus.

Titus (2wks), Marcus, Holden (both 2, almost 3), and Dagen (15 mo)

Being so careful