These days, according to Instagram

The days are getting longer and lighter. We are packing every moment full, it seems. 

Sam is growing so tall and learning so much. He is doing great at school and continues to be the sweetest kid. It breaks my heart when he says "I want to be 5, and then not grow up any more." Wish I could grant that because it's something I want too. 

His growth spurts are intense. Random melt downs followed by narcolepsy. The hormones must be a'flowin. 

 I feel as though we are still recovering from the loss of Doris, especially Dotty. She and "Big D" were always together roaming the yard, so its sad to see her alone in their favorite spots. And Daisy, who doesn't seem too bothered by the missing sister, will go do her own thing, leaving Dot to cry and cluck at the back door. Hopefully she'll be happy when we introduce the new girls.

 Miles. Our "Little Big", as Sam calls him. He is busy these days putting everything into his mouth and laughing at brother and the dogs. He is finally beginning to laugh and smile and it's just the best thing ever.

 Sam has made the best big brother ever. He seriously enjoys making Miles smile and spends a lot of time showing off his toys and things to his little brother. Miles loves the attention, and I love witnessing the special moments between these two. And the break. Not gonna lie. Its possible I take advantage of Sam's entertaining to get some things done.

 We have had a few sunny days here and there and use every opportunity that I can to get outside with the boys. Luckily, they love the outdoors as much as I do. Bring on summer!

 I can not stress enough how much I love these two together. I thought that the age difference would be an issue, but everything has been perfect. I wouldn't want it any other way.

 You either think these two are the cutest brothers ever, or you're wrong. So that's that.

 From day one, Sam was a mommys boy. So I LOVE that Miles is a major Daddy's boy and that these two really enjoy their time together.

 How did I get two seriously cuddly little boys!? I feel so lucky. As hard as it is to get anything accomplished with two cuties fighting over my attention, I absorb the love.

 Matt's favorite thing…. is NOT hiking.  But me and the littles love it. So he puts up with our obsession and takes us to check out a trail head that we will hopefully be attempting this weekend. After he and Sammy shared a moment peeing simultaneously in the woods, he and Miles had this sweet moment. What a great daddy :)

 The pups have done very well with all the changes that have occurred with bringing a baby home. However, I feel like Brisbane has aged a lot in the last few months, possibly due to the late nights and busy days. She is still my shadow, but doesn't keep up quite as well. It's so hard watching them get old.

 Our new chicks, Darla and Dixie! These two are funny little birds and have very different personalities. We hope that they will get along well with the "big girls" and are hoping to introduce them soon, once the weather improves.

"Brudder Dog"

Sam and Brimley are inseparable. Well, at least Sam won't separate from Brim. He follows the poor dog everywhere, trying to get him to play, cuddle or lick him.

Brimley puts up with it, occasionally enjoying a game of tug of war or chase, but mostly he just allows Sam to climb all over him. He's a good dog and mostly enjoys the attention.

Sam calls Brim his "brudder dog" (translation: brother dog) and when people ask him if he has any brothers or sisters he says "I have two brothers!" It's possible that when Sam was a baby, Sam believed himself to be  dog. Since he barked at the door bell and all….

It's fun to see these two together, and I can see that Miles is following in his brothers dog loving ways. His biggest laugh to date? When Brimley licked his face. ;)

Happy Birthday to this guy...

….who would make this exact face if I put him in a dress today. 

Matthew continues to be the greatest dad, husband and friend ever. Sam, Miles and I are so lucky to be a part of his life.

We love you Matty! 34 never looked so good.

5 months old

Our little boy is getting so big! He's over 16lbs, eating constantly and learning so much every day. 

He is grabbing everything and loves to taste it all. Even dog hair. Yuck. Miles has started eating solids and enjoys apples, bananas, pears, prunes, sweat potatoes and carrots.

Miles is a very serious soul. His smiles are seen often, but his laugh is a rare occurrence. He loves his family, especially Sam. He is happiest when he can sit and watch big brother. 

This baby is LOUD! He is exercising his vocal cords and is learning to make lots of new noises. We think he'll be an early talker. 

Mymy has been sleeping through the night since 6 weeks (which we LOVE) but he is a short napper (which is hard). He loves to rest in his swing and sleeps on his tummy at night. We have a bouncer for him that hangs in the door way and we still laugh at how crazy he gets in it. 

Miles can sit up on his own, roll over and make kissing noises. We think he's pretty cool. He is such a sweet little boy and we love watching him change and grow. 

Doris

Go ahead and call me silly for posting about a chicken. I don't care. I don't like you anyway.

Yesterday morning was like any other. I let the dogs out to potty and I spent a few minutes petting the hens and asking them about their day. You heard me.

About 20 minutes later I was upstairs when I heard crows outside freaking out. Because this is so out of the norm, I looked out the window, searching for the chickens. When I couldn't see them scavenging  bugs throughout the yard, I knew something was wrong. So I went outside.

There I found my poor Doris killed by a hawk. The raptor looked at me and then flew up into the tree full of screaming crows.

My immediate reaction was horror. I can honestly say I have never seen something so horrible. My sweet pet chicken being devoured! It was not a pretty site. I quickly called my Mom who I knew would sympathize with me. I used her to calm me down and figure out what steps to take next.

At some point I took a breath and realized that Doris was gone. There was nothing to do. And, in order to make sure she didn't die in vain, I allowed the hawk to return and finish his meal. (After returning Dotty and Daisy to the coop.)

Here is where the dilemma occurred.

My Rhode Island Red lay in the yard, bloodied and plucked. But here was this AMAZINGLY beautiful and awesome bird that was doing what it did best; prey.

It was hard to watch, like REALLY hard, but I couldn't help but marvel in the power of this tiny raptor that took out my giant chicken. And trust me, she was BIG.

Sam learned a few important lessons about life and cried a few tears for his favorite bird.

I loved that girl. She was the sweetest of the 3 and was always the first one to knock on the door in the morning begging for food. She had beautiful shiny feathers and loved sprawling out in the sunshine. I'll miss her. But here's the thing. She lived 3 very good years. Digging for worms, chasing dragon flies and scratching at moss. I can honestly say she had a great life.

The other two, for obvious reasons, are hesitant to return to the yard so I will keep them cooped up for the rest of the week, mostly to make sure that the hawk doesn't return.

Today we picked up 2 new babies to add to the flock. Their sweet fluffy selves are sure to help mend this frazzled family.

We'll miss sweet Doris!

Doris at 6 days old. 

First day in the backyard.

 She was very curious about the camera. 

 Sam relaxing with "Big D"

 Pretty girl. 

 Me and my favorite chicken enjoying the sun.