Best Birthday Ever

Those were the exact words Drew spoke to us more than once on his birthday. Why was it the best? His new baby cousin Luke was born that day, forever making them birthday buddies. It's kind of neat that they are the oldest and youngest of the cousins. You had to be 15 or older to go up to the hospital room but we decided to give it a try anyway. I couldn't burst his birthday bubble...he wanted to meet his little buddy and I wanted a picture of them together on this special day. Drew was pretty smitten with him.

Isn't he just adorable? I can't wait to have more snuggles with him. He is just too precious. Uncle Todd was happy to get a turn.

I was in absolute heaven (thank you Drew for capturing such a special moment for me) He smelled like sweet baby and had the softest hair. I fell head over heels in love.

We're hoping they get to go home from the hospital today. The two younger boys are so very anxious to meet their newest cousin and the rest of us just want another turn holding him and kissing him. Welcome to the family Luke Mathew....you are the perfect addition to our family. What a ride you are in for! :)

Happy 12th Birthday Drew!

12! Your last year before you become a teenager. It's so hard to believe how fast the time has flown but at the same time, I sometimes have a hard time remembering when you were little. I pulled out all of these wallet sized pictures today from your first 2 years of life. You were such a beautiful baby! I still think you are beautiful but we'll just say "handsome" instead, ok?? I know you think the angel wings are cheesy, and I have to agree, but at the time it just seemed perfect.....and look at that sweet little face. The other day I was thinking about the song your Dad made up for you when you were a baby. Anytime we sang it to you, you'd calm down.

"He's just the cutest little baby in the whole wide world

And he belongs to me.

His name is Andrew, Andrew the Cuddlebug.

Andrew's my Sweetpea.

He's Andrew Todd Klauser"

I'll never forget that song

(top left and bottow two-Drew at 3 months, top right-Drew at 6 months)

(from left to right--1 year, 18 months, 2 years)

(18 months)

(almost 12!)

(Valentine's Day)

The next picture I will post will be of you and your Birthday Buddy! Cousin Luke was born this morning weighing 9lbs 5 oz. I know you two will have a special bond and you will always look out for your little cuz.

You're an amazing kid that never ceases to amaze me. You are everything I had hoped you would be an even more, you make me so proud. I love you Drewdles.

Spring Pictures

The boys just got back their spring school pictures. I was thrilled with how good their fall ones turned out. (see sidebar) I'm every bit as happy with these. My kids can be really photogenic when they want to be. When they don't want their picture taken (aka...when mom is taking the pictures!) they can get interesting!

Aiden 5 1/2

Noah 9 1/2

Drew 12

I'm so proud of these 3 handsome dudes. Drew and Noah just got straight A's on their latest report cards. Aiden just got registered for Kindergarten next year. (I'll need someone to hold me that day) I sooo miss the younger years and sometimes have a hard time remembering what it was like then. I love the stage of life we are in now but it makes me sad how quickly we have gotten here. It's hard to believe that Drew only has 2 years of St. Dominics left and then he heads off to high school. My last baby is about to enter school full time in just a matter of months. I've had a kid at home with me for 12 years, I feel like I won't know what to do with this next stage of my life. I'm just so lucky and blessed to have these 3 boys and to live through every stage of life with them.