Good-bye DIAPERS!!!

We have begun. My aunt told me about this program to follow to potty train in 3 days (www.3daypottytraining.com) and so we decided to give it a try. We figured now was as good a time to do it as any since the baby isn't here quite yet, he seemed pretty interested, and he thought it was fun to take his diaper off at the strangest moments.

It's a fairly simple program...not entirely easy...but simple to follow. Marshall has done pretty well in my opinion. We are officially halfway through and he poops in the potty and hasn't wet the bed. Incredible, I know! He still sometimes struggles to remember to run to the potty when he is having fun, but I am quite impressed with him. I guess that's what I am here for. Keep it up big guy!


He loves his "unders" as he calls them. Pixar characters, Diego, & Elmo have been real hits. I found some boxer briefs at Wal-Mart that I am waiting to introduce once Colby is home...Colby will think they are AWESOME.

Thank Goodness for Pictures

Marshall and I took Uncle Jon out to the park for some fun. My dad let me borrow his Nikon D60 and I am now FOR SURE in need of a new camera. I caught so many priceless shots. I can't believe Marshall is almost 2. Time sure flies. Some days I can almost see him going to kindergarten...what a strange feeling. He is full of so much energy and loves to explore and push the limits.

This is Colby's favorite pic of the day. I have to agree because it captures something about Marshall's nature that is hard to describe. He had just gotten up on the bench he tried so hard to conquer and was already looking ahead to his next adventure.

I have so much fun taking pictures of this little guy. He changes so quickly and I often find myself wondering about why I can't remember him when he was a little smaller. Thankfully pictures can capture those precious moments and I can look back to be reminded.

(Marshall is obsessed with having his hands in his pockets...hopefully I can will always remember how cute he looks walking around like that.)

It was so fun to have Jon with us at the park. Most of the time I only have Marshall as my subject to photograph. As I sat down to post this I was thinking about how fun it would be to have more than one handsome boy to take pictures of. I quickly realized that I have a sweet new subject coming in the next few weeks. I can't believe I almost forgot about that. He/she must have some crazy hiccups right now.

Now taking suggestions...

Baby Stratton should be arriving in about 4 weeks...hopefully. We are looking forward to finding out if we will be adding another boy to the clan or if our lives will be flipped upside-down with a little lady. I'm getting anxious to have our new little angel here. I know it's still a way off, but I finally gave into the desire to wash all the baby stuff that has been stored away for nearly 2 years. The clothes alone are a HUGE reason we are hoping for a boy...nothing new will be "needed" besides diapers.

Don't get me wrong, we will gladly welcome either one, but we are crossing our fingers for another boy. I've realized that as much as we want a boy we don't know what in the world we might name him. So if any of you feel so inclined we are now taking suggestions.

Role Play

Marshall has been really into doing things that we adults do. He wears our shoes, my jewelry, and Colby's hats. This past week Marshall won't leave the house without a hat. The other night he wouldn't let me take it off of him when he went to sleep so I didn't pick that battle and ran and grabbed my camera instead.

What Boys are Like

These pictures really show what Marshall is all about. He LOVES all trucks...but he especially loves the big yellow ones. Daddy and Grandpa starting him operating equipment at a very young age. At one year old he can tell you which is a loader, backhoe, dozer, roller... its been really fun to watch him become such an expert.

This is his standard facial expression whenever he is working. He gets so focused and seems annoyed when I try to talk to him about what he is doing. It just cracks me up!

This picture brings such joy to my heart. Marshall looks up to his daddy so much and it seems like Colby looks to Marshall with the same kind of adoration and eagerness to learn. The two of them in this big, bad world are a force to be reckoned with. No job could ever be too big for the two of them.

I am so thankful for these two boys in my life. I can't imagine what I would be missing out on if I did not have them. Love you boys.

Something to do Today

About once a week I take Marshall to the pool to burn up some energy and change things up. It is one of his favorite things to do...he'll tell you all about the "poo-w" and the "wa-er". That's where we are headed this afternoon.

For those we love...

This is for all of those who continually ask us to blog so they can feel connected to our lives. I have refrained from starting this obsession because I am afraid I might become consumed...but I am thinking more of you who miss us than myself.