Cole with G-pa Jack on his tractor (April 2009)

Playing Catch-up

I've been feeling really behind on life lately (can anyone relate?), this blog included. So, I've been trying to play catch-up on things. And lucky for any of you who are reading this, that this blog is one of those things today that got a lot of my time and attention while my boys slept (yes, all 3 at the same time!). It was wonderful, and I could've/should've done many other more productive things, but I found myself here in front of the computer for a few hours sifting thru photos and memories.... resulting in many posts below this one. Hope you enjoy reading about the Raban Adventures that we've been having over this past month or so.

Starting Out Young in the Driver's Seat

Watch Out -- Future driver!

Cole currently has a fascination with being in the driver's seat, and has lately been going to the car and buckling himself up into the seatbelt there. I found him this way yesterday proudly exclaiming: "Look Mom, I did the buckles all by myself". Just not the right seat buckle, I might add.

Sneaky Licorice Boys

Yesterday, Cole and Mason went to play at G-pa Bob and G-ma Gena's house for the day. While out in the back helping with yard work, they were asking Gena if they could go into her camping trailer. When she wasn't looking, they did. And then when she went to find them, she searched the living room and bedroom-- no sign of them, but could hear them. And this is what she found:

In her bathroom, hiding in the corner shower of the trailer.


And shoving their faces full of red vines!
Talk about sneaky little boys who found a good place to hide to be naughty!

Two Months Old!

Still can't believe how fast this little guy is growing! But I guess he's not so little, weighing in at 13 lbs 4 oz, and measuring 25 inches long. Definitely chunking up like Cole and Mason did. We are loving him, and his smile!

Bunk Bed Boys

I've been trying to decide how to get 3 boys and all their stuff crammed into 1 room, knowing I needed to change sleeping arrangements in some way. I hadn't yet figured out how and how much I was willing to pay for a change, when my mother-in-law Gena came to my rescue. Coincidentally, she was at a thrift store last week at the same time a man was trying to donate some bunk beds which the store would not accept. She said she'd take them, knowing I was searching... End of story: we have been loving them! They are not too tall (my biggest fear being broken bones from an inevitable middle-of-the-night fall), and they have little headboards for all the boys' treasures. Best of all, they were free, aside from buying and cutting plywood and gathering up some twin sized mattresses!! You sure can't argue with free in this case...

Playing on the bottom bunk; helping daddy put the beds together

(Yes, that is Mason's diaper bottom on the bottom bunk- taken during nap time. He will not stay in one place. So despite the guard rail, I'm sure he will be finding his way to the floor very soon.)

He's Coming Around...

When Hunter was first born, Mason would not have much to do with him. Whatever his reason, he was just disinterested, but is now coming around. He will now occasionally talk to him, rub his head, call him "little buddy", tell me when he's crying and needs me, and even hold him. Huge progress-- especially to see a smile on his face while he's doing it, versus trying to push him away! Maybe they will be friends afterall.....

Just because...

Gratitude for a sister who brings me flowers and treats "just because..."

Thank you! Very much appreciated!

Hunter's Blessing Day

Rusty blessed Hunter Christopher Raban on Sunday, June 7th, 2009.

It was a wonderful blessing, and we are grateful for the family who came to support us. I am also very grateful for the Gospel and to have a wonderful husband who holds the Priesthood and is able to bless our children in this way. Hunter wore a blessing outfit that Rusty's mom made for his blessing 30 years ago. She gave it to me when Rusty and I got married and each of our boys have also worn it. And if we ever have a girl, she may just have to follow suit.... Anyway, it's been a neat tradition to follow:

Cole on his blessing day: Sept. '05

Mason on his blessing day- Feb. '07

All my boys together!

(Sorry for the close-up... Rusty had to go to work so I had no camera-man, but I had to document that I was a part of this special day!)

WE LOVE YOU, HUNTER!

Brothers

Hunter's not picky; I guess sleep comes in all forms and positions.

Scary for Me

Cole has been having some traumatic nightmares for a while now, off and on. Hopefully just a phase because they are awful! I didn't think much of it when it happened again a few weeks ago. He was crying hysterically and couldn't seem to settle down. And with all the crying and nose running, it seemed normal to be rubbing his eyes since I knew he was overly tired. But when I tried to get him to stop and he wouldn't, I turned on the light to see this:

Yikes! First ever allergic reaction with hives (I'd never seen them before). We think this came from being around baby hampsters earlier in the day (who would've known the cute little things would've had this nasty kind of effect on him!). Anyways, gratitude to a neighbor who had benadryl (guess I need to stock up on the stuff). The puffy eyes stayed around for a few days, hiding all signs of eye lids. Hope we don't have to go thru that again; no fun for Cole, and a little too scary for me.

Oregon Beach

An opportunity came up to use a relative's time share at a condo in Otter Crest, OR for free. I love free; we couldn't pass it up. And we all needed a break, so we went the weekend before Memorial Day. Rusty's parents (Bob and Gena) took Cole and Mason down first, and Rusty, Hunter, and I came later that night. Rusty could only stay 2 nights since he had work, but the rest of us enjoyed our much-needed break for a few more days. Here are a few highlights:
A view of the coast from our condo

Going up in the Tram to our room (it was kind of like a ski lift running on a cable up the hill). The boys loved it!

This poor ice machine got overly used and abused when Cole and Mason were around. In the boys' defense, it shouldn't be the only 'toy' in the spot where we had to stand while waiting for the tram. That's just asking for trouble!

Finding sea lions bathing in the sun

And playing on the condo's playground

Hunter even enjoyed our trip! Now, when's the next vacation?

Tractor/Trailer

Going outside means immediately going to this tractor and trailer as the toy of choice. Most often, Mason hops in the back and enjoys a ride while Cole pedals around the driveway looking for dirt and rocks. Yea for summer days and the outdoors where boys can be boys!

Tough career choice

Cole just can't decide which job he'd rather have:

Something that involves the outdoors, I'm sure!