Without trying to sound dramatic, the past three months were and continue to be the most difficult of my life. A second child is not merely twice as much work - it's exponentially more difficult. While I don't want to change anything that's currently happening in my life right now, that doesn't mean it's been easy.

This blog covers about 25% of what happens with the boys in our household. The wonderful 25%. I know that no one wants to read about the remaining 75% that isn't all sunshine and rainbows, and I don't want to dwell on the not-so-great times, either. In ten years, I know it's the wonderful 25% that I'll remember and long to return to. Just as life had gotten so easy prior to April 30th, I know it will be easy again someday and when I have a chance to sit down and breathe again, there are many small details about this frazzled life with little boys that I'll always want to remember.

I hope I never forget...

... that newborn Jasper's hair and cheeks were the softest thing I've ever felt.

... how incredibly proud I am of Gavin finally trying to speak words after refusing for so long.

... how Gavin points to the moon wherever it appears in any book or up in the sky during the day and how I secretly dream this means he'll want to be an astronaut.

... when I see Jasper after work and he looks at me for a moment before recognizing me and his mouth slowly turns into a sweet smile.

... the smile on Gavin's face when he successfully uses the potty. He is so proud of himself!

... the way my shirt always has a few smears of baby drool on the shoulders at the end of every day.

... how goofy Gavin looks when he gallops around the living room while giving Monkey a piggy-back ride.

... how I know Jasper has fallen asleep when we're laying on the couch because he suddenly feels five pounds heavier.

... when we catch Gavin randomly giving Jasper a kiss on top of his head when he's not aware anyone is looking.

... the tiny curl in Jasper's hair over his left ear.

... when Jasper is particularly upset and we ask Gavin to sing to him so he'll feel better and he does, but more often that Gavin will start singing to his crying little brother now unprompted.

... how Gavin's soft, sweet singing really does calm Jasper down.

... the rolls in Jasper's wrists, the dimples in his knuckles, and his little thunder thighs.

... when Gavin says "beep beep beep" whenever the car backs up as if we drive a big truck with a backup alarm.

... how resting with a baby sleeping on your chest is the best stress-reliever available.

... the way Jasper curls his back, pulls in his knees and fists, and sticks out his butt to stretch and if you pick him up while he's stretching that way, he retains the position.

... that there really is nothing more peaceful than the face of a sleeping baby.

... when I'm running around the house trying to finish chores during one of Jasper's half-hour naps and notice Gavin quietly climbed onto the recliner in his room and is flipping through a book in his lap.

... that my boys' eyes are the prettiest shade of blue I've ever seen.

... how Gavin says "uh oh" every time he sees a vehicle missing hubcaps.

... when I'm feeding Jasper shortly after six in the morning, looking outside at the misty new morning, enjoying our quiet time alone together before chaos takes over the day.

... finding Gavin in his room in the late afternoon when he was supposed to be napping, but instead turned on every light and almost completely emptied his book and toy shelves onto the floor.

... how Gavin immediately runs to lay on his bed when we open the door after he's made said mess while supposedly napping, somehow thinking we'll believe he was really sleeping the entire time.

... sitting on the couch at night watching a great old sitcom, feeding Jasper one last time, and then having him fall asleep on my chest.

... telling Gavin to pick out two books before bedtime and how he confirms the message by holding up two fingers - his thumb and pointer finger.

... how Jasper is already starting to stare at his brother when he's nearby like he can't wait to sit up and play with him.

... how Gavin used to sign "yes" by putting his hands on his head. I miss that already!

... the feeling of having a brand new baby placed of my chest immediately after I pushed him out of my body. Truly wonderfully indescribable.

... how Gavin is completely transfixed the garbage truck servicing the homes in the cul-de-sac across the street every Wednesday morning.

... when I'm home alone working all day and can't wait until my boys get home so I can hear every little detail about what they did while they were out (my mom's grandson-care reports totally rock!).

... how I'm so excited to watch them grow up while wanting them to stay exactly the way they are right now forever.