Guess who's 2?!!!

Nolan Bradley Jansen was born two years ago today at 4:08 a.m. He weighed 8 pounds. Today, he weighs 33! I can't believe 2 years have flown by already! As I sit here writing this Nolan is down in the basement playing at his toolbench (Santa's gift to him this year), and it just seems like yesterday that he was Heath's size swaddled in a blanket next to me on the couch! We are so blessed to have two happy, healthy boys!

We are so thankful for Nolan's chubby cheeks, big blue eyes, feisty spirit, sweet, cautious, and thoughtful nature, and funny personality! He has us laughing constantly with silly words, make believe, and circle dancing with his fireman hat on. We are amazed at what he learns each day: he knows most of his shapes, colors, & animals, and we are working on his ABC's and counting! He keeps us challenged by his stubborness, whining, & screeching, but is very good at sitting in time out and giving hugs and saying sorry when done! And he continues to soften us with his big hugs and "I... Love... YOU!" before bed each night!

I made a video of pictures from his past year! It's amazing to see how much he's changed. He went from a CHUBBY, rolly polly one year old, to a solid, tall two year old! He is just so "handsome"! If you ask him who is handsome he will say "No No"! (Just like his Daddy!)

Thank you to everyone who has loved him, prayed for him, watched him, and taught him! We have so many amazing friends and family members who have, and will continue to shape him into the incredible boy he is and who we dream he will become someday!

Happy Birthday No No! Mommy and Daddy love you more than you can ever imagine!!!

Sneak Peek!

We are having a wonderful Christmas Season and visit from my family. Too much fun and not much time to blog. Here's a sneak peek at what we've been up to. When my mom leaves later this week, I'm planning on making a video of all the highlights! We hope that you, too, had a blessed Christmas and are looking forward to a happy & healthy New Year!

The boys spending some cuddle time. It's SO hard to get a good picture of them together! This is the best we could do. Nolan smiling but slouching, Heath- a bit cross eyed! Oh well!

Nolan SUPER excited for Christmas Eve with the Jansens! Surrounded by presents!

Heath snuggled up with big cousin Payton.

Santa visits Oma Bosch's house on Christmas Eve.

No tears this time! Yay!

The Johnson family Christmas picture!

Nolan's new tricycle from Grandma and Grandpa! He has learned to climb on, hold on to the yellow handles, and put his feet on the pedals. It has a handle to push him, so he loves to go "fast" across the house. Next step is to learn how to pedal himself- we are waiting for some warmer weather and the snow to melt!

An early 2nd birthday celebration for Nolan! A "pen pen" party!

Heath all bundled up for Zoo Lights!

The whole family enjoying a cold night with lights and lots of "animals, animals, animals"! (Nolan's favorite things!)

A quick photo with the grandboys before seeing Grandpa off! Nolan sporting his new Bears t-shirt: must have been good luck for them- they won in overtime!

Hangin' at Home

Just a few photos from our life at home. We are very much enjoying my maternity leave and having some time as a new family of four!

Doesn't he look like a doll sometimes? I love his BIG blue eyes! Here we are bundling up to go out in the frigid cold of last week. Thank goodness it has warmed up!

Doing some tummy time!

I made them these adorable t-shirts. I got the idea from a blog that I stalk, when I went to look into buying one, they were SUPER expensive, so I made my own design on the computer and printed it out on t-shirt iron ons. I couldn't really get a good picture, but I'll try again another day. It's still so funny seeing them together- one is light and one is dark!

Nolan and I having some fun in the snow while baby brother napped! He loves wearing his boots and hat, but doesn't really care for mittens. The only problem is he doesn't really care for cold and wet hands either!

Just snapping some pics after a bath! Funny face! Heath is still such a peanut. 7 lbs. 12 oz. (25% at 2 weeks) He still doesn't weigh as much as Nolan did when he was born! He's getting bigger every day and staying awake with us more and more! We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of my family on Saturday! Heath can't wait to meet them!

Eckabee

"Have you ever wondered how Santa could know if you're naughty or nice each year as you grow? For hundreds of years it's been a big secret. It now can be shared if you promise to keep it.

At holiday time Santa sends me to you. I watch and report on all that you do. My job's an assignment from Santa himself. I am his helper, a friendly scout elf.

The first time I come to the place you call home you quickly must give me a name of my own. "

And what did we name our friendly scout elf: Eckabee! Don't ask us what it means or where it came from. We aren't sure. It's Nolan's favorite make believe word and it's what he wanted to name our Christmas Elf! He says the word all the time and belly laughs like it's the funniest thing he has ever heard. It probably makes it funnier that Mark and I smile and giggle with delight each time we hear him say it: Eckabee!

Each morning we wake up to find where Eckabee is hiding that day. Here are a few pictures of Eckabee watching over our precious sons to report back to Santa if they have been good or been bad.

He has witnessed sweet kisses, fun dance parties, helping hands cleaning up every single toy that had been dumped out on the floor, and good eaters.

However, he has also spotted screaming, swatting, and heard the word "NO!" many times!

Nolan and Heath can tell Eckabee their Christmas wishes. Nolan wants a "ronny" (reindeer) and Heath, well, his mommy wants him to ask for a full nights sleep!

"The final decision with Santa now rests. What do you think? Will he get his request?"

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why...

Santa Clause is coming to town!

But that's exactly what Nolan did!

Two years in a row, Nolan was terrified of Santa at Mark's NCM children's Christmas party! We took our niece and nephew, Payton and Brady, they loved Santa and told him what they wanted for Christmas. Payton wants Puppy in my Pocket and Brady wants a Ball Popper! Nolan didn't quite get that far. He clung to Mark for dear life! He loves Santa everywhere else, but just not in the flesh! Check it out!

Hugs from Santa

Brady was a little cautious, but didn't cry like he did last Christmas Eve.

So scared!

Get me out of here!

Mommy, why do you do this to me!

Heath was so cuddly in Santa's arms! Santa didn't want to let him go!

The whole group- the only way Nolan would participate was if Mark was in the photo!

Too bad, 2 minutes later Nolan was talking about Santa and saying "Ho Ho Ho"! There's always next year!

"a kissy" a.k.a. Chrismtas Tree

This past weekend we set up our Christmas tree. Or as Nolan calls it- "a kissy". Hey, at least he's trying. He was such a great helper, taking out all the strands of lights for Daddy, trying to hang ornaments- and only breaking 2, and pointing out every "Santa" and "elf" in sight. It is so fun to include him in all the holiday traditions as he is getting older!

Our King Soopers special! It smells great!

Helping with the lights

Hanging Heath's Baby's 1st Christmas Ornament

Nolan got to put the star on top!

Big Boy Bedroom!

30 + lb. Nolan not only seems HUGE next to his tiny 7 lb. 4 oz. baby brother, but is also SUCH a big boy now that he is sleeping in his new BIG BOY bedroom! We thought it would be a hard process transitioning him from his crib to a bunk bed, but he really surprised us!

The first attempt lasted only an hour because, we, as bad parents tried to put him down in his new bed without guard rails, room darkening curtains, or a fan (for white noise)- Nolan's sleep necessities! He is normally a great sleeper- going to bed at 8 and waking up around 8 in the morning. But on this first attempt he ended up on the floor! Oops!

So the next day, with rails in place, curtains up, and fan on- he slept all night- no tears, no falling out, but woke up at 6! A little early, but much smoother than we thought! He napped in his bed that day too- 2 1/2 hours as opposed to 3+, but still good! And after a wonderful third night- 11 hours of sleepy bliss and a 3 hour nap, he now has this big boy bed thing down- sleeping great at night and during his naps! He has only climbed out once and I found him standing next to his bed with his dog stuffed animal, not really knowing what to do next. He hasn't really figured out yet that if he gets out he really has easy access to lots of toys, books, and other fun things. And I hope he doesn't find that joy any time soon. He plays with his stuffed animals, talks and jabbers to himself, makes lots of funny noises, and does other typical boy stuff for a bit, all while tucked in under his covers, until he finally falls asleep.

The first night he slept in his bed all night, I about cried when he woke up in the morning and came into our room! He just didn't seem like my little baby anymore! I know, I'm so emotional, but hey, it's the hormones, I did just have a baby. Or, really it's just ME! We just love him to pieces and are enjoying how independent and grown up Nolan is becoming! Check out the pictures from his new room and of Heath's newly decorated nursery!

Nolan sleeps on the bottom bunk.

He loves sitting in his football chair and reading.

This bunk bed set is great because it has drawers for clothes, and shelves for toys, stuffed animals, pictures, and other fun stuff!

Some cool old school baseball photos on the wall. And of course, one is of Wrigley field!

Heath's shelves...

We did a transportation theme in his room. We haven't developed any pictures of Heath yet, so when we do, we'll put one of him in the frame. He doesn't really need our wedding photo in his room!

We hung our old license plates from Illinois, Michigan, and Colorado on the wall. And the canvas above the crib is a map made out of the license plates from each state. We have tried to decorate both boys rooms in ways that will grow with them through the years!

And we are also almost done with our basement remodel! We are in the final moving in/decorating/organizing stage. Pictures to come shortly!