Happy Birthday to Our Sweet Boy Levi!

Looks who's TWO! We can hardly believe our big boy has already been with us for two years. We have been so blessed by our sweet little Levi and his hammy personality. Thank you LORD for Levi and here's to many many more hilarious years with our first born!

"Happy Birthday Big Brother!"

After some quality time watching Elmo in the morning, playing at the park with Levi's new bubble machine and some quality fruit and toast for breakfast we were off to the Lincoln Park Zoo to feed the cows - haven't completely figured out how to use our new camera.

"Say Cheese!"

Back home enjoying some afternoon fishy crackers and more Elmo!

Levi loves his new train from Mama and Daddy... and watching Shaun the Sheep!

We had enchiladas for dinner and amazing brownies for dessert! And an awesome birthday wouldn't be complete without story time with Mama!

And some last minute laughs with Daddy!

We love you Levi, thanks for all the laughs and love!

Lots more pictures to come but I was not prepared to go through over 150 pictures from this weekend. I'll update the blog again this weekend. Thank you all for your loving comments and time over the last two years and have a wonderful rest of the week!

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'' - Matthew 18:1-3

Settling In To Our New Life

This is what happens when you have two boys... actually I just really didn't feel up to taking a nice picture - mostly because I did not approve of Tigue's headware. It is a beautiful bonnet that my grandmother made for Levi... just not very manly.

Just like his big brother, Tigue needs to be restrained most of the time that he's sleeping. He's still not quite sure what his arms are and "attacks" himself randomly :(
Big Yawn!

Jenny went to a play date this past week. I key part of our life plan this summer and a main reason for moving was walk-to activities. This park was actually a train-to activity but it got Jenny out of the house with the boys and that makes everyone happy.

There was a local celeb singer/musician at the park that had the kids add some "musical" accompaniment.

Levi really likes to switch instruments - he does it at church too

Tigue getting his groove on!

He was actually holding his blanket!

So finally, apartment pictures! This is our dining room/storage for give away stuff - other than my bike that just happen to be out.

Here is the living room after a typical Levi morning...

Here's how it starts.

This is a view from sitting on the couch

The kitchen is just off of the dining room

I'll add more pictures of the bedrooms (off to the left of the living room) after we actually decorate them in the next few weeks. In the mean time back to the boys! Here is Levi "trying" to cool his wound (left side of his forehead). He had a rough weekend overall. He was sick with a fever and hit his head a good/hard three times :(

Munchie Moo just chillin'

But today Levi was back to normal and enjoying another play date at the park.

He looks like such a BIG boy here!

It was hot!

I know it's amazing that I updated the blog within a week. You should be so excited to be back to the norm of TheJonesPod updates :) Well, have a great week everyone and happy belated birthday to my sister Sammi, Bompa, Macs, Little William (2!), and every other person who was born on the 13th! CRAZY!

"Cease striving and know that I am GOD; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." ~Psalm 46:10

The Transition...

Levi is our little hoarder... he builds this nest of stuff in the corner of our couch. Not sure if it's part of his transitioning to a new home, being almost two, his goofy personality, or hiding stuff so Tigue doesn't take it.

Sometimes Levi comes up with some awesome ways to watch TV.
Over the past month Jenny and I have been very concerned with Levi's ability to transition to a new home and having a brother. We feel that over the fourth of July weekend he really starting being himself again.

And he's always been loving to Tigue... precious.

So, Jenny got bold two weeks ago and took the boys to the Lincoln Park Zoo - Wow! Unfortunately, our camera started dying at the park...

Getting worse...

Done.

So, Jenny spent more time with the iPod touch. Not the best quality in bad lighting but it can't hide cuteness!

And sleepiness,

and messyness!

Yummy cupcakes!

"Now what, Daddy?"

Big yawns after a day of fun

Loudness on the train

Levi was helping Jenny clean the kitchen

Yay, new camera!

Much better

Jenny has been messing around with the settings of the camera and found some sweet options... like amplifying colors - not much yellow to work with.

Wow, now that's pretty cool. It's amazing how far point-and-shoot cameras have come since we bought our first one four years ago!

Levi loves sticks!

And vanilla custard!
(taken at our local custard shop)

Sometimes you just want all the color to show...
He's been such an easy baby; thank you GOD!

We took the boys to a little Greek-fest with our good friends the Lobodas this weekend and all Levi wanted to do was play in the balls... he's very cultured.

This is little Jane Loboda - she is pure sweetness,
and this is the kids enjoying their first froyo. YUM!

Well, I apologize for the extra week delay, but the camera situation was a major issue. Also, going back to work full-time wasn't the easiest thing to do, but I think we're back on track. Thanks for your patience and sticking with us. Have a great rest of the week everyone, happy belated birthday to my dad and Chris, and hope you all had a wonderful fourth!

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends"
~John 15:13