My Boys!

While we've been enjoying the snow what we've really been dreaming of is our summer vacation. Ian and I recently were able to purchase (for a great price, might I add) some plane tickets to visit our parents; Florida and California here we come! We're both excited to go back and visit our roots and show Atley our old stompin' grounds. Besides that I'm sure ready to get out of the Winter and back where the summer never fades!

Another great thing that's happened recently is a surprise date. A couple weeks ago, Ian was able to get a day off work. He arranged for a babysitter and planned a date all without me knowing about it. I love good surprises. The ones where people pop out from behind doors and stuff I can do without though. Anyway, we went to dinner together and he bought me some new slippers. Here's a picture of the surprise invitation.

He had put the invitation on the fridge and called me after class (when he would normally be going to work) and I read the invitation as he was telling me he was on his way home. With all the stress of school and taking care of Atley that comes, it was sure nice to get a break. I must admit it was so sweet, I cried. I'm not a crier, but I'm so glad I have such a thoughful husband.

The other boy in my life has been absolutely adorable lately. We've been taking pictures like crazy and he and the camera seem to have gained a mutual respect for each other. He'll be 4 months old tomorrow, and getting bigger every day!

Grandma Sorensen was really great to sent Atley some clothes this week. Goodness knows the way he's been drooling we've needed more. Here's Atley in one of the outfits. So cute!

As you know, we like to play dress up. Maybe one day he'll hate me for it, but for now it's really fun! This week we decided to dress him up like his Uncle Taran. Taran has a red vest and sometimes wears it out. I think he was a little jealous of how good Atley made this look.

Atley is babysat every thursday night while I'm in class. Sometimes it's kind of a rush to get out of the door. This past thursday I forgot to refill the diapers in the diaper bag. Oops! When he needed a diaper change, the only size diaper my friend had was Newborn. I thought it was so funny how small it looked, so I took a picture. Another one of those that he'll hate me for whe he's older. It's also interesting to note that this size diaper used to drown him! Our growing boy!

Last night I was able to watch my friend Mary's daughter Emily so she could have a date night with her husband. We always love having Emily over to play because she's such a good helper with Atley. Yesterday she said she wanted to hold him, so I sat him on her lap on the couch. Isn't it just adorable?

This last picture was taken today. Atley finally found his thumb! I've written before about how much he loves sucking on anything he can get in his mouth, well he's finally consigned to the traditional approach. We're not sure what to think of it yet. He slept for a good two hours with it in, but I'm kind of nervous what breaking the habit will mean when he's older. For now, it is quite cute and it probably means less drool! Yay for the Mommy!

An All Mine Valentines

Last week our family celebrated Valentines Day. We've been trying to go to Utah and visit family there, but since that hasn't been working out for us, we chose to stay here and make the most of our weekend.

Friday night, Ian was able to get off work early. We enjoyed having the extra time with him and so did his buddies. They played some games together. Probably as a way to relax and talk about all the great plans they had for their wives' holiday.

Saturday morning, we woke up and played Raquetball (per my request). I haven't been able to get out of the house and do much physically since Atley was born and I really have missed visiting the gym. My friend Mary and I played a couple of games, the first of which she totally smoked me. I think I did pretty well on the second one though. It may seem like an odd thing to do on Valentines day, but it was Ian's way of showing me how much he was willing to do things that make me happy. Besides, he was glad to spend some time with Altey. Male bonding and all that.

After Raquetball, we got cleaned up and went the ward activity. We danced our hearts out to the cha-cha. Ian was a really good sport. Though he says his hips are fused to his legs, he gave it his best effort and the result was quite impressive. What even better is that Atley slept THE WHOLE TIME! What a good baby we have.

The evening came and since we didn't want to head out into the crowded restaurants of Rexburg, we babysat for someone else and got ourselves a special pizza.

Love may be in the air for most Rexburgers, but for the Sorensen family...it was in the Pizza!

Once again Atley was an angel, going to be early and sleeping like a rock so Mom and Dad could enjoy a movie together.

Sunday we enjoyed our church meetings and then had a friend over for dinner. Since we felt bad for being a little selfish with our time on Saturday, we spoiled Atley with attention. We dressed him up and played with him every possible moment. I believe he really enjoyed the attention. Here are some pictures of our time together.

Atley enjoyed us putting real shoes on him for the first time. His little Air Jordans were a gift from a friend. He sure looked ready to play some B-Ball.

I think this Valentines Day Ian and I realized exactly where Atley's heart is. His hand is certainly the love of his young life. Either that or his pacifier.

Here are some other fun pictures Atley has had taken recently. Enjoy!

This one is his official 3 month old photo. All smiles and so BIG!

I was doing my homework and turned around to see him making this creepy face. I HAD to snap a picture!

Gotta love the bunny!

Smiles! Mom loves those!

Though it's hard to see him cry, I definitely love the crying faces too. Plus, his kids will appreciate them someday.