Winds From The East

Today I can just hear Bert from Mary Poppins sing

Winds from the east... Mist comin' in... Like somethin' was brewin', about to begin... Can't put me finger on what lies in store... But I feel what's to 'appen, all 'appened before...!

Can't quite put my finger on why I keep singing it.  Maybe I sing it because I love Mary Poppins.  Maybe I sing it because there really is a storm brewing.  Maybe I sing it because I feel change happening.  I think it's the combination of all three.  A change, a new beginning, is happening in our family.  And I LOVE it!  Sitting on the floor and looking out the window this morning with AJ, I was completely content.  I don't know how to describe it exactly, but there is this amazing happiness being  a mother.  Oh how I enjoy soaking up each moment with my boys!  With AJ, I've missed almost five years of his life, and I find myself not wanting to miss anything with him now.  I want to hear his excitement with every bird and car that passes by our house as we watch out the window together.   I want to hear him yell "Mickey Mouse" everytime that mouse comes on tv.  I want to see him smile as he experiences something new he likes.  I want to hear all the "mmmm's" as he is enjoying his food.  Even in the midst of AJ throwing a tantrum, I want to be by his side even more to reassure him that I love him no matter what.  I want it all!  This is a season of life I'm loving.  It's like a spring season of life has sprung at The Brice House!  I'm just thankful to be able to soak in all of it!  I'm not sure what all is in store for us, but I know I don't want to miss any of it.  There is a new excitement awaken in me.  I like what the wind is blowing in...the breeze has never felt so good.  :)

Mimi

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush

My mom, Mimi, came this weekend to meet AJ.  AJ ran into her arms the moment he saw her.  It was such a sweet moment!  Seriously, it's too cute how he smiles at his Mimi!  We are very grateful for family coming to help us as AJ is adjusting to his new home and family.  On Saturday, our neighborhood had a yard sale.  AJ had a great find...a car!  Mimi proudly got him his "first car."  The kid loves riding around in it.  Notice I said riding because he is a terrible driver.  His big brother Brody doesn't mind driving him up and down the street.  Tough work being a big brother!  Hahaha.  The weather this weekend was perfect for playing outside, and it was good to make memories in the warm sunshine.

Oh Shenandoah

I love how when I don't post for a few days I get messages checking on AJ.  AJ is adjusting wonderfully.  We had a thoughtful friend let us use a cabin this week during Brody's spring break for family bonding.  I know every book on attachment says not to travel the first few months, but AJ loves being on the go and Brody needed this trip.  A relaxing cabin trip is good for all of us.  The Brice PARTY of four is fun, but it will take time for the boys to get used to each other and learn to share their parents.  They are both explorers at heart, and I really enjoy their curiosity.  Being in the woods is great for them!  Car rides are also pretty great too!  AJ loves seeing new things.  This is my first time seeing the Shenandoah Valley.  It's beautiful country side!  I'm such an old soul who wanted to sing out, "Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you. Away you rolling river." Yesterday we visited Luray Caverns.  It was definitely a Brody kind of place.  It's the largest cavern in the East with countless stalactites and stalagmites.  I like a place that is both fun and educational.  Kids need to see new sights so they have things to write and think about.  Getting Brody to give details about topics is like pulling teeth.  It's important to experience things together as a family so we can talk about it.  Hearing Brody tell about his favorite part of the cave, Pluto's Ghost, was very cool.  AJ can't tell us verbally what he thought of the cavern, but he did smile a lot.  The clear water that sat so still that it reflected the ceiling perfectly was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.  I recommend seeing this place if you have never been there. Today Brody is going horseback riding during AJ's nap.  I'm sure there will be fun stories from that adventure.    

Both boys fell asleep after all the cavern fun!  Success!!!  

Easter Weekend

It was a great weekend, and it feels so good to be all together.  The boys are really enjoying each other.  Sure there are moments where Brody gets a little frustrated at AJ for being loud during his video, but that's all part of learning to be patient with your family.  Overall Brody thinks having a brother is very awesome!

Ryan's Dad aka Pops flew in Friday night.  The boys were already asleep when he got in so Saturday morning was meeting AJ Day.  AJ went right to Pops and had his morning milk sitting in Pops lap. We celebrated Easter a day early since Nanny and Pops would be leaving early on Easter morning.  The boys loved their baskets.  AJ was excited about getting a Mickey Mouse.  He's been dragging Mickey all over the house.  At Easter Dinner, AJ liked deviled eggs, mash potatoes, peas, and watermelon.  On Sunday we said our goodbyes to the grandparents which made both boys sad.  Then we went to church.  AJ seemed to enjoy meeting new people, and he made it through 2/3 of the service.  I say success!  That afternoon we did one of my favorite activities, a Sunday afternoon nap!