what's in a name

A lot of thought went into picking our boys' names.... but not much thought has gone into their nicknames!

Bates picked up the nickname "B" shortly after coming home. It was mainly used in our texting communication throughout the day. We'd just refer to him as "b" and it got transferred to real life.

Bates' other nickname is "bug". I started calling him doodlebug and it just kinda shortened to "bug".

When we first accepted Brodie's referral and were in the name discussion phase, we simply referred to him as "jj" which was short for his Korean name, JaeJun. In fact, the file on our computer of all his information and pictures from our wait is titled "JJ".

We used his Korean name a lot the first few weeks and now that he is responding to Brodie more and more, we are using JaeJun less and less. Although when I need his attention fast, it's JaeJun for sure. He, just like Bates, will grow up knowing and responding to their Korean names also.

Also, since he's been home he's picked up the nickname "monkey". He's a climber and has the most unbelievable sense of balance ever!

So there ya have it....
The Brown boys nicknames.

B and JJ, or Bug and Monkey



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Happy Birthday, O!

Saturday the boys went to a birthday party for their friend, Ms. Olivia.

Olivia's parents pulled out all the stops and my boys had a blast!

We started the party on Olivia's birthday present, a swing set!

This picture cracks me up because what you can't see is what Bates' is doing just out of view of the camera. Bates refused to nap during nap time, so he fell asleep on the way to the party, so he was a tad grouchy. We tried to put the boys on this swing together but Bates was not having it and fell out! He was having a bit of a tantrum and Brodie was looking at him like, what the heck dude, just get on the dang swing.


Then we hit the trampoline! Now I grew up with a trampoline, but let's just say I may be a bit old for that nonsense now!





Then we changed into our swimsuits (which matched the party theme!) and Bates scoped out the pool situation.


And they hit the kiddie pool!



Then it was time to eat. My boys LOVE some watermelon.





Then the four of us hit the pool. Both boys LOVE the water! They will both jump in from the side and go under! I can't believe how far Brodie has come from just a few short weeks ago. Can't wait to see how they do in swim lessons.

After swimming, it was present time and while Olivia opened presents Nick fed the boys cake and ice cream. How's this for super dad?!






Brodie played in the bubbles.


And then back to the water station for more splashing fun. This time the birthday girl joined us.








Isn't she the cutest thing ever. I could just eat her up!!


Happy 2nd birthday Ms. Olivia. We are so blessed to have your parents in our lives and to get to watch you grow. We are so thankful you are home forever now!!!


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a playdate

Friday morning the boys and I (and Nick, since it was his Friday off) met our buddy Jenny at Chuck E Cheese.







Yes, the boys are dressed alike. Besides being super cute, it makes it so much easier to spot my two toddlers who move in opposite directions.

Jenny is pretty much super woman. She has 5, yes 5 boys this summer!!! She has her son Sam, her two step sons Ethan and Evan and her sister's two boys, Cameron and Caden. She so effortlessly showed up with all 5 boys in tow- made me tired just watching!

We had a great time catching up and chatting and chasing the 7 boys all around Chuck E Cheese. I was so thankful Nick was there, whew, my two are on the go and that is usually in opposite directions.























This is Bates' favorite ride. He loves this car with Chuck. He climbs right up in and and shouts "CHEESE" waiting for his picture to be taken.





I love the little print outs you get, hysterical!
Bates let Brodie join him for a ride.





My little ham. He had a blast!











Not so sure about the big purple guy in the train.











Please, how cute is Sam.





He saw me grab my camera and totally turned on the charm and smiled at me. Love this little hunk!

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I think he's a Cullen

Brodie has this thing for biting.
He mainly bites Bates, but has also been known to bite me, Nick, the dogs, toys, foam swords, garden hose.... ok, so he bites a lot.

Mostly it's out of frustration. Like when he doesn't get what he wants, or Bates gets too close to me, or Bates is doing something he wants to do, when I turn the water off on the hose, when Addie is laying on the couch minding her own business and dreaming doggy dreams.... ok so like I said, he bites a lot.

Tonight on the back porch I noticed this on Bates arm.



You see that? Four top teeth and four bottom teeth. Well, by process of elimination we deducted that there is only one member of our family who has 4 top teeth and 4 bottom teeth.... Brodie! No passing the buck on this one, bud!

Sheesh, maybe he's a vampire!



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popsicles

After dinner, we hit the back porch for some popsicles, or as Bates calls them "cop piscles".










I had Key Lime Pie while the boys had their popsicles. As soon as Brodie finished his popsicle, which took about 2 seconds the boy can EAT, he made a bee line to me....



And then, well it was all done... no more pie for mom.















Then in for bath time!!! These two boys were a sticky dirty mess!


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korean clothes #2

Tonight I put Brodie in a pair of pjs that his Omma sent home with him.

Brodie came home with a HUGE bag of clothes that he had worn in Korea. I really think we got every single outfit he ever wore. Tonight he wore some of his pjs.

I loved putting him in these tonight knowing he wore these in Korea.






And then he turned on the charm....
Such a happy kiddo!











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a big brother responsibility

There are lots of responsibilities that come with the role of big brother.

Bates has embraced most of these responsibilities but I think the one he was most excited about was taking his brother to one of his favorite places and showing him the ropes.

Last week, Bates nicely asked for "Sonic". Yes, my son can and does request to go to Sonic and this momma is more than happy to oblige.

Happy hour.
Two small slushes coming up. Actually I only ordered one and just got an extra cup! I'm a quick thinkin' momma like that.

First, big brother Bates got his cup and showed Brodie what it was all about.


Then Brodie was handed his cup....
A little confused at first.


But then... the magical moment.



It's safe to say we now have two tiny tot Sonic happy hour fans on our hands. I couldn't be prouder!

And my favorite picture of the trip.
Pretty sure Brodie is saying "cheers to you brother on your great idea!"


If you are looking for the three of us from the hours of 2-4 you can more than likely find us at Sonic! Happy Drinking everyone!

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someone in our house likes Corn Pops

Hit up Publix today and scored big time!

Spent $21 and came home with this...


In case you can't see.... this is....
5 BIG boxes of Corn Pops
1 BIG box of Apple Jacks
two BIG containers of Lysol wipes
Apple Juice (which was the penny item)
two boxes of Nutri-Grain cereal bars
two jars of popcorn
a gallon of milk
and two bags of cheese ravioli

I saved $45!! And we are stocked in cereal for a bit! Happy Day!





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Happy father's day Nick!

I had this whole post typed last night and it disappeared. Ugh.

So sorry this is a bit late, but something is in the juice boxes at our house and the boys have been revolting bed time. I am sure looking forward to the day we have our new normal and it involves a reasonable bed time and all parties sleeping in their own beds.

On Father's Day, the boys (with my help) decided they wanted to surprise Daddy with a trip to play putt putt (or as Bates' calls it "golf balls")

I wanted a shot of my boys before we got started, but Brodie wanted to GO. Seriously this kid is a mile a minute, free spirit, march to the beat of his own drummer. I love it!






Brodie was more interested in picking up the golf balls and throwing them than actually golfing.


Here he is in the way and throwing golf balls.


Bates really gets into golf. I think he's gonna be a pro golfer. He only wanted to stand at the tee and hit the ball.





We attempted to get Brodie to golf. After the first hole it turned into Bates and Nick hitting multiple balls off the tee and then Bates running and picking them up and putting them in the hole. Brodie just running and doing his own thing. Me chasing Brodie, carrying all the clubs, and taking pictures.


There goes my free spirit.

















My sweet serious boy, Bates.


And my wild man, Brodie.


Again, mid course I tried for a boys picture. Welp, not happening.





Finally, the 18th hole. Most courses have a windmill you have to putt the ball past, but we had a different obstacle, our very own Brodie!


And then it was time to head home.


It's gonna be at least a few months before we attempt putt putt again and at least a few YEARS before Nick takes the boys to the golf course, but we had fun!

My boys lucked out in the Daddy department, for sure. Nick is a hands on dad. He does and helps with everything, the laundry, the dishes, the cleaning, the playing, the tickling, the bathing, the night routine. I'm a lucky mom for sure to have such a partner in this parenting gig.

My boys are learning by example how to be great fathers and great husbands when they grow up.


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