I have said more than once this week that if I live in a city with sweltering 100-degree summers, I thought I got a break on winter. Not this week. Our city has turned frigid and we've spent a lot of time just hanging out a home.

Since I last posted, Ben has become my BIG baby, nearly weighing 20 pounds and already crawling (I've got video to prove it). Jack loves his new preschool, and I'm reminded daily of what a boy he's becoming.

John got me a Flip camera for Christmas, which I'm still trying to master. This is a video from tonight, right before bedtime. Note the play by play by big brother in the background.

(I can already hear Grammy and Granna watching this video, wondering why I don't pick that poor baby up!)

Swim Lessons

Jack has just finished his first week of swim lessons. Luckily, he managed to stay in the pool most of the time, despite an unsteady start to the week. Not sure if he'll be the next Michael Phelps, but he sure likes blowing bubbles!


First, Ben says "hi!"

Me and My Boys

What a big couple of months we've had at the Mettees! Since I last posted, we've been blessed with a new baby boy, adjusted to having a newborn back in the house and learned that we may never sleep again! Jack celebrated his 3rd birthday and started a new preschool at our church.

I thought I'd post some of the highlights -- with the best intentions to do better with posting in the future.


Benjamin Tyler Mettee -- 7 pounds, 13 ounces and 20.5 inches long ... and growing.


Big Brother meets Baby Ben

Jack's first day at preschool. He LOVES his new Thomas the Train lunchbox.

Before Jack headed off to preschool, he celebrated his 3rd birthday at LEAD -- the center he's been at since he turned 1.

Jack and the boys wait on their cupcakes.

Waiting on cake at his home birthday party

Jack also took his first field trip in May -- his class went to the park. Most importantly, they rode the bus. Here they are having a picnic. Of course, Jack polished off his boxed lunch in no time.

Slip and Slide

I can't believe that about six weeks ago, I was posting pictures of the snow. And now, we're playing in the water.

This weekend, Jack and John opened up the new Slip and Slide -- which our good friends Jen Jen, Brandon and Emma Grace gave us. Jack's still getting the hang of it, and couldn't understand why I didn't want to slide down on my big belly. Instead, I sat in the sun and watched my feet swell.

See Mom, I DO know how to sit down.

The Wise Family Comes to Visit

Our good friends Brandon, Jennifer and Emma Grace are visiting from Spring Hill. Jack and Emma Grace spent today at the zoo and playing in the back yard. They played so hard that Jack passed out on the way to Aunt Ruby's for dinner -- and never woke up. Now, if spaghetti and bread don't wake him up, nothing will.

Emma Grace and Jack take on the sand table.

Miss Emma Grace poses for the camera from inside the moon bounce.

Boys, I've found, just collect a lot of mud. A lot.

Headed East

John has the week off, so we all headed to Nashville this weekend to visit his family. The three-hour trip is about all my body can handle. Six weeks to go until the newest Mettee makes his debut!



Jack loves playing with Grammy's "car"



Big Cousin Ryan guards the goal at his soccer game. Jack is usually right at Ryan's heels, wherever he goes.


My boys


Jack and cousin Anna play off to the side during Ryan's soccer game.

Jesus Wakes Up!

Yesterday we celebrated our Savior's great gift -- or as Jack puts it, Jesus Wakes Up!


Jack and Mary Beth, his cousin


Jack shares his eggs with Mary Beth

"Mom, I'm SURE there are more eggs under here"

He'd already filled up his basket before I could get out the church door