Monday, March 6, 2017

New Year's 2016

We spent NYE with Chris and Kari and had a wonderful, unexpected celebration. It was a last minute decision to get everyone together and we were all so glad that we did. The cousins were adorable in their New year's swag and striped pjs. 

I'm looking forward to all the ways that 2017 will teach, grow and challenge me. I anticipate chaos, sweet moments, lots of joy and best of all, another baby to love.


















Christmas 2016

As much as I hate to admit it, Christmas was more stressful than it was fun for me this year. I was deep in first trimester nausea and had no energy to do anything. I love the Christmas season and wanted it to be special but I was so fatigued that the parties, shopping and festive list of to-do's felt more overwhelming than anything else.

That being said, we were able to enjoy time with both families. And Christmas morning was, of course, magical. We got together with the Leitz/Rallos the weekend before Christmas, stayed home with just our nuclear family on Christmas Eve/Day, and trekked down to Oregon to be with the Mclaughlin/Wilhlelm's for a few days after. The boys loved it.

Ty took the week between Christmas and New Year's off, which was lovely. We got lots of family time and I was able to take many much needed naps. We went to the mountain twice, once with the kids and once without them.

My Christmas jammie photo session didn't exactly turn out how I wanted it to, which was a huge disappointment. Although now that a few months have passed, they are pretty hilarious.

Luckily I know that Christmas means so much more than fun parties and nice gifts. I am incredibly thankful for all that Christmas represents and the wonders of His love, nausea and all.



































Saturday, February 11, 2017

2 Year Old Love Letter

My sweet Weston,
You are two years old and incredibly full of life, love and personality. Some of your favorite phrases are "watch this!," "look mom!,"  and "Wessy do it." You are strong willed and very independent. You want to do everything yourself and don't hold back if you're disappointed that you can't in certain situations. You love your brother and want to do everything he does. You're sassy and my star student when it comes to taking photos. You're both photogenic and cooperative which makes my mama heart very happy. Your language and vocabulary are pretty amazing and you talk in full sentences. I never have to guess what you want- your strong opinions and communication skills make it very clear. I see a lot of myself in your single minded determination, so I can't help but respect it. You're silly, charismatic and have the best sense of humor. People are drawn to you and you really know how to work a room. When you get mad you tense your face and stick out your bottom lip.

Thankfully, your super picky eating stage has come and gone and you'll now try one bite of pretty much everything. Your favorite foods are quesadillas (but you call them tacos), tortellini, fruit, pancakes and toast. Basically any combination of carbs and cheese will do. You recently started loving avocados and I'd say your favorite veggies are broccoli and green pepper. You've lost interest in your high chair and have started sitting at the table with the rest of the family. The "two's" are full of learning and the struggle for power. As your mama I try to remember that each of us has a job; I set the limits but even at this young age you are responsible for making your own choices.

You love taking showers and are not a fan of baths. We're in a super good sleeping phase and, much to my delight, you sleep in. You go to bed between 7 and 8 and wake up between 7:30 and 8:30. You still sleep in your crib with a sleep sac and go down without much of a fight. You are obsessed with your stuffed animals; you have a puffin, a fox and shark that you're equally attached to. You sleep with your blankie and between one and all of your animals. Our bedtime routine has stayed the same- jammies, brush teeth, vitamins, read a couple books, turn out the light and sing a few songs, say our prayers. You love to read and "The potty book for boys" is your current favorite. You have peed and pooped on the potty multiple times but we're not quite ready to take the full on potty training plunge just yet. You go to daycare two days a week and seem to enjoy your time there.

When I think back to the day you were born and the euphoria of those first days, I had no idea what life with two little boys would be like. I had no idea how much love and joy you would bring to our family, how much your silly sense of humor would light up my days or how much you and your brother would cherish each other. Our family would not be the same without you and I pray that you always know just how deeply you are loved. I am looking forward to watching your unique gifts continue to reveal themselves as you grow.

xoxo,
Your loving mama