Christmas

This year was a special Christmas for us. We got to travel to Colorado to spend it with some of my family who we don't see all that often. We anticipated our trip with much excitement, explaining we were going on an airplane, going to see mountains and see "grandma." Note: Next time a trip is in the future, wait until closer to start the excitement. It doesn't work to tell a toddler we have "3 more months", "2 more weeks" etc. SHE HAD A BLAST!! Plane ride, van ride, mountains, snow, cabin, snow, sledding, cousins, free play all day! Both kids did so well on the plane. We had such a great time being with family. There are so many things I could talk about, but honestly, my favorite part was just "being" together, literally. I have a huge family and it is SO hard to all get together. My mom and half my brothers and sisters were there. Hopefully next time we will ALL be there. Not sure if we can all fit into the lens of a camera, but we will sure try to squeeze in there. The last time my entire family was together, Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters, was in 1997. Right??? About time to get us all together I think!! We have lots more in-laws and grandbabies now. LOTS more!
I loved our trip, loved Christmas...especially when Claire remembered whose birthday it was...Happy Birthday Jesus! Oh, and I got to spend my birthday there too. Nice!

Thankful

I love Thanksgiving for many reasons. I know I am supposed to say that I like it because I take time to reflect on what I am thankful for. I can honestly say, that is part of it, but I am trying hard to let a thankful heart be a part of my everyday life. I often grumble, complain, compare, etc and focus is placed on the negative, what I don't have, what others do have, and why I am not good enough. I have been writing something down each day this month to remind myself I have SO much to be thankful for. I have realized my list isn't in any particular order, except first is that I am so thankful to be a child of God, and have a real,loving relationship with Him. All the rest comes after because all the other things come with a trust in Him.
I have also realized it is hard to just think of one thing each day. There are so many!!
I am also thankful for my husband, kids, family, friends, good health, being able to stay at home, and the list goes on. I realized that the most important things are those which don't have a dollar value. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for my home, my car, food, clothes and all the rest, but they don't mean much in comparison to so many other things. It is amazing to me how many of my thoughts focus on negative things when I have so much to be thankful for. Oh yes, and the other reasons I love Thanksgiving...being with family, cooler weather, yummy food, and starting off the whole holiday season. Let it begin!!

6 months

Micah,
It is crazy that 6 months have already passed since we brought you home and into our family. Each day has been a new adventure in getting to know you and who you are. You have so many happy, smiley moments and we love to watch you laugh! Each one is a reminder of who you are. We love you so much and look forward to all the wonderful months and years ahead as you continue to grow and become the amazing boy you already are. A few things about this past month...
*Sitting up much better but you still need support
*Eating real food (Well, the mushy kind at least) You have had oatmeal, squash, sweet potatoes, zucchini and applesauce
*Realizing when Mommy leaves the room (I try to tell you I'll be right back!)
*Interacting some with Big Sister
*Playing with your toys

You are a sweet boy. We love you so much!

Big Boy!!

I wish I could have a penny, just a penny for every time someone says, "Look at those cheeks!" In fact, when Micah was dedicated, it was stated, "These are the biggest cheeks I have ever seen!" We don't mind. He is a happy, healthy and growing boy. Love his cheeks, kissable, rosy, pinchable, perfect cheeks! Here are his 1, 2, 3and 4 month pics. Not sure if they will post in order, but I will try! :)

2!!

Claire,
I can't believe you are already 2! Time has gone by so quickly, but I am happy to say I have enjoyed every moment of it. I am so thankful to be your Mommy and so blessed to stay home with you. You are such a sweet, helpful, caring and smart girl. You are constantly amazing us with your ability to understand and remember things. Sometimes I wonder if you hear what I say. Then you come out and say something I have said recently and I know you hear it all! I am reminded to tell you how much I love you, how beautiful you are and how much God loves you. Those are the things I want to know you understand. The other night, we were riding home from a park/frozen yogurt outing. You said, from the backseat, all on your own, "Jesus loves me." I asked you to say it again to make sure I heard you correctly. You said it again. I melted inside and couldn't wait to share with Daddy! We are so proud of you!
You are so close to being potty trained. You are wearing "big girl panties" when we are home, but I am still a little nervous to take you places with them on. I know you are going to do great, but Mommy is still scared! :)
You are a great conversationist. You talk alot!! I love hearing you put words together and string them into full sentences. Sometimes I will count how many words you put together and it is quite a few now! And they form true sentences. Way to go!
Things you like right now...
Independence!! You love to things on your own. In fact, sometimes you tell me "I got it." You are doing great at using a grown up fork.
Helping-you are a great helper and we love when you take care of your toys (You also help set the table, put recycling in the bin, get the mail with us, pick up your toys, get diapers for Micah, sweep with your little broom)
Books-you have always been a fan of books and we are so thankful for that! You love to read the A is for Apple alphabet book, 10 Little Ladybugs
Zucchini- We are so glad you love zucchini and many other veggies. You are a good eater!
Dolls- You take great care of all your babies. You change their diapers, which is usually a "stinky poos", use lots of wipes, burp them, console them if they fall and tell them "It's ok, baby"

You are so precious! Many people comment on how sweet you are, how well you obey and how cute you are. I agree completely! We love you so much!!

Growing, Growing!!

I think the pictures speak for themselves! Claire is about to turn 2...can't believe that! Micah is 3 months, but he looks more like a 5 month old according to many people! They are both so healthy, sweet and good looking if you ask me! I can't believe how quickly time goes by. The other night I was looking through old pictures and videos of when Claire was a baby. It almost made me cry to hear her sweet little giggle when we would tickle her belly. Now it's a full blown laugh! She is growing so much into a girl, not just a baby anymore. It reminds me to cherish every moment I have with both of them because I know time isn't going to slow down! Man, I love these two!

3 Months

Micah,
You are already 3 months old! It is amazing how quickly these 3 months have flown by. I am so proud and thankful to be your Mom! When you smile and giggle, I honestly melt inside and can't help but smile back. You are incredibly handsome (like Daddy) and I probably tell you a little too much! You are growing so much too. I weighed you at Grandma's house and you were right around 15 pounds. I know you get plenty to eat, and I am so thankful for your good health. You have been sleeping about 10 hours most nights. Sometimes you have a harder time going to sleep, but most of the time you go to sleep on your own. You are nursing 5-6 times a day. Sometimes I wonder if that's enough, but then I see you and know you are totally fine and healthy.
You are extremely happy! You are just a ball of smiles, giggles and the cutest little noises. Your big sister LOVES you and loves to help take care of you. She says, "What's up, brother" and "Bless you" if you cough or sneeze. She is a big fan of yours. Mommy and Daddy are too! We love you so much and thank God for you every day. You are a treasure!

Summer Escape

Well, in an effort to abide by my devotional today to be grateful and put grumbling to the wayside, I will not complain about this heat. I will say, however, that I was able to spend an amazing week and a half in South Dakota, basking in the outdoor beauty of blissful 80ish degree highs and lows in the 60s. I spent many mornings drinking coffee outside and wasn't sweating! We went to lots of parks, picnics, more parks and more picnics. We also visited my grandparents and my aunt and uncle's farm. Claire LOVED being able to be outside so much and had a blast on the farm. She got to see the sheep, sit on a couple tractors and a motorcycle, and even "help" feed the sheep. I enjoyed seeing her have so much fun! I also got to see a few of my long time best friends and cherished it! My favorite thing was being home with Mom and my sister, who Claire lovingly called "Uncle Lishy" instead of Aunt. Oh well..she got the name right anyway! I honestly cannot say how much I loved being home and the weather was just amazing! I am also glad to say these two kiddos did a great job in the car. It is a long journey and they were incredible. Here are a few snapshots of the fun we had!