Happy Birthday Nanee

We hope this day is special! All our love!

Happy 9 months boys!

{Alex/Jordan}

Playtime is a loud, energetic time in our house! You both love to crawl around the living room stopping to examine the various toys lying around. You squeal, scream, and laugh as you crawl over one another. Yesterday Alex crawled over top of Jordan and Jordan began to slap his bottom over and over. You were both giggling uncontrollably.

Pulling yourself up on this particular toy is a favorite of both of yours. Jordan, you like to hit the music bottom over and over and bounce up and down as the music plays.

{Alex/Jordan}

You both love to pull up on the toy basket and toss the toys out.

{Jordan}

Alex you have made it your mission to escape from the confines of the living room. Every chance you get you are pushing aside the gate even if it is blocked by chairs! You love the freedom to explore new found areas of the house. You still prefer to move around commando style even though you can crawl!

Outside time is enjoyed by both of you. As we go for walks you both like to flap your hands and squeal as the stroller rolls along. If one of you is in the Ergo, you find it enjoyable to pull my hair so that I will turn around and then you offer me a big smile.

{Alex}

{Jordan}

I have started to put you both in the bath together. You crawl around, explore the toys and splash repeatedly. The other night you both stayed in for nearly 45 mins. I had to refill the water because it kept getting cold.

{Alex}

Food is a very important part of your day. You both love to eat anything put in front of you and consistently eat three meals a day plus a few snacks now and then. You are starting to eat the same things we eat and some favorites are pancakes, squash, apples, cheese, avacado and chicken. There has not been a food that you won't eat.

{Alex/Jordan}

{Jordan}

{Alex}

You both have such big personalities. You are such happy boys and are rarely fussy. You are adaptable and have "go with the flow" attitudes. You smile easily and have deep, hearty giggles. I love hearing you laugh! Your brother and sisters adore you and spend most of their days fighting over who gets to play with you. They love helping out with "watching" you for me.

You love to see reflections in the mirror. The other night before bath you were both naked and sitting in front of the mirror. Jordan, you looked at your reflection and then looked at Alex's. You then turned your head to see Alex in person and repeated the sequence. It was as though you were processing the whole, "who am I, who is he?" idea. It was very interesting to watch.

{Alex}

{Jordan}

Your sleep is off and on. Sometimes you sleep through, and other times you are up 3-4 times. Alex, you are up more often than Jordan. You both go to bed around 6:30-7 and start the day around 6/6:30. You nap twice a day around 9 and again around 1.

Diaper changes are not very much fun anymore. Not only is there one squirmy, wiggly, strong boy fighting to get away, but there is always another one crawling all over trying to interrupt my progress. Then, to top things off, I get to do the whole process again!!

Alex you are spunky, energetic and loud.

Jordan you are strong, snuggly and thoughtful,

Boys, you are very loved. Happy 9 months!

I just love seeing some of my favorite clothing items get worn again!!

{Aiden-8 months}

{Alex-8 months}

One of Caileigh's passions.

A taste of spring

There is warmth in the sun these days. It has been so refreshing to get outside everyday for at least a couple of hours. We try and get out an hour in the morning and then get out again in the afternoon for a walk, or another play. There are so many gorgeous areas to explore and the kids have enjoyed keeping our eyes open for signs of spring. They are everywhere if you look. Buds on the trees, robins singing their song.

{Ready to go}

Today, after our walk to go see the neighborhood llamas, we played in the small patch of grass that has been peaking through the snow. Yes, grass!! It was the boys first time experiencing it and they weren't bothered by the least. They enjoyed picking up small leaves and rocks and crawling around.

{Jordan}

{Alex}

{It makes me laugh to see the girls wrestling in the background}

{Aiden preparing to get some work done. He was working hard raking the snow in the garden to get it ready for planting}

{Some of Aiden's collection}

The Very Best of Friends

They play together all day.

They sleep cuddled up to each other at night.

They teach each other new skills.

They look out for one another's needs.
These two sure love each other!

Just Hanging Out

The kids just love treating me to "plays". It is so entertaining and good for some laughs.

Five Reasons to Smile

Somewhere in between the constant laundry, cooking, schooling, fighting, it is easy to lose perspective. It is easy to get absorbed in feelings of exhaustion and self pity. It can be quite humbling to switch your perspective and realize how much there is to be thankful for. Healthy family, a warm, safe home, and gorgeous snowy family days. I am thankful that each new day brings opportunity for fresh starts. I look forward to tomorrow but will strive to enjoy today.

.

Well, I tried (again)

My Boys

We've enjoyed the last few days visiting with Grandma who flew in on Saturday. The temperatures have continued to be above zero and the snow is rapidly melting. As a result, we were able to enjoy some warm(er) days outdoors and take sightseeing drives around the area. Grandma, we are glad that you could come see our new home and spend some time with us! Until next time......

(Alex and Jordan)