We Are Thankful

I know it's been a while, so as per Kristi's encouragement, I decided to find the time to post some pictures of the things that we are thankful for this season........

Cow Jammies.

Olivia's birthday-she turned 1 on 11/1/11. We're also thankful for the beautiful cake and decorations put on by the Aunties. Also for the paci. Olivia's especially thankful for that.

The dishwasher. Note-we're more thankful when there's dishes in it to play with or stand on.

My mom. I love her so much and she's wonderful.

Sisters! The girls are beginning to have so much fun together.

Cheerios!!

Our pile of girls.

The sunshine and a sweet smile.

Kitty ears.

Halloween candy. We got 324 trick-or-treaters at our new house-Elaina handed out most of it. She had so much fun. Olivia had fun too-tipping over the basket, chewing off a sucker wrapper, destroying a box of milk duds, crawling out the front door, and crawling up and down the steps. Big night.

And bunny kisses.

We are very thankful for all the blessings that God has given us this year. Beautiful children, a new house, relatively good health, and a happy home. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Feelings as of late

Embarrassment: Shamelessly begging Elaina to "go poop on the potty. Pleeeeese go poop on the potty? Please go poop Elaina."

Guilt: Fantasizing about checking into a hotel for a day to sleep, have food prepared for me, watch a movie, read a book, or play on the internet.

Apathy: I eat more candy and junk than vegetables and nourishment. I'm not proud of this.

Desperation: Sick and teething baby will not sleep for more than 3 hours in a stretch. I can't remember the last time I've felt rested.

Contentment: Two beautiful girls are all I need. I've always wanted more, but lately I am just so happy with these two and not sure I could do this again. We'll see what I say when I'm sleeping regularly.

Adoration: I know all parents love their kids and are proud of them, but I just never knew how much it was possible to love two little beings that are just their own unique individuals. It's amazing and they're amazing.

Determination: I know things will get better. I just have to hold out for spring, summer, and more sleep. It will get better. It will.

Elaina's Birthday

My baby is two years old. I can no longer use the excuse that I have "two under two" for the disheveled mess that I sometimes feel things end up as. It's OK though-Elaina is such a good girl and she amazes us every day with everything that she is learning and trying. She's very smart and if we don't keep 2 steps ahead of her, we're 10 behind. We had a little party this weekend and she had a great time. I can't believe she's already 2. Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl. Mommy loves you.



This pic is just to show the big 2 balloon that her Aunties and G'ma Rita got for her.

Going through the streamers was big fun.

These two aren't from the party but I thought they were cute.

Her aunties got her a shopping cart with a whole bunch of food. It was a hit!

The Aunties made the cake. Wow, huh?

Daddy's Valentine

Daddy's Valentine

Love

What's going on?

We have reached a consistent pattern of almost 7 consecutive hours of sleep plus a little more after the 10 minute "out of bed, feeding, and back into bed" routine almost every night.

Elaina is mostly adjusted to her new daycare. The two weeks of non-stop tantrums have seemed to abate. The last two nights have been so pleasant. And calm. And fun.

I almost don't even know what to do with myself.