School Pictures and a little mushiness

Are my kids even old enough to have school pictures? Apparently so...

Every night I feel like I'm living in the book I'll Love You Forever, as I sneak in their rooms. I lay in Mai's bed and am amazed by how she no longer looks anything like a baby. I think of the new things she's learning every day and could not be more proud of her. I crawl on Thomas's floor and sit next to the crib, trying to remember how just a few short months ago he was waking up all night long and snuggling in my arms, nursing as he fell back to sleep. He is starting to use words and signs and is such a happy and proud little boy.
I always thought I wanted 3 or 4 kids, but honestly at night, I move from Mai's room to T's and think, how could I ever want anything more than what I have now? I feel so lucky to have the incredible family that calls me mom. I could not ask for sweeter or happier kids or a more supportive and dedicated husband. I am truly a very lucky woman.

Sweetness

3!!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

 Morning birthday treats

 BIG BIRTHDAY SMILES! When she left this morning she said "Thank you for my birthday!" 

She is so excited and proud of herself for being a "big girl"

My Little Man

 Thomas is the sweetest, cutest little boy I've ever met, but these days he is discovering all sorts of things. He is rapidly changing from an infant to a toddler as he chases Mai and copies her every move. Its amazing to see the changes and I am so proud of the little people they've become. Although I have to admit, at naptime and bedtime I hold them a little tighter, hug them a little longer, and sneak back in after they've fallen asleep to watch them in all their sweet baby innocence.

 Big boys feed themselves and Thomas is awfully proud to be feeding himself salmon, risotto, and broccoli. Look at that proud grin. This is man's work! hehe

Hello Spring

This week was spring break and what a beautiful week it was! We FINALLY moved into our new house and have had time to start turning it into a home. We had a lot of help from family and the process has been a great one.Mimi came and helped watch the kids while we moved. Nana came and helped put the decor together and did a beautiful cleaning job, and Konda was a big help in helping us transition our ridiculous amount of stuff from her house to ours.

Mai in one of Aunt J's old princess dresses

We've enjoyed playing with the kids and getting lots of snuggle time in. Thomas and Mai have loved being home and playing together. Thomas is figuring out how to interact with other people and loves copying his sister. He loves sneaking in her room and sitting in her reading corner with a book.

We finally took Thomas in for his 1 year checkup (at 13months due to cancellations from being sick). He looks great. Thomas weighs 22lbs(50th percentile) and is 30inches tall (50-75th percentile)

 HAPPY EASTER!

Uncle Matt's for an egg hunt!

 Sweet girl

Who needs eggs? I'm a boy, give me dirt!

Cake Smash

 

Thomas was not interested in eating his cake.

We tried to be patient.

We tried to get him to taste just a bit.

He put his fingers in and decided it was not for him.

Tears rolling down his cheeks, he crawled away and....

 ...Mailande jumped in!

 You can't let a perfectly good cake go to waste :)

Happy Bday Little Man

I'm sorry

Today, Mailande was mad at mommy for trying to help her with something, when she very much wanted her daddy's help. She told me "NO MOMMY! I want my daddy! I do not like you!" Daddy had a talk with M and when I was tucking her into bed she gave me a huge hug and said
"Mommy. I am sooooo sorry. I made bad choices. I love you and I will make good choices tomorrow."

I would never ever in a million years give up even the roughest moment of being a mom, because at the end of the day these moments still exist. And these moments are what make life worth living.

I am so in love with my sweet baby girl and so lucky to be her mom.

Sweetest Little Valentine's

 A year ago today I was walking the mall with Grandma Jane hoping for Thomas to be a Valentine's Day baby. Its so hard to believe that in such a short time he has changed so drastically. This week he has started running everywhere. He isn't quite stable on his feet, but that doesn't slow him down. Why walk when you can run? The boy obviously has places to go and dreams to chase.

 Mailande had a blast today at school having her 1st Valentine's day party with friends. She loved tearing through all the goodies at home and even saved a special piece of daddy's favorite candy for him. Sometimes I just sit and look at my family and wonder, what did I do to be so lucky? I could not have dreamed for a more perfect life.

 

Mailande LOVES reading, memorizing, and rereading her books. She has recently started playing teacher. "No mom, sit crisscross applesauce and put your hands in your lap." This past weekend she was reading to me in bed. I had to videotape her cuteness. This particular video may be a little long but she is reciting the book perfectly and also being an incredible active 2 year old at the same time. I love her silly self.