Happy Valentines Day

Last night I was feeling sappy and wrote Chris a nice letter on what an amazing husband and father he was. How I love watching him play with the kids and that he gave me the best Valentines present two years ago when Alyssa was born. It was really sweet and nice. Then my internet crashed before I could post it and so it never go posted (and no I didn't hit save before it crashed).

So tonight I was going to re-write it but I don't feel as sappy tonight, so it just doesn't feel right. But I will write part of what I wrote.

Dear Chris,

I guess Chris will just have to know that I appreciate all he does for our family on a daily basis from going to work to helping with kids and chores. I read about all these dead beat dads on facebook and other sites and it just makes me cherish my husband even more. He is a wonderful amazing husband and dad.

I love to watch Alyssa's face light up when he gets home. She will hear the garage and look at me and say "hide, hide" then she will run away from the door, but the second the door opens she is running to him.

Chris takes very good care of me and our kids and I couldn't ask for a better husband. I am very lucky to have found such a man.

I can't believe we have been married almost 7 years and they have been wonderful. I can't wait to see what the next 7 and beyond bring.

I love you honey and THANK YOU for taking care of us.

Love,

Me

Warmer Weather and a good weekend

Today was a warm day. It was almost or a little above 60. This afternoon after Alyssa's nap we all got dressed and went outside without coats. We walked the neighborhood (Alyssa walking in the snow the whole way). We then went out on the deck so to get it ready for kids tomorrow. The weather will be nice all week and you can bet we are getting outside for some outside play time each day. I was also able to buy a double stroller yesterday so we can even take the babies outside.

Also this morning when Chris came to wake me up he brought both kids up and put them in bed with me. We then spent the next hour reading stories and playing as a family in bed. We missed church but I know that what we had was special.

Yesterday was a busy day filled with spending time together as well. We went to swim as a family and I was able to watch Alyssa swim with Chris. We then went and got pictures taken of the kids and out for dinner (it was a Valentines dinner for Chris and I). Then we went to the mall to get my ring fixed and to Once Upon a Child to buy things for the day care.

All in all it was a good weekend.

Princess Tea Party

Today I took Alyssa to a Princess Tea Party. She got to get all dressed up in a dress that was big and puffy. We went with Jenni and Lizzie. Alyssa had a lot of fun dancing to the music that was playing and watching all the other girls that were dressed up. Every time a princess would come over though, she would get a nervous look on her face. I got a picture with all but one of the princesses that were there and I figured by the end she would smile when they came but she never did.

I think part of it was that she really had no connection to the Princesses. She has watched Little Mermaid two times and Beauty and the Beast once. Other than that she had no idea who they were or why they were giving her hugs and taking pictures with her. In fact for awhile she was much more interested in a green tarp that was behind us.

I know she still had a lot of fun and it was fun to watch her interact with Lizzie and she LOVED getting a princess crown at the end. She also really enjoyed eating a cook and drinking apple juice out of a champagne glass.

All in all it was a fun hour and a half. I think we will have to go back for the Tinkerbell Tea in June. Maybe I will let her watch Peter Pan a few times first.

Happy Birthday Alyssa

Dear Alyssa,

Tomorrow you turn 2! I cannot believe how fast the time has gone. It seems like only yesterday I was waiting for your arrival. You are one of the best things that ever happened to Daddy and I.

You are growing up so fast. You now weigh 24 lbs and are 34 inches tall. You talk non stop. Sometimes we can understand you and other times we can't.

You LOVE trains, Yo Gabba Gabba, dancing and eating. We don't watch a lot of tv in the house but when you get a chance you always ask for "wiggle wiggle wiggle" which is a name of the song on Yo Gabba Gabba. So that is the theme of your second birthday party. I can't wait to see what you think of your cake tomorrow.

You are now also potty trained. You took to it very quickly and have not worn a diaper besides nap or bed time in almost a month.

You are a very happy child and are always smiling. With that said you can also throw some very big tantrums.

You still love swimming and can't wait for Saturday mornings when you get to jump off the side of the pool and swim all over. You also still love to snuggle with your parents before bed at night.

There are so many things to say about you, and I know I can't write them all down with out staying up all night.

You truly are a blessing from God and Daddy and I love you more than you will ever know. Tomorrow you will be surrounded by even more people who love and adore you. They will all come together to laugh and enjoy each others company. And while we will have over 30 people in this house celebrating with you, there are even more that want to be here but can't.

Alyssa you are one lucky little girl to have so many wonderful people in your life. I hope that you grow up knowing how much you are loved.

Big girl this last year has had many ups and downs and I'm sure the year to come will as well, but I can't wait to see you grow. I look forward to see what the coming months and year bring to yours and our lives.

Thank you for being such an awesome girl.

Love,

Mommy

2 Months

Dear Colin,

You are two months old. I can't believe how fast time has gone. You are growing up so fast. You now weigh 12 lbs 13 ounces, and are 23 inches. You are a very long boy and are almost out of your 0-3 month clothes because you are so long. Today you had to get your shots and you cried and held your breath when she gave them to you, but as soon as I picked you up you stopped crying.

Since you have been born there has been a lot of snow and so we haven't been able to get outside much, but you do enjoy getting wrapped in blankets and going out to watch your sister play in the snow.

The last few weeks you have been smiling like crazy and Daddy and I compete to see who can get the most smiles a day. You also love to "talk to us" as we feed you you will smile and coo at us. It is a fun time had by all.

You still love to be swaddled and will sleep in long stretches in your bouncy during the day swaddled. At night you spend the first part of the night in your crib and when you wake up I bring you to bed with us and you spend the rest of the night in bed with Daddy and I.

You love your big sister and you love to watch her run around and anytime she will talk to you, you get a big smile on your face.

We weren't sure what life would be like with two kids, but your Daddy and I are so happy and now can't imagine our lives without you.

Colin you have made our lives better and we are so lucky to be your parents.

Love,

Mommy