Our sweet, Remy Mae.

Yesterday our tiniest turned ONE.  And over the last year we've been learning about life with two. And I've decided that there isn't a way to balance it all, but you just do the best you can.  Then when you make mistakes you dust yourself off and try the best you can, again.  It's been a beautiful, challenging, learning, heart-opening, sleepless and giggle-inducing year. 

I've been away from my blog mostly because I haven't worked out my timing to get everyone napping at the same time.  Or when they are I'm hustling around the house to tidy up or sitting down with a glass of wine once everyone is in bed.  But, I tell you, babies, I love them.  It's pretty heartbreaking that the newborn stage is over, we officially as of August 1st have a walker.  And as of today, she is climbing everything.  Let's just say she's been keeping me on my toes.  

Our Remy Mae, you have such a sweet nature and calm presence.  Your once chocolate colored hair is now light, long and wispy.  Your puckered lips are beginning to make the funniest expressions as you learn new sounds. Your favorite place to be is in my arms. While from time to time, it's worn me out; but I can't tell you how sweet it is to feel so utterly loved by you.  

You think your big sister is the funniest person around and you enjoy having her entertain you with her exuberance.  It's so fun to watch your sister relationship develop and I was so proud today as Chloe called you her best friend.  If there is anything I know about sisterhood, it is that the bond is so deep.  (For the record, brothers are pretty great ,too.) You are showing so much affection toward daddy as the months go on.  You crawl across the house and squeal with delight when he comes home at the end of the day and you are so happy when he dances with you in the kitchen.  And if anyone can get you to eat your veggies it's daddy.  He knows all the funny sounds and silly faces that get  you interested in exactly what we've dished up for dinner.  

You've gone from a sleepy newborn to a curious toddler and frankly, the cliche is true, I'm not quite sure where the time went.  But, I'm making a vow: to slow down, savor the moments and to not think too much and simply embrace life as it unfolds.  (And to blog more.)  

It's a joy to be your Mama and a gift to call you my daughter.       

THREE.

September 21, 2013 my first born turned three.  She is enthusiastic, compassionate, determined, fiery, and thoughtful.  She leaps out of bed each day at the first sign of morning light and has boundless energy all day long. Her favorite color is pink and half our conversations revolve around what everyone's favorite color is.  She dreams of having a pet to call her own and wants to be friends with everyone she meets.

It's a joy to watch her grow, learn and to experience the world again through her eyes.

Happy 3rd Birthday my Chloe!

(Even if this post is 6 months late.  She already looks older since these photos.)

She is Three.

 

 

 

Every parent says it, but the day your children are born is the happiest day of your life.  This is so true, but with the years that follow the love grows and grows and you look back on those first days as a parent and are filled with entirely new love for the experiences and the way your heart stretched in ways you never expected.  Each day, and year is a gift.  Sitting in our sun-filled family room on the morning of Chloe's birthday with six week old Remy in my arms my heart felt so full.  We celebrated the way Chloe requested, with chocolate, pink and ponies.  It was a simple breakfast celebration with family and Chloe was (is) very loved.

And then we splashed!

Kevin with his darling Aunt Sheryl.

It was a simple party with a couple of our local friends.  Summer in Arizona is too hot to be anywhere but in the water.  And a splash party is so much more relaxing for parents of non-swimmers.  We had so much fun playing at the Scottsdale Quarter and had a light lunch and cupcake before every one was ready for a long afternoon nap.  What a great way to spend the day.

We are so happy to have met a few great friends.  I'm certain we'll be friends for many years to come.

And we celebrated!

 

 

We were so lucky to have such great friends in town for the big celebration.

Making her first wish, all on her own.

Jaiden getting air.

Great friends- since age 5.

Snuggles with Sawyer.

What a great dad he is!

Our little bloom was really happy with her balloons and cupcakes.  That's pretty much all she knows about birthdays so far.  Although I think she figured out the candle and wish thing this year.  Kevin and I were so proud to watch her blow out her candle all on her own.  She loved being sang to also.  We were so lucky to have friends in town for the weekend so we decided to celebrate a week early.  We had a small party with a few local friends the next weekend.  And after two weeks of celebrations, we were partied out.  But it sure was fun.  And our little lady is two!  

(Only a month late on posting.  October is a sticky month for me this year, so I'm cutting myself some slack. )  

Thirty-One.

With all honesty, I wanted my 31st birthday to slip by unrecognized.  Not because I'm getting a year older.  With each year, I find myself settling deeper into my skin.  I'm totally embracing my thirties.  It was just that nagging anticipation of another first passing by without my sweet mama.  The days leading up to my birthday, weren't my best.  The day of, I felt surprisingly light.  And I had a lot off love showered on me.  Even a sweet stack of unexpected snail mail; such a delight. 

Kevin took the day off work, then he, Chloe and my brother took me out for a delicious dinner.  How lucky am I?  Cheers to my 31st year!  Thank you sweet Mama (& Pops) for bringing me into the world.  It is a lovely place to be.