Sunday morning

On our way to church and all dolled up! (and a little silly)

Let's play together

As much of an adjustment as it has been to have two kids, it is amazing to see them interact. Not only do they fight (what?! My kids fight?) they play together. The picture below is what I found on a very quiet occasion...two lovely kids playing trains! (and no fighting!)
The other Pictures are from our latest park outing. :)

Block Party

I love those rare moments where there is peace and the kids aren't fighting and screaming. Here I found both kids kindly playing blocks together. Maleah finally mastered stacking two blocks and Noah was able to build his tower without the "monster" (aka Maleah) knocking it over.

Look whose a big girl now

So we are almost walking...standing with no assistance...and slimming up. I have been able to go back in time and put 18month clothing on her for the first time. Previously she jumped quickly to 24month to 2t. She is working off of the bottle and teething many teeth. Where had my baby gone? I am enjoying this sweet toddler so much, but every time I look at her I am in awe at how quickly our children grow up. I guess this is a good reminder that I need to enjoy every moment...even the fussy ones!

Random fun

Since Dave is gone, I have been trying to keep the kids busy in this hot weather. Here are a few random shots of my cuties.

Happy 1st Birthday!

A year ago today at 1:28pm this sweet bundle of joy joined our family. Not knowing if you were going to be a "he" or "she" I remember being so excited for the big push. "It's a girl!" was the wonderful announcement I immediately heard from Dave. Followed by many tears I held my little 7lb daughter. Knowing that the journey following this day would be full of adventures unlike any, and it truly has been amazing. Today I reminisce and can hardly wrap my mind around how fast time has flown by and all that you have accomplished. From your first cry to your first laugh, tooth, crawl, bite of food, hand clapping and boo boo, each moment is forever ingrained in my heart. It is fun to tell people that we will always share our special day and joke about you being my birthday gift, but the truth is, you are a special gift-handmade by god. I am so grateful to be your mother and I want you to know that I will always love you. (even when you are a teenager and are reading this!) At this moment you are 29lbs and sporting your size five diaper and 2t clothing, a far cry from the newborn you started, and it reminds me that you are growing faster than I can blink. I am excited to watch you continue to grow, yet enjoying all the slobbery kisses I can get. Happy birthday my sweet girl. Thank you for blessing our lives !
Love,
Mom

30 + 1

This time last year I was anxiously awaiting my 29th birthday where I was scheduled to give birth to my second born.  Though I knew that my life would forever be changed, I had little idea of the surprise that was awaiting me.  At 1:28 PM Dave announced "it's a girl!" and precious Maleah Kailey joined our hearts.  From that day forward, my birthday was going to be blessed in such a different way.  Now, almost a year later it was time to celebrate that grand event.  Because Dave will be in Afghanistan during our birthday we had a little party to celebrate the big day: My 30th and Maleah's 1st!

The theme was "wigging out!" Invitees joined us in wearing crazy wigs.  I made Maleah's smash cake and the theme of course was black, white and pink.

 Maleah sported her very cute tutu that I ordered and she looked so cute:

 Yes, that is me in the neon bob (this picture I had it on backwards) to match her tutu:

 And here are the birthday girls:

 As for the cake smashing, well this girl LOVED her cake.  She spent about 30 min smashing, eating and rubbing cake into her hair:

 Maleah made out with some great gifts, including this elmo:

We are so grateful for the friends that were able to join us and for the family that sent their love.  This was a wonderful celebration and one that we will remember for years to come!

Happy Birthday Maleah Kailey!!