she's four.

Tomorrow morning my baby girl will wake up as a four year old. FOUR! This girl is so ready to be four. But so sad she isn't turning 4 1/2 so she can be that much closer to catching up to her big brother. Lucy has grown up so much this last year in a million different ways. Graduating from speech therapy, starting gymnastics, soccer and swimming, making new friends, becoming a big sister, starting preschool and so much more. She is at the great age of still needing to cuddle, get help with her clothes and wanting to be picked up but also yearning for independence, finding her voice and discovering her personality. She is still sweet as can be and oh, so girly. She loves all things babies, barbies and princesses. She loves to sing but hasn't quite discovered her singing voice so it comes out more like a screeching scream that makes you want to cover your ears and join in, all at the same time. She loves to read. She loves to learn and wants to keep up with Carter. She can write her name, numbers 1-10 and most letters of the alphabet. She surprises me when I least expect it. Like recognizing sight words in books or learning how to pump her legs on the swings or buckle her shoes. It's times like those when I realize her baby days are fading away and my little girl is growing up. 

She makes the best big and little sister. God knew what he was doing giving us a girl between these two boys. She is the perfect middle child. She'll probably never be as fast or quick as Carter but don't ever tell her that. She'll keep fighting, running, and climbing until she catches up to him. Yet, she's the most kind, gentle and affectionate sister to Simon. She loves her friends and loves to make it known. She's a giver. She'd rather give away all her pennies than keep them for herself. She loves sweets. Oh my goodness can this girl eat sugar. She's never met a baked good she didn't like. She's sensitive, funny, inquisitive, brave and now she's turning four. 

Lucy,

Happy 4th Birthday sweet girl. I am so incredibly proud of the little girl you are and are becoming to be. You are always there to remind me to just stop and play. You give the best hugs and I'll cuddle with you forever. You are becoming such a smart writer. I just love your little notes found scattered on post-its throughout the house. You love to help and are always willing to lend me a hand. You are goofy and silly. You are thoughtful and sentimental. You are brave. Starting preschool, swim lessons, going to new childcare, having more responsibilities....you might have been a little nervous but you were always willing to try. I just love that about you. You are a rule follower and will remind everyone who is and isn't following a rule. I constantly ask you if you are informing me or tattling. But you want to do things just right. You are artistic. You love to bake. You love to swing at the park. You are the best little Lucy I could have ever imagined and I'm so glad us girls get to be together in this crazy family. Love you more than there are fish in the sea. Happy Happy Birthday.

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six.

Every year I say this but seriously, where has the time gone? How is my baby, my first born, the boy who made me a mama suddenly turing six years old? I was okay when he turned five. It felt like a milestone but six? Gosh, that sounds old.

This has been an incredibly big year for Carter. Not only has he grown up physically (63 lbs, size 8 clothes and size 2/3 shoes) but he's grown up so much emotionally. This kid is awesome. 

Change would be the best way to describe this year for him. So much change. He finished 8 weeks of soccer, graduated preschool, became a big brother again, moved houses, did a week of track and field camp, started kindergarten, made new friends, started new childcare when I work, learned how to read and so, so much more. And even though there have been days that have felt a little overwhelming (how could they not?!) he has handled it all so well. 

Current likes: Peter Pan (always and forever), riding his scooter, soccer, running, playdates with friends, reading, making his little brother laugh, superheroes and movies. He is still my healthy eater, always finishing his veggies, loves green smoothies, savors every delicious bite of wild salmon and appreciates some good ol' homemade mac n'cheese. He's become so much more responsible. He willingly helps with Simon several times a day, always worries about others' feelings and loves to help his Dad with house/yard projects. He's become more sensitive. I've noticed more and more how much he thrives on structure and routine. How he notices when someone is sad or angry or frustrated. How surprises sometimes aren't so great. But through all of that he has become much more open about his feelings, his needs, his struggles. He appreciates a good book and will gladly sit and cuddle up on the couch while we read a huge pile of them. He loves the library, parks and bookstores. He's goofy. With that typical little boy humor that sometimes is so, so funny and other times is a little bit annoying. He loves to tell stories. About his day, his memories, books, anything really. He's become crafty! Amazing after all these years of encouraging him to just color a simple picture it's finally caught on and he'll sit for a solid hour cutting, glueing, coloring, painting and thoroughly enjoy it. He loves to learn and really loves school. 

In the past 6 years we've gone through some really difficult phases. Tantrums, poor sleeping habits, crazy boy energy and more. But right now, in this almost 6 year old state, it's just amazing. I am LOVING this age so so much. We are finding a good balancing act of respect, discipline, friendship and love. I can't wait to see how this year unfolds.

Carter - I am so so proud of the little man you are growing up to be. You constantly keep us on our toes and as much as you learn from us, we are always learning from you. I genuinely love our mama/son time together and can't wait for our next date together. I love how you love others, especially your sister and brother. I love how you care for your friends, always thinking about how they are doing. I love your energy, your strength and your speed. I love your willingness to try new things, even when it's a little scary or challenging. You've taken some major risks this year and I sometimes shake my head in disbelief because I can't believe how brave you are. You spent a week at track and field camp with kids twice your age. Not only could you keep up with them but your willingness to meet new friends, encourage others and follow directions from new coaches was amazing. You started school and bravely walked through those double doors on the first day in the midst of really big kids. You are in RAZ kids learning how to read, working on a new computer, getting mentored by different volunteers and simply trying your best. I know you get frustrated and overwhelmed at times but you are learning how to share those emotions with me and I'm so proud of how articulate you've become. You are handsome, kind, funny, strong, smart and generous. And I really couldn't love you more. Happy Birthday my incredible 6 year old!!

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Interview with a 4 year old.

Here are Lucy's answers to her 20 questions at (almost) 4 years old!

1. Favorite color - pink, purple and orange

2. Favorite toy - Minnie Mouse 

3. Favorite fruit - strawberries

4. Favorite TV show - Curious George

5. Favorite thing to eat for lunch - Mac n'cheese from Trader Joes

6. Favorite outfit - pajamas (all day long!)

7. Favorite game to play - Zingo

8. Favorite snack - veggie sticks

9. Favorite animal - giraffe

10. Favorite song - lullabies

11. Favorite book - Toy story

12. Best friend - EB Woods and Ava Boal

13. Favorite cereal - Cheerios

15. Favorite thing to do outside - ride my bike

16. Favorite holiday - Christmas

17. What you sleep with at night - my pink blankie

18. Favorite breakfast food - smoothies

19. Favorite thing to eat for dinner - spaghetti and meatballs

20. What do you want to be when you grow up - a firefighter

Love this sweet girl.

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Interview with a 6 year old.

Every year I ask the kids the same 20 questions and write down their answers. It's fun to see what is the same and what has changed. So, at age 6 (in 2 days) here are Carter's current favorites:

1. Favorite Color - yellow and red
2. Favorite toy - Peter Pan doll
3. Favorite fruit - strawberries
4. Favorite TV show - Pirate Jake (Jake and the Neverland Pirates)
5. Favorite thing to eat for lunch - Mac n'cheese from Trader Joes
6. Favorite outfit - new Elf pajamas
7. Favorite game to play - Zingo and Trouble
8. Favorite snack - dried fruit
9. Favorite animal - gorilla
10. Favorite song - any Christmas music
11. Favorite book - Avengers storybook
12. Best friend - Owen and Weston Stenbak
13. Favorite Cereal - Cheerios
14. Favorite thing to do outside - play soccer
15. Favorite drink - Lemonade
16. Favorite holiday - Christmas
17. What you sleep with at night - Peter Pan doll
18. Favorite breakfast food - blueberry pancakes or french toast
19. Favorite thing for dinner - breakfast for dinner
20. What do you want to be when you grow up - a policeman or fireman

Happy (almost) 6th Birthday Carter!!!

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cold and wet days.

As the weather begins to change and get colder, wetter and darker we are finding some fun things to do inside. 

First, we like to get super bundled before heading outside to the bus stop each morning. And, there is nothing cuter than a little baby in a fleece moose set with blue slippers.

 Then, we come home and put Simon down for a nap so we can play an exciting game of Candy Land. Pretty sure Lucy won.

 After naps it's time to play on the floor, stretch out and each some socks.

 The library is always a hit on a cold, rainy day. Especially when Daddy can come along to cuddle up with a good book.

 Back home for some more floor time and of course, lots of smiling.

 Another morning we went for a play date with some friends to local kids play cafe. Lucy was so excited to dress up like a firefighter (what she wants to be when she grows up!) just like our good friend, Chad.

 Back home, always on the floor. Rolling, drooling, smiling, repeat.

 And now sitting in the high chair! No solid foods yet but at least he can sit at eye level while we eat each night. Although it's really just turned into a game of throwing toys on the floor and seeing which one of us is gullible enough to keep picking them up (so far, Carter and Lucy love this game!)

 Socks now off and toes are in the mouth! I just love this little phase of exploration. So fun and funny!

 And finally, getting ready for the Holidays in new Christmas jammies. He's yet to actually sleep in this crib but at least he looks cute laying here!

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pumpkins, candy, costumes...oh my!

This years Halloween did not disappoint. After going to our favorite pumpkin patch, eating loads of pumpkin treats, burning pumpkin candles and choosing the perfect costumes we were ready for trick-or-treating! A few days before Halloween we went to the ever popular grocery store to choose our pumpkins to carve. Ha! It sounds lame but the ones at the patch were pretty sad looking and the ones grown from Grandpa Vance's garden were almost rotten. The kids thought it was awesome so that's all that matters.

Halloween morning we scooped out the guts and the kids got to draw on their faces. 

 Even Simon got to explore a little. Poor kid had no clue what was going on.

Earlier in the week (sorry pics are out of order) Lucy had her preschool Halloween party. She chose to be an owl this year and although I sort of made fun of this ridiculous costume (because really...a brown barn owl???) she was so stinkin' cute! By far the best costume at preschool, not that I'm biased at all.  :)

 Halloween night we had our wonderful friends Katy, Brad and Ava come over for a pizza dinner before we walked around the neighborhood. This little group turned out to be perfect. Lucy loved having a friend with her and Carter liked leading the group around to each house. We got to see plenty of friends around the neighborhood while we were out too, which was fun. I'm really happy we ended up staying in the neighborhood when we bought our house. We know so many friendly people and everyone really wants to watch out for each other. It's a great little community of friends.

Ava made the cutest little bunny to go along with the owl and Peter Pan (of course!).

 And Simon was a scary tiger! I'm glad he was willing to keep his costume on since the head piece kept falling in his face. Such a little trooper.

 Trick-or-treating hour just happened to be Simon's usual bedtime hour where he just sits, nurses and cuddles with me. So he was a little upset that we were switching up the routine to walk outside in the dark. But, after a few houses he settled down and eventually fell asleep.

 Soooooo cute.

 My favorite trick-or-treaters!

 Roar!

We let the kids come home and dump out their candy before digging in. I took a different approach this year and it ended up working out perfectly. I let them eat as much as they wanted that night, which ended up being about 5 pieces each. The next morning they got to choose 5 more pieces to eat whenever they chose (Matt thought I had lost my mind!) and naturally they devoured it before 10am. But then it was gone. They had decided they wanted to participate in the candy buy back this year to trade in the candy for money, which meant a new toy. So the next day we went and got rid of all the sugar, headed to Target and came home with a new lego set and baby. All the candy was gone!!!! Best decision we've ever made.
Halloween 2015 was one of the best ever!

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