Thanksgiving

It seems that every year I have more and more to be thankful for. Just when I think I have it all (see the entry from last year), somehow I am blessed with more.

This past year has been the most challenging as a parent (thus far), but also the most rewarding. Although Alex can be a handful at times, it has been a joy to watch him grow and learn and even exert his independence. I am so proud to be his momma.

It was 11 months ago that I found out I was going to have another baby. And now I have the most perfect little girl. Tonight as I watched her little face light up when she looked at Alex, and later when I cuddled with her and her little fingers were holding mine, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. She has made our little family complete. And even though she is only 3 months old, I cannot imagine life without her.

It was 8 short months ago that where this beautiful home sits was a hole in the ground. We were so blessed to be able to plan all the details and then watch it being built every step of the way. The night we moved in, we sat in awe of the house that was now ours. Jay and I truly have our dream home in which to raise our children.

Days seem to come and go so quickly when you are busy raising a family and living life, but I try to stop and thank God everyday for all He has given me. I am truly blessed and I owe it all to Him.

Happy Thanksgiving 2008!

A Snowy, Marshmallowy Kind of Day!

Yesterday we had our first "snow" at the new house. We went outside and drank hot chocolate with marshmallows and then ran around for awhile. Later, we made s'mores by the fire.

Alex Logic

Last night we were late getting Alex up to bed. Here is our conversation:

Me: I will read you one book, because it is late.

Alex: How about 2, because I am 2?

Me: Okay, go pick out 2 books.

I read him his books of choice.

Me: Time for bed.

Alex: No, you said you would read me one book.

Me: I read you 2 books.

Alex: No, I said 2 books. You said you would read me one.

Outsmarted again!

Were You a Good Boy?

Here is the conversation Alex and I had after I picked him up from My Gym today.

Me: Were you a good boy at My Gym?

Alex: Yes, but someone was in my seat.

Me: Did you ask him to move?

Alex: I tried to move them.

Me: What did Miss Megan do?

Alex: She said, "What is the problem?"

Me: Did you hit him?

Alex: No

Me: Did you push him?

Alex: A little bit.

Me: Did you get in trouble?

Alex: No, I don't think so.

Isabella's Baptism

Isabella was baptized this past Saturday. It was a beautiful ceremony, and we had a great party with our family and friends afterwards to celebrate. Isabella's baptism was the first of many milestones in her life. She truly is a gift from God, and it felt so right to have her become a member of the church. My faith has always been such an important part of my life, and I feel so blessed to be able to teach my children about God and his love for us. Speaking of love, it was so amazing to look around my house on Saturday and see all of the people who love this little girl so much. I know I am her mom, so maybe I am biased, but I really believe there is something special about her. It is impossible not to be drawn to her. She is my little miracle.

AHHHHHH!

The past three days with Alex have been bliss. He has been loving, agreeable, and sweet. I am the best momma, Jay is the best daddy, and Izzy-Bizy (his new nickname for Isabella) is the best baby. He woke up Monday morning and informed me that he is now going to share his toys. And when his friend came over, he did just that. He was very good in school on Tuesday, calling for his friends to join him on the slide when in the past he was the only one allowed on the slide. Today he started a new My Gym class and didn't cry at all. Tonight when I told him it was time for bed, he asked, "Why do I have to go to bed?" I said, "Because it is late, and we have had a busy day." He picked up his "guys" and headed upstairs. Once upstairs, I told him to brush his teeth. He didn't argue about how long, who puts the toothpaste on the brush, how many drinks of water. He just brushed them and then let me help him get into the bath, wash his hair, and dress him in his pj's. He said his prayers with his hands folded like an angel and picked out his books - 6 of them - and when I was done, he held up his fingers for 3 more. I told him it was time for bed, and he said, "Okay, Momma. I love you. Please leave on my lights."

What a nice little vacation from the stinker he has been lately. I am sure that little monster will be back, and that is okay. But it has sure been a wonderful few days. It really helps me to see that as a mom, I am doing something right and that feels just plain great.

Isabella's 2 Month Check-Up

Isabella had her two-month check-up today. She weighs 10.9 pounds (60%tile) and is 23 inches long (75%tile). Dr. V was happy with her growth. She smiled and cooed for him like a good girl. She got two shots - Alex and I were so upset right with her. Alex held her hand while she got them. I couldn't look. She has a little fever and was fussy tonight from them. Poor baby. I gave her some Tylenol and now she is sleeping with her blankies in the swing.

2 Months Old

Isabella is 2 months old. She continues to be such an angel. She is sleeping through the night, so what if it is in bed with me and daddy. Speaking of daddy, her face literally lights up when she sees him. Same goes when she sees her big brother. He sings to her and talks to her and she smiles so big. I think she is starting to recognize us! She looks right in your face and coos and babbles, like she is really trying to tell you something. This month she took two trips out of state. The first was to New Jersey. Aunt Gabrielle watched her while we went to a wedding. And this past weekend, she made her first trip to North Carolina with Momma, Daddy, Alex and Nana and Pop Pop. She didn't make a peep in the car, except for the last 20 minutes of the ride home. Not bad for 12 hours in the car in three days! She also celebrated her first Halloween - she was a witch and a ballerina!

Happy Halloween

We had a great Halloween. Alex was so excited and a little scared too. He had two costumes, and so did Isabella. He was Spider Man and Buzz Lightyear. She was a witch and a ballerina. All of their cousins and some friends came over to Trick-or-Treat!