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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Birthdays!!

Please enjoy the two new posts below about the big BIRTHDAYS we celebrated this month!! Brandon and I are very happy that we survived having 2 under 2 - please say a prayer for us as we embark on our new adventure of having 2 TODDLERS!!!

Happy Birthday Gabby!

Our little princess turned 2 yesterday! My, how time flies. I remember the anticipation surrounding his arrival like it was yesterday. I remember eating at Wig and Pen the night I went into labor with Brandon and his dad. I remember how every time I would do something towards the end I'd think: This might be the last time I do this before I'm a mommy. Little did I know how much I'd love being a mommy - especially to a little red-headed ball of sunshine (or thunder, depending on the day!).

Oh, Gabby. Where do I even start? You've kept us on our toes since Day 1. You were a mover and a shaker since the day we met you and you haven't stopped since. You have changed so very much over the past year, it often times seems as if dare take a breath we may miss something you've done.

You are so very smart - you love the I-Pad and often figure out things to do on it that neither Mommy nor Daddy knew how to do before! You love Dora and Mickey Mouse, they are what we would say are your "BFF's". You know all of your letters, numbers and colors. You can read simple words off flash-cards and can identify over 100 pictures on your flashcards. You have loved to learn since you were just tiny - you soak up everything and anything. You love to have a task - you find joy in starting something and finishing something - but ONLY if it's finished to your perfection.

You are starting to warm up to your brother - we know you love him as you smile when you see him. However, you are not too fond of sharing - especially with him! You love to be outdoors and see new things - you love to gather rocks, sticks, flowers and put them in your wagon.

You recently had your first procedure in which you were under anesthesia (ear tubes) - I have never seen your Daddy so scared. You are definitely the light of his life.

I tear-up just thinking about how much I love you - a love I had never known before god picked us to be your parents. Every day with you, my friend, is an adventure - I'm just grateful that you're allowing us to be along for the ride.

Happy Birthday Gabs!










Happy Birthday Drake!

Happy Birthday to my favorite little boy! I can't believe he is 1. I have mixed emotions about this milestone as I am grateful for an energetic, happy little boy - but sad that my baby is growing up.

Drake is taking after his sister and is very busy! He officially started walking the day after his birthday - because no one around here could do anything by the book! He is getting better and better and faster and faster. His attempts to keep up with his sister are getting very good - something she is not to happy about.

He weighed in at 24.8 lbs and is 31.5 inches long. The kid eats like a champ - somedays I can't comprehend how a tiny person could eat so much! He loves anything and everything when it comes to food and most recently discovered he loves pulled pork and smoked turkey over Easter weekend.

His favorite toy is anything that rolls. He got a Hawkeye Basketball for his Birthday and rarely lets it out of his sight. He enjoys pushing it with his (left) hand and then chasing it all over the kitchen. He also loves to be outside - especially when is is swinging or watching Kinnick run all over the backyard.

He continues to be a very happy and loving little boy. Every morning (and nap) when I get him out of his crib he buries his little head in my shoulder and gives me a "hug". Yes, it melts my heart every single time.

There is no doubt that this little kid has me wrapped around his finger - very rarely does he let me out of his sight. I often refer to him as my "25 lb tumor" as generally he is either tugging on my pants, being held or wanting snuggles....all of which I'm happy to oblige.

I couldn't imagine my life without this little guy in it - he truly brings joy to my world. I look back over his first year with such emotion - I sometimes can't believe that god blessed us with two little miracles. I guess over the years, we must've done something right. :)

Happy Birthday Drakey!!