5 years and 1 Year

So my big boy turned 5 yesterday.  We had his five year appointment

Stats:
~~Height :  3 Foot 5 1/4 inches  (18th %)
~~ Weight:  37 lbs  (22nd %)
~~ pulse 117
~~ BP:  104/63

He is the picture of health, according to our pediatrician.  He was impressed that he can ride his bicycle without training wheels and that he can read some sight words.  He was pleased with all of his developmental milestones.   

My big girl turned one earlier this month and had her year appointment yesterday too.  (complete with shots.)  

Stats:  

~~Height:  29 3/4 inches (62 %)

~~ Weight:  22 lbs 8 oz (82nd %)

~~ Head:  18 3/4 in (97th %)

She, too, is the picture of health and he said not to worry about her lack of words.  She exhibited that she knew EXACTLY what we were saying and that she understands it all.  She just has no desire to actually speak.  Go figure.  :)  she even did her dance to "somebody I used to know" JUST for him.  They are too funny.  

Gosh I love my kids.  :)  

Dear Joseph

courtesy of Monkey Tree Photography

Son. Angel. Poodin pop. Poodle toots. Snicker doodle. Sweet potato. My heart. The reason I am a mommy.

All of these are names I have for you. When I say that you're the reason I'm a mommy.... That means you made me a mommy first. This day, five years ago.... You made me a mommy. Your mommy. Fallible.... Absolutely! Insecure.... Sometimes. Silly.... Probably. Angry... It's the nature of the beast. Learning.... Always. And always loving you more than I thought possible. 

Five years ago I awakened suspecting we would share a birthday. I remember the excitement, the anxiety, the wonder and the eagerness. I remember being crushed I couldn't deliver you the way god intended but rather by the way you needed.

Now I look back on that day and think.... Man.... I can't believe how my world turned on its axis in that one moment.

I've done a lot of amazing things in this lifetime. Experienced adventures many dream of. But truly... The best thing I have ever done is create you and your sister.

Seeing you grow into a smart, gentle, precocious, handsome, funny, entertaining young man.... A young man who takes others feelings into account. Who asks questions and seeks answers. Who isn't afraid to try things. Who is quick to hug and say you love. And you do love unabashedly! And those qualities... And the man you will become... Are what I'm most proud of.

I'm proud of YOU! May you continue to grow into an even more amazing man with the tutelage of your mother and your father and your sister and your grandparents and aunt and uncles and cousins. Who's love for you is limitless.

I love you mostest and more my little man!!!

Your Mommy forever and ever!

Dearest Jocelyn,

My dear sweet daughter.... I absolutely cannot fathom how it was a whole year ago that I was in labor with you! Never in a million years could I have known how blessed I would be to be your mother. You came into this world with a sparkle in your eye and a plan.

I remember it as if it were yesterday.... That moment when the nurses showed you to me. You looked like a little gnome. All pudgy and smooshy. Wide eyed with wonder. You reached into my already smitten heart and sealed the deal.

This year has been a challenge for so many reasons.... But you, your brother and your daddy.... You've brought me such joy! Your smile melts the hearts of many. As you've grown, your smiles have gotten bigger and your giggles plentiful. You're curious and somewhat fearless and so loving. Your brother adores you and the feeling is quite mutual.

So far.... You seem to be a very easy going girl.... Although you are prone to the dramatic sometimes. Anytime we tell you "no" or take something away from you.... You plop down with tears in your eyes and throw yourself forward onto the ground crying. If we give it back.... You stop.... Immediately. Such a girl. :-).

You are definitely a daddy's girl. You smile at your daddy and he eats it up. He says he's not wrapped around your finger but I don't believe him.

You've reached all of your milestones.... Mostly early but I truly feel it is all about you experiencing life and all it's quirks and wonders. You got your first teeth at about six-seven months. You started crawling on Christmas eve... So about seven months. And you took your first steps from grandma to Mimi at the office in April.

I had to out you into daycare earlier than I did joe mainly because work was more demanding and you were more curious. You've thrived on it though. They've done art with you and taught you sign language. You continue to be your teachers joy.... They say how independent you are and what a help too.

Baby girl.... I worried that having two would mean that I somehow loved your brother less. And boy was I wrong. Boy was everyone else right. I don't love him less or you more. I love you both so fiercely that many times I feel that my heart is going to explode with it.

I wish this past year would have gone slower... But I am enjoying each and every stage with you and look forward to all of the future smiles and giggles and tears and experiences. I do know that I am 1000% a better person for being your mom.

I love you more! I love you mostest! I love you completely!!!!!!

Mom

Jocelyn 11 Month's

I absolutely cannot believe that it's been a year.  this past year has gone by so lightening fast and so much has happened it makes me shake my head.

   20 weeks              &                              11 Month's

you can definitely tell it's the same baby...  but man oh man is she just a movin and a shakin!

We don't have her one year appointment until the end of May so I don't know her stats as of yet but she is eating table food and nursing a bit.  She is the happiest little girl...  and ADORES her big brother.  He still sings to her every morning and when he sees her outside at daycare she just grins and toodles right over to the fence.

She can sign "more" and "please" and "thank you" and "all done" and is learning her colors.  She has tons of artwork.

She is wearing 12 month clothing and size 4 shoes.  Her daddy thinks her clothes are too short but I keep telling him it's only going to get worse.  :)

Overtired baby smelly treasured moments

My beautiful niece is in town for her spring break. This is the first time we have really gotten to spend time with her in 18months. And really.... Before that, when Kristin was alive, she made it so very difficult that enjoying emi was hard.

So I'm treasuring these moments with her. Savoring the young lady she's becoming. Studying each freckle, memorizing each look and dance move. Remembering her coming into this world, wondering about her future. It's not the one I thought she would have.... But it's the one she has and the one that makes her who she is. Smart! Intuitive! Empathetic! Loving, warm and so much a product of her mom and dad! The best of both of them.

And joe and emi are playing so well with each other. They run and laugh and create memories. They have sung songs and played drums, super heroes and athlete. They have had tickle wars and tummy sandwiches. They share smiles and secrets.

But poor joe is so tired, he ends his night with a bit of a temper tantrum. He cries and whines and tests his boundaries. He wakes up his sister who then won't go back down.

Then I rock her and rock her and nurse her and rock some more. And then, with a sleeping babe in my arms, still rocking.... Treasure each of these moments. Every.... Single.... One!

These are the defining moments. These little humans.... They're becoming adults. I know I don't parent the same as others. Shoot, I don't parent the same as my husband sometimes. But.... I treasure the ability to nurture their little souls. I love seeing the kind of big humans they're becoming.

These moments are fleeting. They are but a blink of an eye. It may not always be the right way.... But THIS little human....this one, (or two) I created... And one i saw come into this world. I shall treasure the things that make each of them a genius.