She speaks!!

Olivia has said her first word!!! Okay, not really. But it makes me smile just as big. When the other kids babbled they both went the "dada" route. Neither of them even said "Mama" until they were about 1 and knew what it meant.
So this is especially rewarding to me.
It started yesterday, just once or twice. And today she babbled it all day long. The kids were sooo thrilled, thinking she knew exactly what she was saying. It made them so proud of her.
Without further ado...

Olivia snow. snow, this is Olivia

dont mind the huge snow clothes, we bought them on clearance for next Winter. Kinda' funny though, olivia's swimming in the snow, who can say that?
Well here is Olivia enjoying her first time in the snow, big day! I only shot off a few pictures because she really wanted to play in the snow but had no gloves on... too cold Baby, sorry. The real play will come next Winter.

Day after a snow storm

We awoke to a beautiful sight, the whole neighborhood was covered in a beautiful, white blanket of snow. I love the way fresh snow looks, so clean and sparkling. Its almost spiritual.
Within about a hour of waking up the kids were outside having the time of their life. Bjorn too. Poor Dave was a little busy with the not so fun part of snow... shoveling. 









its getting hot in here....

I missed the shot where Bjorn was laying in the snow and eating it.

Papa's here!

My Dad came into town for a quick weekend snow trip. For Charitys Birthday they all rented a cabin and will be riding all weekend, not happening with my kids and the baby. (And did I mention it will be snowing and cold the entire time, not my bag, I prefer my sports in water) So we happily opted to pick him up from the airport and have him stay for the night instead. It was so fun having him here, even if it was just a short stay.
He picked up right where he left off, reading stories to the kids in his silly, non-scripted way and giving plenty of hugs. He even took the kids to Target to pick out a new toy.
He tucked Ella in and stayed behind in her bed snuggling for a (long) while, no wonder she cried as he drove away this morning. Those 2 have always had something special and I love to watch their interactions.
(and I think Bjorn now has a new best friend, Papa didn't stop petting him the entire stay. Im not sure who was more in love with whom.)

SNOW DAY!!!!

Dave got a call this morning from University of Denver. And do you know what they said? They told him that today was a snow day! Initially I was annoyed at the sound of dave's iphone at quarter to 6, dont they know how valued our sleep is? I quickly went from loathing DU to loving them within seconds.

So we have already had such a fun day together. Playing in the snow, having a dance party, staying in our pajamas until way later than we should.... okay, Im still in them as I type.

Here's to snow days, our first ever. We love you, come again anytime.

Olivia's half year mark?! Is it possible?

It feels like its impossible yet here we are at Liv's 6 month mark (tomorrow that is, I just couldn't wait to post these pictures I took over the weekend)

It's been said that time goes faster with each child, I second that. I feel like the first 4 months with Olivia are a blur. With all of her health concerns, hospital stays, doctor and specialist appointments. In a way it feels like we didn't get to just relax and enjoy her until all of that was over for good.

She is an absolute joy to all who come in contact with her. Always happy to offer a big smile, just seconds before she turns away coyly. She still loves to be held and could do so all day long yet she is really loving her exersaucer and jumperoo, thankfully.

Olivia is a toy baby, like Ella was. She could play with and manipulate toys all day long. She has an intense concentration, like Luke did. She has started to sit up recently but still has a little while to go before she's mastered the skill. She loves eating, which is a good thing. Though she's still only in the 5% for her weight she is still quite an eater and especially loves her Gerber Puff's.

Olivia is our calmest and happiest baby thus far. She is the definition of happy and sweet.

We are so grateful to have this little angel in our family and can not wait to see what these next 6 months bring.

Saturday Soccer

We were thrilled to spend the afternoon outside watching Tyler's Soccer game. It was a perfect Saturday and it is always fun to be with the Wilkins. We love them so much.

The gang, I love these kids

Mom and Olivia enjoying the game and time together. She loves being outside!

It was warm but a bit windy

example b of windblown hair

Cute cousin Dillon

Evan was into the action

I love when Luke crosses his legs when he sits

Tyler did such a great job

we're so proud of you Ty, you did wonderfully!!

Congrats Ashley!!

My good friend Ashley is expecting their first child!!! I was so excited when she asked me to help her be the one to spread the word to her family and friends.









I am so excited for you Andersons. You are going to make great Parents, I cant wait till September to meet your sweet baby.

i photo fun with Olivia Lou

Olivia has recently discovered herself... and she likes what she see's. On her exersaucer there is a little mirror. She stares at it daily, amidst smiles and laughs. 

I though she may enjoy seeing her cute self in live action via Mac Book, it didn't disappoint. 

She's getting so big (relatively) that I can hardly stand it. Sitting up and playing with toys are among some favorite things to do.

By the way Olivia is bow free, just for you Meggie. Take a good look, it will be back next time.

Luke's parent teacher conference

Today was Luke's conference with his teachers at Pre-School. I always look forward to these. If I could be a fly on the wall throughout all of the hours that my children are away, well I would. To see the choices that they make, to hear the things they say and to watch their day unfold, all without my guidance and direction, I'd be in. Even if they were making unwise choices at least I would be there to witness them all. I could teach them, in the comfort and protection of my little nest, how they could have chosen differently so as not to hurt themselves or others.

Unfortunately life is not that way. It is not meant to be, I know this. In my head I know I need to let my kids make their own choices, mistakes and all. In my heart all I want to do is hold them close and never let them out of my sight. Not even for a moment. I tell myself, "growth, its all about growing." But it still scares me, letting them experience the freedom which comes with age. This is why Kindergarten gets me, Luke's gaining more and more independence and freedom, its the tip of life with out me holding his hand.

This is why I enjoy these. I love to know all the things that are happening when I am not there. Good or bad, it satisfies the need I have to be apart of each step towards who Luke will ultimately become.

So there were exciting developments and some area's of concern, like every conference I assume. I got to see some of his work, the time and detail with which he handles each thing asked of him. I got to see his math skills and his reading skills, both of which were off the charts. It was a proud moment as they told me that Luke is the model to which other students aspire to be. As they see him doing his spelling, reading and math she said it excites the others to try harder and to achieve more. How could I not be filled with happiness at hearing these sorts of things? She said he is, academically, at the top of the class and that they felt privileged to see how his capable mind unfolds. (I feel that way too)

They were a little concerned with his social skills. This has always been an area to watch with Luke. He enters and exits a social scene like a quiet wind. Making a thoughtful comment and then going off to the next thing to do or see. His interactions with other peers are lacking meaning and depth. He has a hard time expressing his emotions or speaking up. Part of me feels like he takes after his Dad, part of me worries. I just want Luke to succeed and flourish. I dont want him to be all brains, maybe that sounds strange. I want him to be a good friend with meaningful relationships. So I worry a little but I have faith. He has always risen to a challenge and exceeded the expectations of many professionals, why should this be any different? Besides, I have always been drawn to the brainy boys, all my life. Its sort of fitting.

So I will take it all with stride, working on the concerns and soaking up all of the praises. But mostly I will be grateful. I am so happy that these teachers take the time and effort to keep note of such things. So that I can be a part of my kids lives, each step, even when I am not actually there. Though there is something sweet in acknowledging that I am always there, as my kids are part of me. And though I may not be there in body I am there in ways that no body will ever really understand, a sacred thought as I think about the layers that entails. And I will treasure these times of great growth and development as life insists, contrary to my pleading, on its rocket speed. 

Thank you to all you teachers who do so much and work so hard for our kids, you are my angels.

Zoo fun!

It was the middle of March and 72 degrees here. Why not put on our Summer clothes and go to the Zoo!?

we all love the fish

The kids always love the Polar Bear

Ella in the Rainforest

Olivia was pretty much like this the entire time... happy and cute. She loves being in her stroller cruising around, she's so curious about everything.

Luke needing a water break, im telling you, it was on the verge of being hot even.

The baby was only 4 weeks old, the kids thought he was so cute.

Miss Ella Jane looking so grown up

Luke in the Rainforest 

Mom and her baby

I love this handsome kid, he was so into watching the Polar Bear

its a little blurry but I loved it anyways, she is getting so pretty these days.