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!!