CELEBRATIONS!

Ok Friends...I am self admittedly the worst blogger on the planet!

I should just give up this whole thing, as I see it on my list and never rarely get to it.

However, WHEN I get to it, I love to do it...and I love to look back and see what I have written.

Lots has gone on since I last posted. I had visions of writing all sorts of different things, but since Blogger does have a data limit, I will keep it to the post important things that have been going on.

We are FINALLY getting back into the routine after moving. Our new house is starting to feel like home, and I am loving being able to meal plan, and have our own family routines again. It was so odd right after we moved in, as I felt like I should still have a 6 month old, not a 12 month old...as I almost felt like time stood still for 6 months while we were in transition. It honestly took me about two months to figure out which way was up, and figure life with two kids out again (I was SO spoiled with help from my MIL that I had kind of forgotten how it was with two!). So- we have slowed things down some, but are thoroughly enjoying game nights at home, and just sitting on the floor and playing toys with the girls. I know these days are numbered, so we are making a conscious effort to slow down, and spend quality time with the girls before they are all grown and too cool for mom and dad.

We enjoyed the holidays, spending time with both families. It was a bit different, as we had just gotten into our house so all our normal holiday memories were out of place, and we didn't quite feel at home in the new house yet. However, we had all the family around, and that is what made it great!! Keira got a Baby Alive doll that she LOVES and takes most places with us. Lainey was completely uninterested in anything, except spending time hamming it up for the grandparents. :)

Mommy with the girls at Christmas at Grandma Jane's House

Making a Pinterest Project on Christmas Eve after church, and before PJ stockings and driving to look at lights

Christmas Jammies!!

Right after the holidays we had barely taken a breath and we were in birthday mode (note to others:...if at all possible, avoid having kids at Christmas time! We have two birthdays within a month of Christmas. Every year seems chaotic, and now I am FINALLY realizing that this just might be the way it is. So- next year in an attempt to be prepared, I am just planning on STRESS from November- January. :) ). On serious note though- we have had a great time celebrating, but I am glad to have it all behind us for a bit.

Rora (2)and Lainey (1): BIRTHDAY girls...one year apart, exactly. 

Lainey turned the big ONE on December 31, 2012. It is crazy to think that her first year is already behind us!  She weighs in at 16 lbs 7 oz, and is not even on the growth chart for weight. She is only in the 3% for height, at 28.5 in long. She crawls like crazy, blabbers to tell you what she is thinking, and smacks her lips to blow a kiss when you say, "Love you!" She waves goodbye, LOVES to eat, and LOVES the water. If she hears the bath water running, she comes crawling at breakneck speeds from across the house to get in. She is a fish! This is my facebook post from on her birthday this year:

 "A year ago at this time I was in the hospital, well on my way to delivering our second, precious little girl. She was born at 7:36 am and weighed in at a petite 6 lbs 8 oz. She didn't have a name for over 24 hours as she came earlier than expected and we hadn't decided on one yet. In the end we named her Elaina Jane- which was not even on the list! :) this last year has been a whirlwind as we have lived in three different places, and have juggled life with two kids, jobs, etc. we are so thankful for this feisty little person God has given us- the fun with her is only beginning I imagine! ;)"

She is definitely a little spitfire, but she is just so much FUN!!! She is not walking yet, but getting close- as she has started standing on her own this week. She also jabbers like crazy, and does her best to keep up with big sister Keira at all times.


Keira turned FOUR today, on January 26, 2013. We had a great day going to brunch at my moms (and saying good bye to Faith who had to go back to Spokane), and then taking NAPS in the afternoon. Even I got one, wahoo! We then went out to Applebees for dinner (Keira's pick) with Austin's parents and then came to our house and played Princess Yahtze over icecream and cake. It was a nice relaxing day...exactly what we wanted to have to enjoy her. :) She is getting so big, and I can just see her graduating already, it will be here before we know it. She is so responsible and loves to help, with chores, Lainey, etc. She LOVES to do crafts, and can make something out of the most random supplies. She is not very outgoing, but more the wallflower, who fades into the background. She loves to be busy and active, but often times would prefer to stay home and play dolls or Barbies rather than going out. She LOVES to ride her bike and go on walks with the family.

In between the girls actual birthdays ( on January 12) we had a large, chaotic party with friends and family for both of the girls. It was a ladybug theme (per Keira's request), and was a ton of fun...although I was EXHAUSTED by the time the chaos was over. We had a pinata, and did a baked potato bar...which was a huge hit. :)