Daddys Magic + Pony Tails

After months... wait, YEARS of trying to get this little lady to let me play with her hair but to no avail, guess what Sean did in a few pleasant seconds. This little girl will do anything for her Daddy. If only I had that same magical power....

Too cool for mittens

Well, the fun didn't last long. As soon as Maddi realized the beautiful fluffy snow was also freezing cold and wet, she quickly decided she was no longer a fan. Poor little lady.

snow

Christmas Morning

We had such a fun Christmas this year full of family, delicious food, late night movies, and beautiful snow!






And here's what cousin TJ did during all of the excitement of his first Christmas morning... :)

A White Christmas

Birthday Girl

We had some family and friends over for Maddi's birthday. It was so nice to share the time with those we love and to celebrate two wonderful years with our little lady. Happy birthday sweet Maddi.

House Guest

This little angel came to visit us for Christmas :)

Birthday Girl

Our little lady is TWO today!!
I know I always say the same thing, but seriously... where has the time gone!?!
I feel like I was swaddling her in my arms just a few days ago and now she's an animated, opinionated, little person.
At two, Maddi:
is potty trained
loves all babies and animals
has a natural compassion for others... she cries when the puppies are sad in Lady and the Tramp, gets upset when real babies cry, and says 'you ok?' if you sneeze, cough, or even laugh too hard.
loves music, sings to herself, and dances if she hears anything with a good beat.
loves pizza, popsicles, ice cream, chicken, grapes, yogee(yogurt), and goldfish
will repeat absolutely anything you say
Her favorite song is You are My Sunshine; her favorite movie is Shrek, and her favorite book is Moo Baa La La La
Says 'Mom, where's Sean?' every single morning when she wakes up (oops! I should probably only call him Daddy)
Enjoys playing with trucks just as much as she loves feeding her baby, and refuses to let me touch her hair, no bows or pigtails or frilly, girly things. Oh well.
melts my heart every time she says 'love youuuuuuu!'

My little girl sings out loud, dances with out fear, squeals when the wind blows through her hair, and hugs strangers. She lives life without fear or hesitation.
Having a little girl has been such a blessing. When I look into her pale blue eyes, I see myself... my dreams, my love, my greatest accomplishment.

Happy Birthday Maddi!

The most wonderful time

I love this time of year. I love the cold, the snowflakes, hot chocolate with whipped cream, and movie night by the fire. I love the sounds and the smells and the colors. I love sweaters and cold noses and Christmas cards with family pictures. I love this time of year.

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

It has been cold, snowy, and incredibly BUSY around here. Not bad busy, just holiday busy. We've been to a few Christmas parties, made gingerbread houses, put up the tree, and managed to fit a little bit of work in between all of the present shopping and playing in the snow.
This Christmas brings with it an overwhelming sense of gratitude. We have been blessed with so much this year...
So, with a humble heart we wish all of our friends and family a Merry Christmas!

Disney On Ice

We went to see Disney on Ice - Princess Classics yesterday. We were going specifically for Maddi, but Sean and Drew tagged along for the girly fun. Maddi danced, twirled in circles like the ice skaters, and sang so loudly that people turned around and stared at her. That's my girl :)
I really enjoyed watching Maddi, but I had no idea how much I was going to enjoy the show too! All of my favorite Disney songs, bright costumes, and colorful props made me feel like I was sitting on Grammy & Grampy's green carpet, eating cereal, and watching Sleeping Beauty with my cousins. It's amazing how a song, a dress, a color, can take you back to a moment. Yes, I even caught myself singing a little too... wait, maybe they were staring at me, not Maddi... :)

First Day Home

I'm so glad that we got to spend the sacred first day at home with this sweet little one. It was so fun to see our family grow, to watch two people that we love blossom into parents, and to see our kids discover a new friend. Maddi treated him like a little baby doll; she had to know exactly where he was at all times, gently patted him when he was within reach, and announced to the entire world 'baby sleeping' every time we set him down. Drew loved holding him, laughing at his funny little baby faces, and even got to feed TJ! Because of TJ, my definition of family has grown deeper and my ability to love has expanded. I'm just so glad we got to spend this special time with them and look forward to watching our children grow and learn together.









And the birth announcement I made....

A nephew

Our little nephew, Timothy John Glouner, was born November 22, 2010.
He had a rough time adjusting to this complicated world, and had to spend some time in the NICU. My heart physically hurt to see that innocent little baby with tubes and IVs draped accross his body, but I felt so humbled to be able to meet him and hold him and love him.
These pictures are kind of pitiful, but I have wonderful pictures of healthy baby at home to post next!






Drew and Maddi meeting their cousin for the first time. The kids spend hours in the waiting room, but weren't allowed to actually go into the NICU. Luckily, TJ had a room with a view, so the kids went outside and got their first sneak peak of their new friend.