Just a Saturday

I am hooked on The Hunger Games series, so I have been reading when I should be doing one of the million undone things around here. So Laila fell asleep while I was reading. What an easy going girl she is.

Then I had a night out with some friends and Daddy took pictures of how he takes care of the kids - I mean how Shane takes care of the kids. :)

Valentine's Day Friday Playdate

I had a Valentine's Day party for the kids.  Great food from everyone, drinks, and lots of fun.  The kids decorated cookies, made boxes, and played. The dads hung out in the basement, and us moms chatted and endured the kid noise.

Laila and her buddy Maren

Best I could get and bribing them with candy.

Need I say more

The crew at the end of the night.

Laila's 6 month stats

Thankfully, Laila gained a decent amount of weight since her 4 month appointment.  Our doctor gave me the go ahead to cut back on night feedings.  Hallelujah I may get more than 2 hours sleep at a time now. Skinny and tall - super model in the making, okay so hopefully not, but shocked to see a petite thing coming from our genetics.

Weight 14 lbs. 6 oz. (25%)
Height 26 3/4 (90%)
Head circumference 17 in. (75%)

One Year Without Alex

 It has been one year since we lost Alex.  By far the worst day of my life.  I have been dreading this day and anticipating it all the same.  It is as if we could make it to this day then we could make it through the next 10 or 50 years without him.  Believe me, I know there have been those days when that was a bit of a question.  In the beginning, we all felt his loss so physically.  The pain transcended emotional and made me physically hurt.  My heart still hurts, but the physical anguish is gone most of the time.  But wow do I miss him.  Almost in silly ways and at silly times.  Every few days, I get my David Yurman junk emails and I think of him.  I actually open the emails and look at the latest jewelry they are marketing and wonder what Alex would of thought.  I hear his voice whenever a football game is on.  Voice is an understatement, exuberant hollering is more accurate.  Every time my kids fight, I think of Alex and I our entire childhood and try to remind myself that they will get along one day and will be the best of friends.  I see Danielle and thank God that Alex had a great love in his life.  I see Lexi and Austin, and I see Alex.  What a wonderful gift he left behind in the form of two amazing kids, who I am lucky enough to be their only aunt.

One year has past and has been filled with lots of firsts without Alex physically here, but his life left such a mark that it sometimes seemed like he was there. Danielle made sure I felt him on my birthday and his enthusiasm was felt at every holiday.  Nobody did Christmas like Alex and our Christmas would not have disappointed him.  My kids still love to talk about him and Anders lights up when a picture of him pops up.  Alex will forever be apart of daily conversations.  Just yesterday, Brian talked about how warm my brother was and how always being greeted with a hug took some getting used to.  Alex was a hugger and I am thankful for each and every one.

Laila rolled

I have been so negligent in posting about my super wonderful sweet girl.  She really is a joy, but sadly 4 kids do not leave me with a lot of time.

She is a jabbering girl right now who loves to hear her own squeals.  When I snuggle her, she makes the sound "Ahhh".  So sweet.

She rolled from her belly to her back for the first time.  She was so proud of herself and just smiled.

Also, did I mention we teach the kids chess at a young age around here? Rather, Shane does the teaching.  I am still learning, but Shane is giving Bobby Fisher a run for his money.

Shane and Myann's well checks

Shane 6 1/2 year well check

Weight: 55 lbs. (75%)
Height: 48 inches (70%)
BMI 16.8 (75%)

Climbing the wall at a birthday party - he was super fast.

Myann's 5 year well check
Weight: 42 lbs. (75%)
Height: 43 inches (75%)
BMI: 16 (75%)

Myann was always so small, that it amazes me that she is above average on height and weight now.

Loving on Maddox

Using her Easy Bake oven with her friend.

Meeting Santa 2011