Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was great around here.  Started with the kids waking me excited to open the cards they have been receiving in the mail, as well as the goodies we set out for them.

I got everyone, Brian included, stamped spoons with love messages.  So now they can eat their cereal or stir their coffee and see how much we love them.  I know, cheesy, but isn't that what Valentine's Day is about - cheesy expressions of love.  We also got Myann a necklace stamped in the copper pendant with loved.  I told her it was so she would always know she was loved.  She seemed to really enjoy getting "big girl" jewelry.  Shane got the Percy Jackson series, since he is becoming quite the avid reader; and Anders got a puzzle and cars. I do not think I have ever gotten them gifts for Valentine's Day, but this year it just seemed fun.  They were so appreciative of the little gesture that I may keep it up.  They also all got money from their grandparents, and were over the moon.  Laila now has her piggy bank off to a good start.

After getting them to school, I stayed for Anders' party.  So fun being in a room with 20 three year olds.  Myann's party was the same time as Shane's so I told her that next year I would do her party and miss one of the boys.  Then I met my Valentine for lunch downtown.  After lunch I went to Shane's party, which is always a treat.  I really love his age - 6 and 7 year olds are interesting to talk to and be around.

Upon coming home, Shane, my super sweet boy, wrote me a sweet card.  However, since Laila was born, she is stealing my thunder, so all my cards are now addressed to Mommy and Laila.  I should be thankful though, because Laila has bumped Brian clear out of the picture.

How did she get so grown up looking?

Love my sweet boy!

Opening her Valentine card

My girls!

Sisters!

Love this face.

Laila rolled back to belly

Finally my girl rolled from her back to her belly on Feb 10th, Friday. And since she learned, she is just rolling every chance she gets and even when I try to change her diaper, which is not so cool.

Daddy insists she is kissing now too. He told her to kiss him at church and she leaned in with open mouth to his cheek.  I told him that she is doing what she does to every object and putting it in her mouth to explore.  He insists it is a kiss.

We have been trying solids for 2 weeks, but so far Laila is not very interested.  She even shudders with some of the bites.  She is just not my eater. However, I tried sweet potatoes this week and she seemed to keep a few bites in, as opposed to spitting it back out.

Sweet potatoes on her face.

Such a pretty face!

Anders had to show his belly too.

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.