Spring is in the air!

It's all about perspective, right? After a long winter, the temps hit close to 50 degrees here and most people are running outside in their flip flops and shorts. We didn't go that far, but we definitely enjoyed a very long family walk. It was Ella's first time in the stroller as a big girl. Both girls loved being able to face each other, chat and laugh. Ohhh I love everything about spring!

Oh, Little Sister!

If there is one of Abby's toys in a sea of many, Ella will be sure to find it. Remember how much Ella LOVES Lily Monica? While Ella's adoration of Lily M. does not compare to any other toy in this house, Ella has an appreciation for all of Abby's babies. Meanwhile, Abby has the desire to protect everything she has from her baby sister.

Abby: These are my babies. They are sleeping.
Ella: I'll take care of this baby! 

Ella: Oh wait! There are LOTS of babies over here. Let me see. I want one.

Ella: Weee baby Amelia! Time to play!
Abby: Wait Sissy! No!!! These are MY babies. They are sleeping.  NO!!!! 

Abby gets up to go to the bathroom. Ella is left alone to babysit.

Ella: Hi Amelia! 

Ella: Yay Mommy! It's my turn!

Just in case you thought Ella's devotion to Lily Monica had in any way wavered:

Valentine's Day 2013

A few sweet pictures from Valentine's Day:

Abby's heart shaped lunch 

opening their fun surprise package that came from Grammy and G-Diddy

Aunt Cyncy sent these itty bitties for Vday. The girls love them. 

After opening a special Valentine's Day package from Grammy and G-Diddy (complete with some candy), I went to put Ella down for her nap. As I nursed Ella, I noticed how unusually quiet the house had become, but assumed Abby had decided to color a picture. I put Ella down and went to find Abby. As I came around the corner, she got very quiet, but the loud crunching of her big lollipop gave her away. Abby was seated very carefully at the kitchen table.

Me: What are you doing?
A: Eating my Valentine's Day lollipop
M: I thought I said we weren't going to eat that until lunchtime.
A: I'm sorry, Mommy. It just looked so delicious.
M: Well, why didn't you come and ask me first? You know you are not allowed to eat any candy without asking me first.
A: I couldn't Mommy. I have to sit at the table when I'm eating a lollipop.
M: Why didn't you put your lollipop down and come ask me?
A: Well, my hands are sticky and I can't get up from the table with sticky hands.
M: How's your lollipop?
A: It's delicious, Mommy! Thanks for understanding.
M:  :)

This story illustrates Abby's personality so well. Even as she is doing something she probably shouldn't be doing, she is so carefully following the other rules she know exists. At her very core, there is such a natural inclination toward responsibility AND following through with what she believes is right...either leading to something great or to conflict within herself and others.

I love that something as simple as a heart shaped lollipop can remind me of God's greatness!  This moment reminded me of just one way God crafted Abby's personality so uniquely and for such a specific purpose. I can't wait to see how He continues to shape her as she grows and reveal that purpose to her. I'm blessed to be her mommy and have the opportunity to point her heart to Jesus. It's a privilege to teach her and see her learn what it means to be who God created her to be. It's not always easy...actually at times very challenging, but I wouldn't want any other job in the world!

Uncle Cory's Visit

my baby brother

Some things never change.  Poor Joe finished out that movie alone.

Nothing like Cory coming to make you feel good about what you cooked. This is his second plateful!

Time to wake up, Cory! 6 AM RISE AND SHINE!

early morning

Abby's "concentrating" face

showing Uncle Cory her Leappad

Abby made their cave hideout

Snapshots and Quotables

Abby and Grandma playing I Spy on Skype. It really was funny! :)

Hi Mom!

won't lie still on the changing table

wants to crawl right off

Ella's turn to wear the cool Nikes from Alana

"Mom, I've never worn REAL shoes before!"

stretch to the left....

...now center.

Abby working on her letters

I adore her little "concentrating" face.

This is my Nagypapa and I when I was about 4.  I was struck by how much I look like Abby in this picture.

"Look Mommy...I have a Papa mustache."

hanging out

Abby insists her babies sleep in bed with her. She can barely move, but Hazel, Abby, Annie and Amelia are all tucked in for the night.

Friday family picnic dinner and movie night

Abby was so excited and captivated by the concept. So much fun.

 

Saturday mornings are the best!

When Ella was born, Abby started having a hard time falling asleep by herself at night. Last month, we started a reward chart. Her last completed chart earned her a new game for her Leappad. She was extremely motivated to fill those little boxes with stickers and extremely proud of herself when she got her new game. When the chart was finished, she asked me to make her a new one. As we were hanging it on the wall, I asked her what she thought her reward should be. Her response: I think when I fill my whole chart up, I should get another baby sister. Do you think that's a good idea, Mommy? Actually, how about a baby brother this time?

off on a date with Daddy 

breakfast date

silly girls

Thank You Emily!

Even better than a really fun birthday present...

an unexpected belated birthday gift that arrives in the mail on a rainy winter day!




Thank you Miss Emily for the special gift!

AND...

to my dear friend Emily, I want you to know that there will be payback. When your little babies are born someday and as they grow, I will always remember the day you sent a package to Abby filled with window markers, bathtub crayons and bathtub paints. Joe is already brainstorming the gift ideas for your kids! ;) 

No, but seriously, thank you so much remembering our little girl on her birthday. We love and miss you!

Abby's Birthday Message to her Daddy

The sweetest videos of Abby wishing her Daddy a happy 30th birthday: