After coming home from MiNell's thinking Easter was over and finding another surprise from the Easter Bunny on her bed...
Ana: "Oh, Mommy!!! The Easter Bunny came again! He came again! And he brought me another surprise!!! Let's go look in your bed, Maddie! Let's gooooooo!!!!"
So she runs, baby sister in hand, to find Maddie's Dora surprise in her room.
Ana: "Mommy, I'm really REALLY happy. Thank you so much for everything. I'm just SO happy."
I. love. her.
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
32
32 and a few weeks old.
OLD.
This last year has made me feel old. I've learned more in the last year than ever in my (adult) life - more about myself, more about people around me, more about life itself.
I became Mama to two toddlers.
I became a business owner.
I became a new friend, and then lost those same friends.
I became consumed with my own life and fell short to the most honest and true friends I'll ever have.
I became uncertain of so much and spent a great deal of time worrying about the future.
I let the darkness of that worry chip away at my marriage.
I started to become someone I never wanted to be.
I learned what it felt like to do without.
I still found happiness in every single day through the eyes, the smiles, the hugs of my girls.
I took back what was rightfully mine, became a true business owner, and saw our potential for the very first time.
I slowly but surely got rid of the unnecessary, the poisonous, and became that much less naive.
I realized how lucky I am to have been chosen by my friends and the blessing it is to have that kind of security.
I learned that it's in my control to be the person I want to be which is so much better than the one I had been.
I learned just how much a mother will do for her daughter.
I learned that no matter what we go through, no matter what's said, and no matter how dark it gets, he's the one - he will always be the one and I thank God for him.
I'm another year older for sure. But for all that's happened I'm stronger...I'm more knowing...and I'm going to be just fine.
Welcome 32.
OLD.
This last year has made me feel old. I've learned more in the last year than ever in my (adult) life - more about myself, more about people around me, more about life itself.
I became Mama to two toddlers.
I became a business owner.
I became a new friend, and then lost those same friends.
I became consumed with my own life and fell short to the most honest and true friends I'll ever have.
I became uncertain of so much and spent a great deal of time worrying about the future.
I let the darkness of that worry chip away at my marriage.
I started to become someone I never wanted to be.
I learned what it felt like to do without.
I still found happiness in every single day through the eyes, the smiles, the hugs of my girls.
I took back what was rightfully mine, became a true business owner, and saw our potential for the very first time.
I slowly but surely got rid of the unnecessary, the poisonous, and became that much less naive.
I realized how lucky I am to have been chosen by my friends and the blessing it is to have that kind of security.
I learned that it's in my control to be the person I want to be which is so much better than the one I had been.
I learned just how much a mother will do for her daughter.
I learned that no matter what we go through, no matter what's said, and no matter how dark it gets, he's the one - he will always be the one and I thank God for him.
I'm another year older for sure. But for all that's happened I'm stronger...I'm more knowing...and I'm going to be just fine.
Welcome 32.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Goodbye, my friend...
Another year come and gone. 4 days into 2009 and I'm just now sitting down to look back on 2008. That's actually pretty symbolic of how my entire year went (a day late and a dollar short!) so it's only fitting that I wouldn't be on time with this either :). Late or not, I sit here ready to pay homage to a year of ups, downs, and straightaways. And though the year was filled with trials and tribulations there was still no shortage of blessings. So it is with gratitude that I present my "Best of 2008".
January - saying goodbye to my dear appendix. Though I never really needed you, it hurt like hell to let you go. But I survived so thank the Lord for that!
February - Miss Maddie finding her way and learning to crawl. NOT pure chaos like everyone had promised! And the birth of Maddan Trucking, LLC.
March - going from 2 diaper bills to just 1 :)! And the birth of little Jimmy.
April - surviving on basically no income while we waited for our business to take off.
May - our sweet Madelyn Grace turning 1! Thank you 2008 for helping us celebrate the birth of this precious girl.
June - developing friendships that would become such a big part of our world.
July - our 6 year wedding anniversary spent with the products of our love. The growth of our business. It felt like an eternity waiting for some security but it was finally here - if only for a few months. And the addition of Baby Wyatt to our growing family.
August - a healthy homecoming for Baby Wyatt and the 2nd annual Wisconsin family getaway.
September - the anniversary of one of the greatest days in our life. Our Ana turns 3!
October - Maddie's first trick-or-treating experience. She loved it! And two pretty cute costumes - Ana a slurpie and Maddie our popcorn.
November - getting to spend Thanksgiving with our family and having countless blessing to be grateful for.
December - a month full of blessings. Too many celebrations to keep track of. A house almost constantly full and a Christmas to remember with two very special little girls.
For all of this and everything in between - the friendships deepened, relationships strengthened, family blessings, a hardworking husband, and two of the most perfect little girls ever created - I thank you, my friend. You've put us through a lot but never failed to shower us with love. So here's to you, 2008! For so many things you will surely be missed!
Happy New Year everyone!!!!
January - saying goodbye to my dear appendix. Though I never really needed you, it hurt like hell to let you go. But I survived so thank the Lord for that!
February - Miss Maddie finding her way and learning to crawl. NOT pure chaos like everyone had promised! And the birth of Maddan Trucking, LLC.
March - going from 2 diaper bills to just 1 :)! And the birth of little Jimmy.
April - surviving on basically no income while we waited for our business to take off.
May - our sweet Madelyn Grace turning 1! Thank you 2008 for helping us celebrate the birth of this precious girl.
June - developing friendships that would become such a big part of our world.
July - our 6 year wedding anniversary spent with the products of our love. The growth of our business. It felt like an eternity waiting for some security but it was finally here - if only for a few months. And the addition of Baby Wyatt to our growing family.
August - a healthy homecoming for Baby Wyatt and the 2nd annual Wisconsin family getaway.
September - the anniversary of one of the greatest days in our life. Our Ana turns 3!
October - Maddie's first trick-or-treating experience. She loved it! And two pretty cute costumes - Ana a slurpie and Maddie our popcorn.
November - getting to spend Thanksgiving with our family and having countless blessing to be grateful for.
December - a month full of blessings. Too many celebrations to keep track of. A house almost constantly full and a Christmas to remember with two very special little girls.
For all of this and everything in between - the friendships deepened, relationships strengthened, family blessings, a hardworking husband, and two of the most perfect little girls ever created - I thank you, my friend. You've put us through a lot but never failed to shower us with love. So here's to you, 2008! For so many things you will surely be missed!
Happy New Year everyone!!!!
A New Year of Possibilities (and a look back at last year's!)
I guess with 2008 behind us and a new year already underway this would be a perfect time to look back at my last year's hopes and see how I did....
- I hope for superficial things like more cushion in the bank, a smaller waistline, and a beautiful deck for our backyard. - well, the cushion came and went along with the smaller waistline but we do have a beautiful new patio!
- I hope to be a more patient mother to my girls and to take in the precious time God's granted me to be their mom. - I don't know that I'll ever be as patient as I hope to be but I can definitely say that I've enjoyed every second of the year with my babies.
- I hope to be a more understanding wife to my hubby and for us both to grow as individuals and as a couple. - this one's tough. We had a terribly hard year that took a toll on our relationship.
- I hope to deepen relationships with my family and become a better sister, daughter, aunt, niece... - this one I feel. Though there is no perfect relationship, they have definitely gotten stronger.
- I hope to be a better friend and grow closer to all of my "shoes", both new and old. - though I can't really claim to have been such a better friend, one way or another I love all of my "shoes" a year's worth more.
- I hope to live a "greener" life, for the sake of our kids (and theirs, and theirs, and theirs). - probably my biggest success of the year.
- I hope to never let "moments" pass us by. - wrapped up in a year of too many ups and downs to count, I'm amazed at how much I was still able to catch.
- I hope for all things good and true for us and all those we love so much! - unfortunately it was a tough year for far too many but my hope never waned!
This year, for the things that matter most, I hope:
- to put my husband first, even above my children because it's in the best interest of said children. I firmly believe this and have to make it happen.
- to get myself into shape, not for the superficialness of a smaller jeans' size but for my health and for the lifestyle I wish to teach my girls.
- to become more organized with our money to better prepare us for financial hardships.
- to manage my time better and learn to say "no" so I can enjoy the moments that really matter.
- to take more time for myself so I can remember why my family and friends love me.
- to outwardly cherish my sweet friends. I feel it but I need to show it more because they are SO MUCH of what makes my life so wonderful.
- to get in better touch with my faith and learn how to better serve the God that has been so good to me.
- to act on the thoughtfulness I have. I have the BEST intentions but can't seem to find the time to see them through.
- to have the time to do what I love - anything crafty - not for a party or for someone else but for ME and the preservation of my girls' childhood.
- to dress cuter, look more put together, and wear more jewelry :).
- be better about sending out thank you cards because I really am so grateful.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Christmas 2008
What a beautiful Christmas we had!
A little celebration with the girls' bestest friends...
Christmas Eve with my side of the family...
Christmas Day at our house...
A Christmas celebration the following Saturday at our house with Anthony's side...
And another celebration with the girls' aunties and Uncle Dan...
Our Christmas was full, full, FULL. It was full of parties; full of thought-filled gifts; full of laughs and memories; and full of love. We are so blessed!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!!!
This Christmas was perfection. Complete, utter perfection.
I only hope you had as joyful and wonderful a Christmas :).
More to come...
I only hope you had as joyful and wonderful a Christmas :).
More to come...
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Survived
We survived the week! It was jam-packed but I made it (and on VERY little sleep, mind you!). I'd love to write all about it but Christmas Eve is knockin' on my door and I have a couch full of projects that are calling to be done! I do have an entire list of stuff I want to write about so, to help keep me honest, I think I'll go ahead and list some of them.
Until soooon!
- Maddie's 18 month letter (yes, I KNOW she's almost 19 months!)
- the great Christmas things we've done this past week
- an update on the ol' fat tracker (sneak peek - this week was not great but it wasn't awful either)
- a post inspired by something I read about marriage (deep, just wait)
- a letter to another certain someone I'm seem to kinda fancy these days :)
- some "Chit Chattin' with Ana" updates - there are SOOOO many!!!
Until soooon!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Countdown to Christmas
As part of our countdown to Christmas this year we here in Ullsmithland have made it our mission to do at least one Christmas-related event for every day leading up to the BIG day. And here's what we have to far:
Dec. 1 - The girls and I put up the tree in their loft. It was pre-lit so I just plugged it in and they decorated it themselves! Maddie didn't quite get it but Ana LOOOOVED it. "It's soooo beautiful, Mommy. This tree is just so beautiful!" is how she described it.
Dec. 2 - We put up the big tree in the family room. Once again, a HUGE hit with the sweetpeas.
Dec. 3 - Perhaps my very favorite Christmastime memory to date (not just this year!). The four of us curled up on the couch, ate popcorn, drank hot chocolate, and watched the 1964 classic "Rudolf" cartoon. This, my friends, is what it's all about :).
I would love to say that I have a list of our daily events to come but honestly I have no clue what's next. And you know, I kinda like it that way!
Dec. 1 - The girls and I put up the tree in their loft. It was pre-lit so I just plugged it in and they decorated it themselves! Maddie didn't quite get it but Ana LOOOOVED it. "It's soooo beautiful, Mommy. This tree is just so beautiful!" is how she described it.
Dec. 2 - We put up the big tree in the family room. Once again, a HUGE hit with the sweetpeas.
Dec. 3 - Perhaps my very favorite Christmastime memory to date (not just this year!). The four of us curled up on the couch, ate popcorn, drank hot chocolate, and watched the 1964 classic "Rudolf" cartoon. This, my friends, is what it's all about :).
I would love to say that I have a list of our daily events to come but honestly I have no clue what's next. And you know, I kinda like it that way!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
My Dearest Ana,
Today's the day. Today is your day. Your very big third birthday. You're officially no longer a baby. Somewhere between your little infant snore and your acquired knack for singing everything, you've grown up.
You've grown up to be a talker, a chit chatter really. Sometimes you're content in pure silence. But when it strikes you, you chit chat with the best of them. You go on and on and on and on and I. LOVE. IT. The things that you say crack me up, melt my heart, and boil my blood.
You know SO MUCH. You know things I've never taught you. You teach me things I didn't realize I should know. You have a memory like nobody's business that can get Mommy in trouble sometimes but a lot of times (like when I'm looking for my keys) it comes in very handy :).
You are becoming the very best sister we could ever dream of for Miss Maddie. Your concern for her when she cries overwhelms me. The way you talk to her in your sweet mommy voice chokes me up. Sure, you still have your moments with her and have single-handedly taught her the words "mine!" and "no!" but there is no doubt in my mind that you will be this little girl's very best friend.
How in the world you could be everything I've ever wanted in life, everything I've every wanted to be, is beyond me. Before you, I didn't believe perfection existed. You're a sweet potato. You're hilarious. You love to laugh. You're feisty. You're so smart. You're so witty. You're a stinker. You love big. You have such incredible concern for Mommy, Daddy, and Maddie. You're stubborn. You're sassy. YOU ARE EVERYTHING.
I love you.
xoxo,
Mama
You've grown up to be a talker, a chit chatter really. Sometimes you're content in pure silence. But when it strikes you, you chit chat with the best of them. You go on and on and on and on and I. LOVE. IT. The things that you say crack me up, melt my heart, and boil my blood.
You know SO MUCH. You know things I've never taught you. You teach me things I didn't realize I should know. You have a memory like nobody's business that can get Mommy in trouble sometimes but a lot of times (like when I'm looking for my keys) it comes in very handy :).
You are becoming the very best sister we could ever dream of for Miss Maddie. Your concern for her when she cries overwhelms me. The way you talk to her in your sweet mommy voice chokes me up. Sure, you still have your moments with her and have single-handedly taught her the words "mine!" and "no!" but there is no doubt in my mind that you will be this little girl's very best friend.
How in the world you could be everything I've ever wanted in life, everything I've every wanted to be, is beyond me. Before you, I didn't believe perfection existed. You're a sweet potato. You're hilarious. You love to laugh. You're feisty. You're so smart. You're so witty. You're a stinker. You love big. You have such incredible concern for Mommy, Daddy, and Maddie. You're stubborn. You're sassy. YOU ARE EVERYTHING.
I love you.
xoxo,
Mama
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Labor Day Weekend 2008
Last weekend we had a family reunion up in Wisconsin. It's funny to call it a family reunion since our entire family gets together literally once a month, at least. But that's besides the point. Anyway, we spend 3 days doing a whole lotta nothing. Things didn't go exactly as envisioned but all in all it was a weekend away so there's something to be said for that, I guess.
When we got home on Monday I braced myself for a week of deprogramming the girls from lates nights, late naps, lots of screaming and eating whenever, and living in bathing suits. I thought for sure I was in for a heck of a week. And to my pleasant surprise, it has indeed been a heck of a week but in a good way! They have been ANGELS!!! Right back on track and sweet as ever. Honestly, how did we get so lucky? Perfection is what these little girls are :). So I'll leave you with some pictures from this little getaway of ours....
Uncle Yaros rescuing Ana from the waterslides. She was not a fan :).
Me and my sweetie.
Our Bathing Beauty.
One of the very few family pics we have. Isn't that sad?
When we got home on Monday I braced myself for a week of deprogramming the girls from lates nights, late naps, lots of screaming and eating whenever, and living in bathing suits. I thought for sure I was in for a heck of a week. And to my pleasant surprise, it has indeed been a heck of a week but in a good way! They have been ANGELS!!! Right back on track and sweet as ever. Honestly, how did we get so lucky? Perfection is what these little girls are :). So I'll leave you with some pictures from this little getaway of ours....
Uncle Yaros rescuing Ana from the waterslides. She was not a fan :).
Me and my sweetie.
Our Bathing Beauty.
One of the very few family pics we have. Isn't that sad?Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Go Shorty! It's Your Birthday!
Happy Birthday to me.
31. Huh. A sensible time to reflect I guess. And as much as I'd love to write some great post showcasing the depth I'm sure to have grown in my last 31 years or wallowing in the thought of now being 30-something I just can't. Truth is I'm purty dang happy with where I am - where I am, how old I am, and what I've become.
I hesitate to say "I've been through a lot" because, well, who hasn't? But I will say I had a good share of obstacles that could very well have led me down a very different path. So all in all to have ended up in this life has been a blessing I wouldn't have even known to ask for - a roof over our heads, food on our table, our own business, two baby girls that are quite possibly as close to perfect as they come, and a husband that's right up there with them. I've had a great job, worked my way through college, and have made a handful of incredible friends that have become family. I've tried to be a good sister, daughter, mama, friend, and wife and I can say whole-heartedly that I've been successful. I have become someone I a
m proud to be. 31 years in the making and here I am. And I'm overcome.
So yep, here's to a very Happy Birthday to me :).
And my very favorite thing about this birthday.....because last year there was one missing :)
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Happy Birthday, my love
And to think at your last birthday you only had one little girl and she was barely talking.
We love you bigger than a breadbox!!!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
A Year of Possibilities
As cliche as it may sound, New Year's really does bring with it a sense of new, a fresh start, a clean slate. Like most, I have thought of my share of resolutions. And like most, I'll probably break nearly all of them by month's end. So I've decided to make a list of hopes - a list of the possibilities I see in this new year.
I hope to deepen relationships with my family and become a better sister, daughter, aunt, niece...
I hope to be a better friend and grow closer to all of my "shoes", both new and old.**
I hope to live a "greener" life, for the sake of our kids (and theirs, and theirs, and theirs).
I hope to never let "moments" pass us by.
I hope for all things good and true for us and all those we love so much!
Here's to a year of possibilities! Cheers!
**when I think of it I'll have to document my "friends=shoes" theory.
I hope for superficial things like more cushion in the bank, a smaller waistline, and a beautiful deck for our backyard.
I hope to be a more patient mother to my girls and to take in the precious time God's granted me to be their mom.
I hope to be a more understanding wife to my hubby and for us both to grow as individuals and as a couple.I hope to deepen relationships with my family and become a better sister, daughter, aunt, niece...
I hope to be a better friend and grow closer to all of my "shoes", both new and old.**
I hope to live a "greener" life, for the sake of our kids (and theirs, and theirs, and theirs).
I hope to never let "moments" pass us by.
I hope for all things good and true for us and all those we love so much!
Here's to a year of possibilities! Cheers!
**when I think of it I'll have to document my "friends=shoes" theory.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Goodbye, my dear friend.....
In just under 2 hours we'll be bidding adieu to our dear friend 2007. Unfortunately I will be doing it alone as my dear husband is out saving the world (read: salting and removing snow to make the streets safer. And by streets I mean, of course, the streets on Lincoln mall). So as I sit here, girls fast asleep, I am left to think about my friend 2007 and all it has brought to me. So it is with great gratitude that I present my "Best of 2007".
January - moving in to our brand new house. Thank you, 2007, for making a very big dream come true.
February - settling in to our new house and making it a home with friends and family.
March - Ana really beginning to talk. I'd been waiting 18 months for this and finally it's here!
April - my joining of Tiny Tots. One of the best things I could've ever done.
May - the birth of our beautiful baby Madelyn. Thank you, 2007, for giving us another miracle. She was and is perfect.
June - getting to witness the bond my two girls are developing. Unlike anything you can imagine.
July - our 5 year wedding anniversary. It came in the blink of an eye but feels like an entire lifetime. Thank you for granting me another year with this incredible man.
August - an awesome family getaway that was a long time coming. Thanks, 2007, for finally making it happen.
September - the anniversary of one of the greatest days in my life. Our Ana turns 2!
October - a successful start to AnaGrace Designs!
November - getting to spend Thanksgiving with the girls' Auntie Kiki
December - a month full of blessings. A Christmas to remember.
For all of this and everything in between - the friends made, the friendships deepened, relationships strengthened, family blessings, a husband sent from above, and two of the most perfect little girls ever created - I thank you, my friend. And I hope you put in a good word for us with your buddy 2008 :). Here's to you!
Happy New Year everyone!!!!
January - moving in to our brand new house. Thank you, 2007, for making a very big dream come true.
February - settling in to our new house and making it a home with friends and family.
March - Ana really beginning to talk. I'd been waiting 18 months for this and finally it's here!
April - my joining of Tiny Tots. One of the best things I could've ever done.
May - the birth of our beautiful baby Madelyn. Thank you, 2007, for giving us another miracle. She was and is perfect.
June - getting to witness the bond my two girls are developing. Unlike anything you can imagine.
July - our 5 year wedding anniversary. It came in the blink of an eye but feels like an entire lifetime. Thank you for granting me another year with this incredible man.
August - an awesome family getaway that was a long time coming. Thanks, 2007, for finally making it happen.
September - the anniversary of one of the greatest days in my life. Our Ana turns 2!
October - a successful start to AnaGrace Designs!
November - getting to spend Thanksgiving with the girls' Auntie Kiki
December - a month full of blessings. A Christmas to remember.
For all of this and everything in between - the friends made, the friendships deepened, relationships strengthened, family blessings, a husband sent from above, and two of the most perfect little girls ever created - I thank you, my friend. And I hope you put in a good word for us with your buddy 2008 :). Here's to you!
Happy New Year everyone!!!!
It doesn't get better than this
We had a loooong Christmas weekend last week. A night with Anthony's family, a night with our friends, a night with my family, an afternoon with my immediate family and a birthday party to boot. It was a looooong weekend.
Not that I'm complaining because I LOVE it. Three of these get-togethers were at our house and all four of us were grateful for it. Not only did it make things immensely easier for the girls but having family and friends in our very first house (no disrespect dear townhouse) celebrating our very first Christmas as a family of four was awesome. Not to get too ooey and gooey but I could literally feel our house bursting with love this Christmas weekend. It doesn't get better than that.
The girls are so blessed to be surrounded with so many people that love them. I remember growing up just me, my mom, my brothers, and my aunts and feeling like we had the biggest family. I loved having my aunts so close to us all the time. But our girls have that ten-fold. They're surrounded with aunts and uncles and cousins and great aunties and grandmas and grandpas. It doesn't get better than that.
I could sit here listing all of the material gifts that were so generously given to my little family this Christmas but really the only one that matters can't be listed at all. To have the people we're lucky enough to call family here with us for a Christmas that will go down in my book as the best one yet- it doesn't get better than that.
Not that I'm complaining because I LOVE it. Three of these get-togethers were at our house and all four of us were grateful for it. Not only did it make things immensely easier for the girls but having family and friends in our very first house (no disrespect dear townhouse) celebrating our very first Christmas as a family of four was awesome. Not to get too ooey and gooey but I could literally feel our house bursting with love this Christmas weekend. It doesn't get better than that.
The girls are so blessed to be surrounded with so many people that love them. I remember growing up just me, my mom, my brothers, and my aunts and feeling like we had the biggest family. I loved having my aunts so close to us all the time. But our girls have that ten-fold. They're surrounded with aunts and uncles and cousins and great aunties and grandmas and grandpas. It doesn't get better than that.
I could sit here listing all of the material gifts that were so generously given to my little family this Christmas but really the only one that matters can't be listed at all. To have the people we're lucky enough to call family here with us for a Christmas that will go down in my book as the best one yet- it doesn't get better than that.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!
If ever I have felt like a mommy it has been this last week. Did you know that Halloween becomes longer than just a day when you have kids? Oh yes. It becomes an event. In our case, a week-long event. But we made it. So here we are....2 handmade costumes, 3 Halloween parties, a birthday, 2 playdates, Ana's first movie night, and a bite-size milky way later and Halloween has come to a close. And the girls? They are fast asleep.
After spending way more time than should've been necessary on the girls' poodle skirts, I'm happy to report that they made it to 3 events and with only minor repairs to be had. And, let me tell you, these girls were the cutest '50s girls around. Of course Maddie had no concept of what was going on but she is, afterall, only 5 months old. Our sweet baby spent the parties comfortably tucked in someone's arms and spent the trick-or-treating experience sportin' her costume at home with MiNell. Ana, on the other hand, surprised the heck out of me.
There wasn't a drastic amount of talk of Halloween around here outside of our trip to the Pumpkin Farm or decorating but we did practice saying "Trick or Treat" a few times before the big day. Oh, and we did even let her stay up last night to watch "The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown". Her very first movie night, complete with popcorn and dimmed lights. She loved it!
Keeping with tradition, we spent today at MiNell's (Anthony's mom) so the girls could see their cousins. Anthony and I had a plan. We would take Ana to 5 houses and then come right back. 1, she doesn't eat candy. And 2, we were certain she wasn't going to take to this "going to strangers' homes, ringing the doorbell, and having to actually speak to them in order to get something she was sure not to recognize anyway" trick-or-treating. Ummm, yeah, we were completely wrong. Completely.
In true Ana fashion she took to it like caramel on an apple (too much?). She welcomed the very first house with a big ol' "trick or treat!" and a very sweet "thank you" after the nice old lady gave her some candy. On to house #2, and 3, and 4, and.....yep, we just HAD to go to more than 5 houses. So we hit like 8. Still not a ton but more than we thought she'd want. And as for not recognizing what these people were giving her....the entire ride home was filled with the sweet sound of "Mommy...Mommy....Mommy....I want some candy. Mommy, I want more candy".
I guess she is just like every other kid afterall :).
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
2 years ago today...
We brought you home from the hospital, Miss Ana. Ok. So I'll admit I used this title to somehow imply that I intended to wait until 3 days after your birthday to write you your birthday letter. Truth is, I've been writing it in my head for months but you and your little sister keep Mommy pretty busy.
So here we are. You're two. But I look at you and you're still a baby to me. I always say that kids are still babies until they turn two but now that we're here I'm taking that back. I assume in some sense you'll always be a baby to me but I look at you and you're such a little peanut that it doesn't feel right to call you a big girl just yet. Of course I constantly tell you you're my big girl and you love that but inside I still see you as that little babe I brought home 2 years (and 3 days) ago.
I have to admit though that as much as I'd love for you to stay a baby forever you'd like nothing more than to grow, grow, grow. In fact, you decided about 4 months ago to start moving at warp speed. You've always been a quick learner from early on but when you hit 20 months it was like some gates opened and you just couldn't wait to show us everything you knew. For months you've been counting to 10 (sometimes 13) in english and spanish and you can sing most of your abc's. You recognize pretty much all of your letters but can't get through the entire song without cracking up (we'll get to that in a minute). You know all of your shapes and colors and have really taken to singing songs on your own lately. "Tinkle Tar" and "Happy Buhday to You" are recent faves. You're bff apparently is Dora the Explorer and you even sing along to her songs now. I swear if I'd let you you'd watch her all day but one show a day is all the time you usually get to spend together, if that. You love your books and insist that your bear book be read to you before naps and at bedtime no questions asked. Every couple of days you'll adopt a new favorite (Snow White is your latest) but the bear book must be read as well. I'd love to say you have a favorite toy but you seem to love anything you can get your hands on. One of my favorites though is watching you play with your blocks and build towers as you count them. But what you love even more is knocking those towers down while yelling "Ha-ya!". Hilarious.
You surprised me a couple months ago by telling me when you had to go potty. I thought for sure it would be a while when suddenly you felt you were ready. You're taking it easy with the potty training but it's coming along nonetheless. I'm letting you do it at your own pace for now and you seem to be doing just fine. I'm guessing in the next month we'll be taking it up a notch but you may have other plans so we'll see.
So that's what you've been doing. Now for what you're like. My sweet Ana, you are so much more than I would've ever known to ask God for. The sweetest girl with an independent streak that blows me away. You love doing things for yourself but never ever shy away from asking for help after you've tried it on your own. One of your first sentences was "I try" and boy, do you. You will try pretty much anything. From going down a waterslide to eating anything new I put on your plate. You're so tough that 99% of the time you fall or hurt yourself you just dust yourself off and reply "I'm fine" when I ask if you're ok. You say bless you when anyone sneezes or coughs and please and thank you come pretty much unsolicited now. In fact, when I give you something you often say "thank you, mommy, thank you". Hands down, you are the most polite 2 year old I have ever known. Yes you throw your tantrums but they've never lasted longer that a minute (literally). Even when you get overtired you turn into a goof well before you get cranky. And you can get a bit possessive of your toys from time to time but only with Maddie, and even then it's only until I tell you to share.
You're a cuddler but Maddie's the keeper of most of your hugs and kisses. At least 50 times a day I find you going to her only to give her a kiss on the cheek or her head and slipping in a little squeeze. You have become such a good sister, Ana, that it makes my heart ache. After a bumpy start you have come to love Maddie more than anything. You're so gentle with her and are constantly asking where she is if you can't see her. But luckily for us she doesn't get all of your affections. Everyday you greet Daddy at the door with an enormous "Daddy's home! Daddy, I miiiiiiissssed you!" and you have a little conversation about what you did that day and when you're done talking you politely tell him to "Shower Daddy. You're tinky". You tell us you love us all the time but telling us you missed us is one of your favorite things and I swear I pray it never ends. I check the mail and return to "Mommy, I miiiissssed you!" You take a nap and when I come get you I'm greeted with a huge hug and, of course, "Mommy, I missed you!" If ever I wonder if I'm doing ok you reassure me with that. I often wonder how it's possible for you to be this good of a girl but you are. You just are.
And can we talk about that sense of humor? You're two and you can take a joke like no other. You NEVER get upset when anyone messes with you. Never. In fact, you find it quite funny when someone teases you or takes stuff away from you trying to see if you'll get upset. Everything is funny to you. We've already spent more moments than I can remember in your bed laughing about nothing. You giggle and it makes me laugh. I laugh and that makes you laugh harder. Before I know it, there we are cracking up. You even laugh when I play "I'm gonna getcha" with Maddie and we're nowhere near you! Your goofy sense is one of things that makes us love you most. You make Daddy and I laugh every single day whether or not you're even around. You're all about the dance now and the other day as you were dancing you just had to stop to tell Daddy "Oooooh, I like this song!". Oh, and you're soooooo expressive lately. You don't want anything anymore, you need everything. "I need oatmeal! I need down! I need Dora!" But yes, when asked, they are follow by a "peeesse!"
I love that you laugh at everything. I love how you love your sister. I love your strong-willed "no's" when you don't want to do something. Where did you come from, my sweet girl? And how did we get so lucky to become the parents of you - sweet, wonderful you? You have given us more in 2 short years than we dreamed for a lifetime and we thank you.
Happy 2nd birthday beautiful girl. I love you.
~Mommy
So here we are. You're two. But I look at you and you're still a baby to me. I always say that kids are still babies until they turn two but now that we're here I'm taking that back. I assume in some sense you'll always be a baby to me but I look at you and you're such a little peanut that it doesn't feel right to call you a big girl just yet. Of course I constantly tell you you're my big girl and you love that but inside I still see you as that little babe I brought home 2 years (and 3 days) ago.
I have to admit though that as much as I'd love for you to stay a baby forever you'd like nothing more than to grow, grow, grow. In fact, you decided about 4 months ago to start moving at warp speed. You've always been a quick learner from early on but when you hit 20 months it was like some gates opened and you just couldn't wait to show us everything you knew. For months you've been counting to 10 (sometimes 13) in english and spanish and you can sing most of your abc's. You recognize pretty much all of your letters but can't get through the entire song without cracking up (we'll get to that in a minute). You know all of your shapes and colors and have really taken to singing songs on your own lately. "Tinkle Tar" and "Happy Buhday to You" are recent faves. You're bff apparently is Dora the Explorer and you even sing along to her songs now. I swear if I'd let you you'd watch her all day but one show a day is all the time you usually get to spend together, if that. You love your books and insist that your bear book be read to you before naps and at bedtime no questions asked. Every couple of days you'll adopt a new favorite (Snow White is your latest) but the bear book must be read as well. I'd love to say you have a favorite toy but you seem to love anything you can get your hands on. One of my favorites though is watching you play with your blocks and build towers as you count them. But what you love even more is knocking those towers down while yelling "Ha-ya!". Hilarious.
You surprised me a couple months ago by telling me when you had to go potty. I thought for sure it would be a while when suddenly you felt you were ready. You're taking it easy with the potty training but it's coming along nonetheless. I'm letting you do it at your own pace for now and you seem to be doing just fine. I'm guessing in the next month we'll be taking it up a notch but you may have other plans so we'll see.
So that's what you've been doing. Now for what you're like. My sweet Ana, you are so much more than I would've ever known to ask God for. The sweetest girl with an independent streak that blows me away. You love doing things for yourself but never ever shy away from asking for help after you've tried it on your own. One of your first sentences was "I try" and boy, do you. You will try pretty much anything. From going down a waterslide to eating anything new I put on your plate. You're so tough that 99% of the time you fall or hurt yourself you just dust yourself off and reply "I'm fine" when I ask if you're ok. You say bless you when anyone sneezes or coughs and please and thank you come pretty much unsolicited now. In fact, when I give you something you often say "thank you, mommy, thank you". Hands down, you are the most polite 2 year old I have ever known. Yes you throw your tantrums but they've never lasted longer that a minute (literally). Even when you get overtired you turn into a goof well before you get cranky. And you can get a bit possessive of your toys from time to time but only with Maddie, and even then it's only until I tell you to share.
You're a cuddler but Maddie's the keeper of most of your hugs and kisses. At least 50 times a day I find you going to her only to give her a kiss on the cheek or her head and slipping in a little squeeze. You have become such a good sister, Ana, that it makes my heart ache. After a bumpy start you have come to love Maddie more than anything. You're so gentle with her and are constantly asking where she is if you can't see her. But luckily for us she doesn't get all of your affections. Everyday you greet Daddy at the door with an enormous "Daddy's home! Daddy, I miiiiiiissssed you!" and you have a little conversation about what you did that day and when you're done talking you politely tell him to "Shower Daddy. You're tinky". You tell us you love us all the time but telling us you missed us is one of your favorite things and I swear I pray it never ends. I check the mail and return to "Mommy, I miiiissssed you!" You take a nap and when I come get you I'm greeted with a huge hug and, of course, "Mommy, I missed you!" If ever I wonder if I'm doing ok you reassure me with that. I often wonder how it's possible for you to be this good of a girl but you are. You just are.
And can we talk about that sense of humor? You're two and you can take a joke like no other. You NEVER get upset when anyone messes with you. Never. In fact, you find it quite funny when someone teases you or takes stuff away from you trying to see if you'll get upset. Everything is funny to you. We've already spent more moments than I can remember in your bed laughing about nothing. You giggle and it makes me laugh. I laugh and that makes you laugh harder. Before I know it, there we are cracking up. You even laugh when I play "I'm gonna getcha" with Maddie and we're nowhere near you! Your goofy sense is one of things that makes us love you most. You make Daddy and I laugh every single day whether or not you're even around. You're all about the dance now and the other day as you were dancing you just had to stop to tell Daddy "Oooooh, I like this song!". Oh, and you're soooooo expressive lately. You don't want anything anymore, you need everything. "I need oatmeal! I need down! I need Dora!" But yes, when asked, they are follow by a "peeesse!"
I love that you laugh at everything. I love how you love your sister. I love your strong-willed "no's" when you don't want to do something. Where did you come from, my sweet girl? And how did we get so lucky to become the parents of you - sweet, wonderful you? You have given us more in 2 short years than we dreamed for a lifetime and we thank you.
Happy 2nd birthday beautiful girl. I love you.
~Mommy
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