E L E V E N

How does the time go by so quickly? Being pregnant with Kendal... my first born... there were moments I felt like time was standing still as we awaited her arrival. Every ultrasound, movement, craving, ache, and pain never could have prepared me for the love I was about to feel for that little new life I was to hold in my arms.

Now that little life is eleven - I just can't believe it. This last year seems to have flown by. So many changes for her and for me.. our relationship has grown so very much as a result of these changes. It's hard to imagine that our hearts can continue to grow over time not only for our "new" children but the love we already have and that place in our hearts just keeps growing. 

Each year brings new challenges and especially in this preteen phase. I see bits of myself in Kendal some make me smile and others make me wonder what the heck! There have been tears, smiles, and oh so much laughter. This girl is so very entertaining and it brings us to our knees with laughter. She is one of the most kind and caring girls I know. She is not afraid to be herself even if it makes her different; I absolutely love this about her. 

She is a great big sister, daughter, and friend. I cherish our moments together and I am so thankful she made me a mother.

Happy Birthday Kendal, We love you!

Kendal turns 10 {here}

"MaMa"

It's pretty certain that most children will enter a phase of clinginess or separation anxiety at some point in their toddler lives. We (mostly I) are right in the center of this "phase". Olivia has found herself right in the middle of this.... big time. She is all about MaMa and that is it, don't even try to help her put her shoes on, go potty, eat dinner, or anything else because the only words you will hear are "MaMa". While I am well aware this is a phase and it will pass her big sisters are quite frustrated with this. Always willing and trying to help it is somewhat difficult for them to understand the attachment Olivia has to me right  now. They often tell me how spoiled she is and how I always give her what she wants... this is the time I gently remind them they too were the same way at this age. The big difference is is that when they were two I worked away from home and they went to a sitter or my moms so they were very used to having others take care of them. With the twins I am home all day with them - just me (and well Big sisters too while on summer break) but there is a certain amount of attachment that forms when there is one person they rely on each day. Charlotte isn't nearly as attached as Olivia and is willing to allow others to help her. At least we have that going for us. We are letting the twins stay at their Aunt and Uncle's once a week to help with the attachment.

I know she will outgrow this phase but I have to say it is nice (sometimes) to have all of her cuddles and mama Olivia only time. As parents we have to face these "difficult" times in our children's lives, there is no right or wrong way to handle them. Lots of love and sometimes some tough love will certainly get them through... and onto the next phase they go.

Vacation Recap

Well its been just over two weeks since we arrived home from our nearly three week vacation and can you "Phew"? I think I am sufficiently recovered from our trip enough to share it with you all!

We traveled 2,476 miles and visited four states, spent time with family and friends, lost four pacifiers, visited a theme park, a national park, museums, a zoo, had one child get sick in the car, watched the same DVDs about 400 times, but made some amazing memories I wouldn't trade for anything.

It was a great summer get away for all of us, but like most vacations we found ourselves simply exhausted at the end of the day. We played hard and kept our days packed - but when we got home at 3am all the twins wanted to do was play with their toys!! It was like Christmas morning when they ran into that door!

We learned that maybe next time we won't attempt such a long vacation!

HOME AT LAST!!