St. Paddy's Day 2013

St. Paddy's day has always been such a fun holiday for me.  I'm not sure if it's my bright red hair and Irish roots, or if it's just because I love feasting and celebrating the traditions of one of my favorite countries.  Every March 17th during my four years of high school, I'd wear an entire suit (pants, shirt, and jacket) that was lime green.  I'm not sure whatever happened to that suit.  I might have to go through my mom's house and see about finding it.

Growing up, my mom always made us corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes and surprised us with various green treats.  I feel like St. Paddy' Day is a holiday worthy of getting my own kids excited about.  This year, they woke up to a trail of golden coins, which led to a "pot of gold" and other goodies.  After church we had the family over for a traditional feast.

March Happenings

It turns out that all that squinting and trouble with letter recognition was the result of a stigmatism.  I felt so bad for Emma as she struggled to work her way through the eye exam.  Thankfully, the 21st century has provided some pretty adorable options when it comes to kids' eyewear.  We spent an entire evening shopping between three different stores to find exactly what she was looking for.  Her choice surprised me.  She's such a shy little thing, I thought for sure she'd try and find a pair that blended in as much as possible.  Instead, she has decided to own her stigmatism and sport these candy apple red jewels.

In other news- Lyla loves when Daddy works from home.  It's so cute how she crawls up on the couch and snuggles with him.  She is fascinated by him.

More Babies

Trenton came home a few weeks ago with another box full of baby chicks.  It just made sense since two of our chicks had been attacked by our cat and dog, and three of our original set turned out to be roosters.  We've been holding steady at the four hens, which is wonderful- but I was getting irritated that we were still having to buy eggs at the supermarket.  We now have 9 more chicks (hopefully hens) and since these pictures were taken, they've tripled in size.  These babies are so fluffy and precious.



Lyla's 1st Birth(week)

My heart has really been put through the wringer this week.  I'm still not sure how it's possible to feel incomprehensible joy and the deepest sorrow simultaneously.  First birthdays are tough enough on a mom, but knowing that she's my last baby really stings.  I wish that for the first few years of a child's life, they grew half as quickly.  I've been feeling very cheated by time lately, and it's really starting to tick me off.

Lyla's first birthday marks the end of my stint as a mom of an infant.  I'll never again experience the agony of morning sickness, or the drama of childbirth.  I'll never bring a baby home from the hospital again, or fall asleep at the dinner table with a milk-stained shirt.  I'm going to miss the way their skin smells.  I bet that's what Heaven smells like.

On the bright side, Trenton and I were lucky enough to be blessed with three sweet people to raise, and I'm thankful for the opportunity- as short-lived as it may seem.  Luckily each stage of a kid's life is so much fun.  I can think of nothing more exciting for our family right now than accompanying Lyla through her toddlerhood.  I love thinking about all of the opportunities that are just around the corner for us, and I'm so thankful for the 365 + days we've had with Miss Lyla Rose.

My Mom and Lyla share the same birthday week, so we decided they should celebrate together with matching coconut cakes. Lyla enjoyed her smash cake a little too much and had to be hosed off.  She also took a couple steps the day before her birthday, but hasn't had much interest since.  We'll see, I guess. 

On her actual birthday, we continued the tradition by taking Lyla to Fargo's for dinner.  She even had her fortune told, and it's looking bright.  Then this past Saturday, Lyla was spoiled even more by her Grandma and Grandpa, Tad, Linsey, Mike, Diana and Brittany, Tate, Patti, and kids.  Three cakes in one week!  My goodness.

What a baby to finish off my baby making career.  Happy Birthday, sweet Lyla!