And Then She Was 2

Hailey is 2. How did that happen? How did my little bitty baby girl just turn 2 today? I can't believe it. I like to think she's still my baby, but she's not. She's turning into such a big girl. It's such a joy to see her grow and explore and turn into the delightful little girl that she is. She melts my heart. Here are some things she's into these days:

• She adores Dora

• She also likes watching Team Umizoomi, Tinkerbell, Caillou, Mickey Mouse, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Bubble Guppies and Shrek

• Hailey is exploring and really getting into pretend play
• She loves playing with her babies, mostly feeding them, changing their diaper, or putting them down to sleep

• She also loves to cook in her kitchen; she always tell me whatever she is serving is "hot" and to "blow it"
• She loves to be naked and takes off at any chance she can get
• Hailey loves to pick out her "pretties" for her hair in the morning, deciding which bow, barrette, or hair tie to use
• Hailey likes to wear dresses and look "pretty"

• After she is dressed in a pretty outfit, she runs to go show daddy
• Hailey is a shoe diva
• Hailey is singing many different songs and counting well to 10 and fairly well to 20; she knows a lot of her colors (fav is purple!) and most of her shapes
  
• Hailey is physical as well and can climb, run and jump with the best of them!
• Hailey likes bugs and will be the first to try to touch them
• She loves art things such as painting, drawing, cutting, or playing play dough
• Hailey is going to be a lefty
• She delights in seeing herself in a photo or video or something she has made, exclaiming "I make!"
  

• She has discovered making funny faces and loves to look in the mirror when making one, asking to see "a picture"
• She weighed in and measured height in the 25th percentile for her 2 year well check
• If she can't reach something she wants, Hailey will exclaim "table!" and go get a little stool
  
• She loves her big brother and playing with him
• Hailey has begun coming into our bed again in the middle of the night (totally my fault!); while I need to break this habit asap, I do love her snuggles
  
• She loves pasta, pizza, cheese, pickles and hot dogs

• She is trying to potty train, but not getting real far
• She loves books and animals
• Hailey amazes me each and every day. She is a comedian and loves to put on a show for anyone watching. Once you laugh, she's got you and will continue her shenanigans. Hailey has so much personality and charm, I know she will go far. I hope she, too, remembers my love for her and how I am always here for her, no matter what, and will support her forever and ever with my whole my heart.

5 Years Old Already?

Miles turned 5 today! I cannot believe he's so big. Time has flown by, as much as I try to treasure every moment. I do have to say, I'm very proud of the young man he's turning into. Miles has a heart of gold and is so sensitive. These five years have had their ups and downs, but through it all, he has amazed me by his talents. He is so smart and it's fascinating to see him develop new ideas, talents, and interests. He truly holds a special place in my heart and always will. Here's some things Miles is into these days:

• He wants to be a Star Wars "guy" or a Superhero; he keeps wishing for this, but it hasn't come true yet...

• He likes to play video games on the Wii and claims there's nothing else to do if he isn't playing a game
• He still likes to pretend to be a baby kitty, or a chinchilla

• Miles loves to play with Hailey and is hurt when she doesn't want to play with him
• Miles is very adventuresome
• Miles reminisces quite often
• Miles thinks all things little are cute

• Miles doesn't like to touch bugs or get dirty
• Miles is working on reading and writing and continually improves
• He weighed in the 50th percentile and was in the 25th percentile for height at his 5 year well check
• Miles does a lot of math, without even realizing it
• Miles is starting baseball and is excited about the team

• Miles is definitely working on defining his independence, but still staying close to mom and dad
• Miles can't wait to grow up. He wants a big house, lots of animals, and a motorcycle
• He likes watching Sonic, Wordgirl, and Power Rangers

• Miles loves music and is constantly making up songs
• He loves to hear about when he was little
• He always wants to go to Monkey Joe's or Chuck E Cheese
• He loves riding his Razor scooter
• Miles loves pizza, pizza lunchables, and pickles

• He puts steak sauce on everything and also likes ketchup, hot sauce, and ranch
• He loves snacking on broccoli and ranch or eating "messy cheese", which is shredded cheese
• He doesn't eat meals well, but will snack with the best of them!
• Miles is more of a homebody and prefers to come home and eat or hang out rather than run all day
• Miles is a ham and loves putting on a show for anyone and everyone

• He loves books and story time at night

• He still asks me to "bug bug" with him at night and he listens to music to go to sleep
• Miles is definitely on the verge of leaving toddler hood and moving towards a big boy. It's fun and exciting, but sad too. I couldn't wish he stay little because it's such a joy to see him grow and learn. It's so exciting to see what's next. He's always going to be my little boy anyway! I know Miles is going to go far. He's going to be able to accomplish anything he wants. He is a fantastic big brother and son. I could not have wished for any better son than Miles. I treasure every moment with him and just hope he doesn't grow up too fast. I hope he always knows how much I love him and that I'm here for him, always, no matter what, forever and forever.

Batter Up!

Miles is going to do t-ball/baseball this spring! Here is his tryout:

Christmas Wasn't Hard

Christmas was not as hard as I thought it would be without dad. I missed him, but I felt him, and that made it much easier. And the kids were so excited, it was easy to get caught up in their excitement. No, Christmas wasn't hard. Church is hard. Singing Christmas hymns was hard. Sunsets are hard. Taking down the Christmas decorations was hard. New Years was hard. Starting a new year without him is hard. Talking to good friends who always ask how I am is hard. Very hard. Answering where Grampie is to my 23 month old daughter when she's looking to say hello and goodnight to him is hard. Hugging my mom on my parent's 40th anniversary was hard. Hugging dear friends is hard. Catching myself referring to both parents is hard. Catching myself thinking I need to call dad is hard. Wanting to share with him is hard. Wondering if I did all I could've done with and for him is hard. Being alone is hard. Not having time alone is hard. Seeing mom grieve is hard. Thinking about how much life has changed in the last 6 months is hard. Wondering about the future is hard. There are a lot of things that are hard, but no, Christmas wasn't hard.