These Little Moments...

It has been a good week, despite the fact that Sean has been out of town since Sunday. I was initially nervous about it being just me and the kids...all day, all evening, all night. I always look forward to the moment he walks through the door in the evenings, both because I just love when he's home and because it's much easier to have his help with dinner, baths, and bedtime. It turns out that I've been so busy that I haven't had much time to think about him not being here to help, but I definitely miss him once the babies are asleep and I'm really alone! I have been having fun with Instagram this week, which is an App I downloaded for my phone, and Sean has enjoyed following along with all of the pictures I take throughout the day. These pictures were all taken yesterday. We stayed busy and really enjoyed the warm afternoon! Daddy returns home tomorrow! We can't wait!

We actually experienced winter weather this week. It came, leaving us digging out mittens and making hot chocolate, and was gone before we were really able to enjoy it. Gracie literally played out in the snow on Monday morning, and by the time she woke up from her afternoon nap, it was all melted. I had a dissapointed little girl on my hands, but I was thankful we bundled up right after breakfast and went out. Otherwise, she may have missed it altogether and I would have felt horrible. Someone else was less than thrilled about being out in the cold. I ended up in the house with my little guy while Gracie and Bentley (our dog) played out back. Maybe next time. :)

I thought it was time for a more detailed Gracie post. :) My sweet Grace is doing well. She is still enjoying preschool three days a week. Sean and I met with her teacher for her second parent/teacher conference last week and we were pleased to hear how well she is doing. She is actually one of the youngest in her class, some were turning 4 when the year began in August, but her teacher seems impressed with how on top of things she is. She also pointed out that Gracie seems to express herself through her artwork and crafts. Apparently, when given the chance to choose an activity, she prefers drawing/painting over some of the other choices. She also loves to cut out shapes. She cut out some pretty fancy hearts for our Valentine's Day crafts. Gracie is still taking dance once a week. I love peeking in on her tumbling class and watching her laugh and burn off some energy with the other little girls. She seems really comfortable among this smaller group of girls her age. She i...

Ethan turns 8 months old today! I cannot believe how quickly these months have passed. I'm sure I sound like a broken record, month after month, but seriously, I can't believe it. Ethan, you are Mommy's happy boy! You love to giggle and smile. You get especially tickled when you play with your sister. She loves to give you big bear hugs and tickle your belly. She calls you lots of funny nicknames, too. From the first moment she met you, she's adored you, and I have adored watching the bond form between you two as you've grown over these months. You aren't crawling yet, but you have devised your own way of getting around. While sitting up, you've learned to wiggle, bounce, and scoot your way around. I leave you sitting in one spot, and find you in a totally different spot when I return minutes later. Just yesterday, your daddy and I caught you rocking back and forth on your hands and knees, so we bet crawling is in the near future. You LOVE to eat! Oh...

To my Husband on Valentine's Day... 5 Things I Love About You. 5. I love your personality. You are confident and driven. You set goals, then you reach them. You're the kind of guy who likes to say what's on his mind. I've grown to really love your sarcastic edge. I love that you are just fine with being yourself. 4. I love your smile. I especially love your happy, genuine, eyes light up smile. The one you can't stop once it's started. The one you are likely to have as you read this very sentence, 'cause you know what I'm talking about. :) 3. I love how you are as a father. I couldn't ask for a better partner in the journey of raising children. You're a blessing to them, and to me as their mother. 2. I love how safe I feel with you. You take such good care of our family. I never have to doubt what comes first... it's always been family. I know that you would gladly do whatever it takes to make us happy, keep us safe, and provide for u...

I was feeling heavy. Overwhelmed. Tired. The combination of sick children, sleep deprivation, and very little "me" time was starting to push me down a bit. I don't like feeling that way. I want to wake up with a smile on my face. I want to feel motivated and light . Our Hilton Head vacation arrived at the perfect time. Packing was a nightmare, but once our car hit the highway, I felt it... Freedom . It didn't matter that I was taking a sick child along, or that I was still going to be sleep deprived. Those things are easier to handle when you get a change in scenery, especially when that scenery becomes blue skies and an endless ocean. As we do each year in January, we joined Sean's dad and step-mom for a winter get-away. The weather was kind to us this year. Gracie loves the beach. She runs, and runs, and digs, and even plops down long enough to enjoy the change of scenery for herself. Ethan was unsure of the cool sand, but even he seemed to appreciate the fres...

So far, this is my favorite photo taken during our Hilton Head trip last week. It makes me smile. :)

As I type, both of my boys are sleeping soundly next to me. Sean on the couch, Ethan in his car seat. We had a rough night that ended with an early, early morning. It's after 7 now, but the curtains are drawn, the room is dark, and they can finally rest. We are in Hilton Head, SC on vacation. I wish I could say we just arrived and have an exciting week at the beach ahead, but in just a few hours we'll be packed up and headed home. We've been here since Tuesday. This trip has been such a nice break for all of us. Even my sick baby has seemed to feel so much better while here. The weather has been wonderful and we've all enjoyed being so close to the ocean. I know I can speak for each member of my family when I say... we're not ready to leave. More on our week (and pictures!) to come...