Friday, October 13, 2017

FIVE

Our Crew boy turned 5 years old last month! He had been looking forward to this birthday for months, and was counting down the days. I was extremely sad when I realized during our Hawaii trip that we wouldn't be home until his birthday, later that afternoon. I read our tickets wrong, and assumed we would be there Sunday. NOT leaving Hawaii Sunday, and arriving Monday. Anyways...thanks to Aunt Lo for making it extra special for him when he woke up! I was extra sad about missing that morning because Crew was devastated when he learned that Hawaii was in the month of September. Nearly everyday he would make sure that it wasn't ON his real birthday. (....tears....)
 What a joy it has been to mother this sweet little boy. I miss those days so much when it was just him and I in that little condo in Eagle Mountain. (still my favorite place we've ever lived.) We made so many good memories there. I remember when I was in the early weeks of pregnancy with Laney, and I was so darn sick. I couldn't do anything, and not living by my mom during that time was tough. I remember Crew being extra careful around me, and when I would throw up in the toilet, he would try to copy me after I was done. He was such a hoot. 
 When we got home from Hawaii, I let him have a few early birthday gifts. He is in a stage where he loves ANYTHING gold, and money. So when I found these playing cards...it was perfect. It's a little treasure that he will never forget. Along with those seashells...it's the little things. 
 Later that evening, we celebrated his birthday with cousins and grandparents! He graciously picked that rainbow cake at Target when I told him that the poop emoji cake was definitely not coming home with us. 
 Cute cousins waiting anxiously for presents. 
 Grandma Tara bought him snap pees for a gift and it was hilarious to see his reaction. HE LOVED THEM. 

 The next day, we had a little swim party with some friends. The pool was too cold so the kids didn't last too long there. We had pizza, and a piƱata! 




 Crew was in heaven with the birthday gifts he received. He has the best people surrounding him! He played with all of his fun toys for that entire week straight. At the end of the week I finally let him play with the science kit that my mom bought him. Crew loved that thing...but it's so not my style. Lets be honest! It was fun seeing him act like a scientist though. Note to self: always keep vinegar on hand. Every single science project uses it! 

Thats a wrap. We had such a fun few days celebrating this boy. And now he's already asking when he turns SIX. Don't worry buddy. It's right around the corner. (more tears...)

Thursday, October 12, 2017

October

 I can't believe we are already well into October, nearly halfway to be exact. I am really wishing that we would have planned a trip up to Utah this week since Crew is out of school, and because those fall leaves are calling my name! I can't get over the foliage I'm seeing in others photos. And we are also craving some cold weather. Thanksgiving can't come soon enough! 

I'm feeling so overwhelmed lately by our "stuff." Selling everything we own and just traveling abroad sounds very enticing to us lately, but that's for another season of our lives. I already chucked a giant black bag of toys...but my house just seems worse. It's surprisingly really frustrating to me. Hoping to get it all under control very soon. So for now I just do what I can and light a pumpkin spice candle, and all is right in my world again. Thank goodness for all of these holidays coming up. I need these candles to keep me sane! (ha..ha)

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Letter to my babies, 18 months apart.

 Laney & Peter boy! We have come along way. The three of us, even your older brother. When we first started, it was a little rough having 2 small babies in two completely different stages of life, who needed different things. We are finally at a point where you two play very well together, and are so smitten with each other. Laney calls you "baby brother." 

Laney, I love how nurturing and gentle you are with Peter boy. (for the most part. It's so sweet!)




You light up whenever she comes near you. In this case, she was mothering you by trying to sit you back on the chair so you wouldn't fall. She's also started to change your diapers, and you calmly let her as you giggle away. (we only let her change #1 diapers...so mom handles the rest)
 The love you two have for one another is incredible! I love how Peter runs up to you Laney all day, and just has to be by you. 

I am feeling so much gratitude for the growth that I have had as your mother during these last 20 months. All of those challenging days/weeks are starting to melt away, and I can't help but be so so grateful for your closeness in age. I have a feeling that you two will always have a special bond, and one that I hope you hold dear all of your life. 

Thanks for letting me write these cheesy letter.
Love, Mom