Cozy nights

With Abi being almost 4 months old, I find myself again thinking...where have the past 4 months gone?  We have spent a lot of time at home - somewhat hibernating through the winter/bootcamp, newborn months.  I can't complain though as one of Kyle's and my favorite things to do on a weekend night is to get in our cozy clothes and just hang out.  I was laughing as there is little documentation that I actually exist per our blog as I never am sitting still (unless breastfeeding) these days to get a picture taken.  So...here's proof that I do exist and love my cozy time with the kids.

"Big Abi" comes to visit

My dear friend Abi was in town for the weekend and came over to meet "baby Abi."  When Abi came to the door, Andy explained to her that she was "big Abi" as that is how it was easy to differentiate between the two Abi's in our house.  Abi is anything but big, but that is now how she is referred to in our household.  It was so great to catch up and spend some quality time together.  We love you "big Abi!"

Andy's Eyes

It's hard to believe it has been almost a year since Andy had surgery on his eyes.  We have been going back every 3 months to get his eyes checked - and we received another good report.  This time Andy had to get his eyes dilated again.  He was NOT a fan.  Once we left he was in good spirits and sporting his awesome new glasses.

Whidbey Weekend

We love our time on Whidbey in the summer, but there is something special about spending time up there in the winter.  It's quiet, cold, and an escape from the routine of home.  We headed up there for President's Day weekend and loved cozying in, playing games, watching movies...and making s'mores of course.  We also ventured outside to burn some energy, but it was FREEZING.  Abi and I only lasted a little bit, but Andy and Katie didn't even seem to notice.  Andy loves his "chopper" bike and Katie likes to scoot around on the scooter.  

At  4 1/2 Andy still prefers the baby swing.  And yes, he fits just fine.  Why not add the helmet for extra safety.  He can swing in the normal swing, but he would MUCH rather fly high in the baby swing.  Hmmm, better change that preference before Kindergarten : )

 Kates was rocking away on her whale

Poor Abi.  She looked how I felt.  It was TOO cold to be out.

So proud!

 S'mores

We headed out again the next morning and I actually got my camera out (rare these days, ugh).  All smiles from these two.

 Bad to the bone...

 

Abi and Betty

Abi and Betty Edmonds were born one week apart.  Anna and I were born about 2 months apart.  Anna and I have grown up together threw Elementary, Middle and High School.  We were Gamma Phis at the UW together and have remained close.  We feel pretty darn lucky that our little girls will get to grow up together being so close in age.  Hooray for little girls!

This picture was at the end of the night and Anna and I didn't think we were in the picture...but I had to document.

Valentines' Day

We had a day filled with heart shaped pancakes and heart shaped sandwiches.  Kyle cooked a yummy dinner and we had a fun family night.  It's such a cliche holiday, but I love the excuse to make good food and tell the people you care about that you love them.

Pinterest oh Pinterest

Pinterest has been my friend...or enemy this winter.  We have enjoyed a lot of new dinner recipes as a family, but also have enjoyed a lot of new desserts.  This doesn't help with the shedding of "baby" weight.  I mean, who wouldn't want to try salted caramel chocolate cookies.  They did not disappoint.  Even for my non-chocolate loving husband.

J-E-L-L-O

After taking pictures, we broke out the chocolate pudding.  Chocolate mixed with my kids never is a clean process and always brings out the sillies.

Valentines

Thanks to Pinterest, we planned for the kids' Valentines a little early.  I had Andy look at a couple of different options, and he chose the sucker/picture Valentine.  I took advantage of having my camera out and caught some brother/sister love.

Final Product:

The week before Valentines Day

Abigail at 3 months

Again, I have been shown how quickly and what a blur the first few months of a child's life are.  It is hard to believe that Abi is 3 months old.  I want to stop time and hold on to these little and big moments - not only with Abi but also with Andy and Katie.  It seems as though the more Abi grows, the older Andy and Katie appear.  I am feeling blessed for each of these precious little beings.  Each day is crazy, but I cherish the time I get to spend one on one, as a group, and as a family.  Some moments, I want to (and sometimes do) want to scream at the top of my lungs.  Other moments I love cuddling with all three in bed.  I also have realized the power and importance of some alone time and date nights in the midst of it all.

Andy has grown a ton these past few months.  His little humor is taking its own course and he loves just tagging along with Kyle or me.  I was organizing the kitchen and doing dishes and he was THRILLED to watch me and claimed himself as the "organizer helper."  He asked to help me organize the next day.  I may have created a monster!  

Katie seems so grown up these days.  She and Andy are buddies and play well together for at least a little while.  She also is good at letting us know her limits.  All of the sudden, she'll walk up to me and say, "I want mommy time."  It's as if she's had enough of me caring for Abi  and she just needs some love.  It melts my heart each time.  

Abi has gotten into a pretty good routine.  She has fallen off her weight curve, which means we have to get her weighed more frequently, but she seems to be at the minimum growth needed for her to be healthy.  Otherwise she's thriving, happy, and looks healthy.  As Katie always says, "she's tiny, tiny, tiny."  At 3 months, she's right at 9 pounds.  She is discovering her hands and puts them in her mouth a lot.  She also is discovering her toes.  She has a lot of little expressions, but mostly loves to give us big smiles.  Sometimes when we talk to her, she turns her head to the side as if she's embarrassed.  It's my favorite little expression of hers right now.  

Abi's schedule these days:  At about 8 pm, I feed her and have Abi time while Andy puts Katie and Andy to bed (super dad!).  I feed her again at around 10pm and put her down (still in our closet).  Abi wakes up usually around 8:30, so sometimes I have to get her up early.  I pump in the morning, feed Abi, and then we're off to the races with preschool and activities.  Then Abi usually sleeps in the car seat or if we're home in the vibrating chair.  Then Abi eats around 11:30, 2:30, 5:00 and then 8pm.  She enjoys her afternoon nap and loves the swing.  Keep it up baby girl!