Disney

Forgive me. I am horrible at updating this blog. It's sometimes in the back of my mind (usually not, though) and finding time to actually sit down and write is hard. I can't even keep up with uploading my pictures to shutterfly as backup. I only posted 6 times in 2014. 6 times. I'll try to be better (I know, I know...you've heard that before).

Beginning of January we went to Disney World in Florida!! This is quite possibly the first time I've returned from vacation not rejuvenated or relaxed. I (we) returned exhausted, pale (despite warmer, sunny days early in our week there), and needing a vacation after our vacation. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

We spent 8 days there and hit all the parks at least once, most of them twice. Stella got all four of her molars there (yeah, you can imagine how that went) and of course went through the entire week wanting no one except for me and wanting to be carried allllllllll week. We had rented a double stroller which Silas took advantage of but Stella went through the week in her carrier.

Our best memories, I think, were the ones unscripted and not planned. Silas got a hug from Mickey Mouse, the only child that did, one morning when we were there for Magic Kingdom to open for the day. Jake and I both teared up - who knows why - watching that special moment. Another favorite memory was when we ended up at the Osbourn Light Show at Universal Studios. Every inch of every building was light up and done to music. The music was loud, it "snowed" (even though it was a muggy 75 degrees) and our whole family had a dance party in the street for over an hour. Stella was a dancing queen on this trip and it was so fun watching her enjoy herself.

Silas was big enough to really enjoy some of the big rides like Soarin' and Test Track at Epcot (Epcot was his favorite!) and figured out quickly that if Stella could go on a ride, it must be for babies.  He was a trooper with the long days and only a few times fell asleep in the stroller late at night on our way home.

The weather started off hot at the beginning of the week, but by the end, we froze in pants, jackets and even bought a blanket to cover the kids. Silas got one good afternoon in the pool and loved it. It was fun getting to wear shorts when everyone back home endured a snow storm and below zero temps.  :)

End of summer post and Stella's first birthday

Oh man. I’ve done it again. So much time has passed since I’ve updated this thing. I keep thinking I need to update you all and yet I’m so caught up in the snuggles, the giggles, the poopy diapers, the discussions about poop, and trying to enjoy and soak in each moment that I’ve neglected to update the blog.

Silas is all boy all the time. I feel like I’ve finally gotten my boy back. There was quite a while after Stella was born where I felt like there was constant tension and frustration between us, probably because I was low on sleep and patience and he was pushing buttons and limits. He was Daddy’s boy and quite frankly, wanted nothing to do with me. My heart was broken. He and Jake were spending all their time together while I was with Stella all the time and finally around my birthday, something began to change. Maybe it was me, maybe it was him but I finally feel like our relationship is mended and I’m finally getting affection from him without having to ask.

He is an absolute joy to be around – his sense of humor is so Jake and instead of resenting their closeness, I’m embracing it. It’s healthy, I know this. Silas has really developed a heart for others and I could not be more proud of the compassion he shows.  We did a box for Operation Christmas Child and he was so excited to give his toys and buy things for children that didn’t have anything. He had a friend over recently too and Jake gave them the option of packing more boxes at our church for Operation Christmas Child or going to a play place.  Silas’ friend wanted to go play and after being silent for quite a while, Silas piped up in the backseat and said he’d rather go pack boxes for needy children…(heart melting!!!!) so that’s what they did. His manners are stellar and he is sometimes so helpful without even being asked. His love for Stella is unconditional and sometimes a little smothering. There is nothing sweeter than watching my two babies together while they play and giggle.

Miss Stella is all sass, attitude and drama. She is 14 months today and still (thankfully!) a Mama’s girl through and through. She is happiest in my arms but is quickly gaining independence. She took her first steps at 13 months but kept crawling because she could get around more quickly! She still will crawl when she wants to get somewhere quickly but each night we’re practicing her walking back and forth between us….except she doesn’t walk, she tries running. J  I am amazing at what she understands – she understands when I tell her to give kisses, lay down, walk and a few other things. She signs “more”, “eat” and “milk” regularly and reaches and makes the “milk” symbol at anything she wants – often me.  J She is such a delightful little girl but is not afraid to speak her mind and throws a pretty good tantrum when she isn’t getting her way. It’s hilarious, but Jake and I are a little worried about what the teenage years will bring. ;)

We’re anxiously anticipating the holidays in our house; Silas is excited for “Buddy” our Elf on the Shelf to arrive and he can’t wait to go sledding and celebrate Christmas. We’re going to Disney World in Florida the first of January and I can’t hardly stand it! I can’t wait to get away, be together, and see Silas’ face as he experiences Disney for the first time. I’ll keep you posted!

I’m going to end with a birthday note for Stella that I’m obviously late on….oops!!

My sweet Stella,

You have brought more joy to our little family in the past year than any of us could have ever imagined!! You are silly, sometimes so serious with strangers and so observant. You sense of humor has us in stitches every day. You are full of life and easily the most beautiful baby girl I’ve ever seen. I love buying you girlie clothes and dressing you in the latest trends. You have developed quite the chubb and squeezing your dimply thighs and butt into jeggings have proven to be difficult at times, but you are simply adorable.

I pray that Daddy and I will help you develop your strengths use them to honor Jesus. I pray for your future husband…that he will love you and love Jesus and be able to keep you under control!  

Summer time!

I realize once again I'm so behind in blogging. Life is moving too fast, the kids are growing too fast and there isn't enough time in each day. There's a saying that goes something like, "the days are slow but the years are fast" and boy, is that true!! The daily grind can be overwhelming but when I stop and look at how quickly the weeks are flying by, I want time to slow down.

Let me start with my big boy. Silas is 4, going on 14 and has as much sass and attitude as a teenager. He is strong-willed and self-assured and we butt heads OFTEN. I know, I know...Mom and Dad say he is just as I was as a child and I'm getting payback. It's probably true. He makes me crazy a lot of the time but I love him more than I can ever imagine loving a little boy. He is so smart and observant, so full of life and energy and always down for a good time. The boy loves to play. He cannot wait to be 4 1/2 because he thinks then he can stop napping and has a memory like no one I've ever met. He remember places, activities we've done and things that boggle my mind. And he LOVES his sister. He'll ask his little buddy, Gabe, if Gabe wants to see Stella. Gabe will innocently enough reply "no" and Silas will say, "Why not!?"  He thinks everyone should love Stella as much as we all do (and I happen to think he's right) and would do anything for her...even share his beloved blankie.

Miss Stella is now 8 months old (seriously!?!) and absolutely the sweetest little bundle of joy. She has brought us so much happiness. Stella says "mama", "dada" and waves while saying "bye bye". She has two little bottom teeth and loves to try new foods. She grabs at anything I'm eating and loves popsicles and ice cream. She scoots in circles when sitting up and rolls all around the floor. I feel like she was just on the verge of crawling but last Friday had an accident. I had her on the changing table when Silas knocked over a lamp. I turned to help him and she rolled right off the changing table, breaking her left collar bone. Poor girl...she's handled it like a champ, but I don't see her putting enough weight on it to crawl any time soon. We see an orthopedist on Tuesday.

I braved taking two little ones to the pool yesterday, Stella's first trip, and we all had a great time. Silas is still my little fish and loves being in the water. Stella didn't seem to mind the water at all and had a great time playing with Silas' pool toys and chewing on them.

8 months on Memorial Day

That's all for now. I'll try to post again soon, but I refuse to do this while the kids are awake and needing me. Pictures might be posted a little late, but better late than never, right? 

A 4-year-old and a 6-month-old

Such an exciting time in our house! Silas officially turned 4 last Monday and he couldn't be any more excited to be 4. We had a great time celebrating at the bowling alley for his party where he and his friends (and grandparents!) bowled, ate cake - a Curious George riding a train cake, to be exact - and opened presents. He had a blast! On his actual birthday, I took Silas out for a special date day where we went to Smokey Row for lunch (his choice!) and then we did some shopping just the two of us. It was so fun to spend some one-on-one time with him.

Bowling with his buddies

Go Superman!

Stella's first time trying cake

Superman & his leading lady, Aubrie

The party was exhausting

Our big boy started soccer today and was so excited to play that he came into our room at 6:50am dressed in his soccer gear ready to go.  :)  You gotta love that!

I wish I could capture Silas' growth this past year. His comprehension of life around him, his ability to observe the littlest details and his educational growth completely blow my mind. Jake and I are always saying how impressed we are with him. He is so funny and when he wants to, can be so obedient. I love seeing him use his manners and he is just as social as Jake is. I am so very thankful for his love for his little sister. He adores her and she adores him. All he has to do is talk to Stella and she smiles and squeals at him. I've never seen him act jealous of Stella and instead wants her to be included in everything.

And so now for my annual birthday letter to my boy:

Dear Silas,

What a year this has been! Age 3 was so challenging for us - you are strong willed, very sure of yourself and your abilities (and you frequently tell me "I am right, you are wrong"...about everything), so gentle with your sister, and very determined when you set your mind to something. I love your confidence and self-assurance. My hope and prayer is that your Daddy and I can help you use your God-given strengths to become a wonderful man, full of convictions, full of love for Christ, and help you grow into those strengths. I love the way you see things as right and wrong, black and white (just like Papa and me) and stick to your beliefs when you think something is wrong. What we need to work on now is admitting when you are wrong. :)  We'll get there, buddy.

I look back, even at the little boy you were 6 months ago when Stella was born and I'm amazed and how much you've grown in that time. This week I've been remembering when you used to pronounce your name as "Lyla" and it brings tears to my eyes.

You are full of energy and curiosity....more than I ever thought possible. You love Curious George and I think that's so cute, because that's exactly how I see you - Curious Silas. You ask such intuitive questions because you are genuinely searching for the right answer. When I tell you "I don't know, buddy", your response is, "I'll ask Daddy, Daddy knows about everything...me and Daddy know about things."  I've caught on to your Daddy, Silas - if he doesn't know the answer, he makes it up because you are relentless in your search for answers. And I love that.

Silas, when you pray, I want you to know that God hears you. When Great Grandpa Darner was in the hospital recently, I told you about it and that night, without me prompting, you said, "and I pray for Great Grandpa's heart that it would be better" and you continued praying for him and his heart...and sure enough, Great Grandpa got better. When there were some issues with a little boy at daycare being mean to kids, we prayed for him at night and the situation got better. Listening to you pray for others and thank Jesus each night melts my heart. You are increasingly curious about Jesus - don't even lose that curiosity, buddy! Keep searching for answers about Jesus.

I love you more than you will ever know and more than I can ever express to you.
Love, Mommy




::Sigh::  Can I take a moment to recover from writing about my now 4-year-old? My heart can't hardly take it! :)


Sweet Stella is now 6 months old. What a FUN age!! She is so interactive and developed such a sweet personality. Just last night she started playing a game with us - she'd sway back and forth in my arms and then I'd do it. She'd smile at me and do it again. Then I'd dip her back and back up, making her smile and then she'd lay back, making me tip her back again. Such a silly girl. As I said before, Stella absolutely ADORES Silas. She thinks he is the most entertaining one in the family and smiles every time she sees him. One of my favorite quotes by Silas about Stella recently: "She's squishy like a marshmallow!"  Yes, she is, buddy.

She is currently 17 pounds, 5 ounces (69th percentile) and 26.25" (59th percentile). She has been waking up usually twice a night to eat (yes, that's a regression and I'm trying so hard to get her to once/night) so she's really gained some weight the past month and half with two extra feedings. I've delayed feeding her cereal, however this past week we've given it to her a few times. She does fine with it, I'm just not wanting my supply to drop.

Miss Stella brings so much joy to our family and absolutely completes our family. Not to say that I'm done having (or at least wanting) more children, but I could be satisfied with our family of four (until baby fever hits again in a couple years). Stella is just a joy and having a baby on my hip makes me so happy. She is never happier than when she's in my arms and loves to snuggle with Mommy.

Stella's current accomplishments:
*Rolling from back to tummy with ease...and usually enjoying it!
*Sits up with some assistance
*Is so proud when she stands with help and loves to be praised for it
*Blows lots of spit bubbles
*Is very vocal sometimes and has a wonderful range
*Keeps her eyes on Mommy at all times when Mommy is in the room - no matter who is holding her
*EVERYTHING goes in the mouth
*Currently wearing 6 month and a few 9 month clothes

I am feeling tremendously blessed...as in, I get teary-eyed when I think about it. Life is so, so sweet and having these two little blessings and an amazing husband has brought me so much joy.