one.

And just like that Pippa turns one today! 

The second time around, it really was "just like that." It went by with less worries, stress, and need for control. It was still busy and demanding, yet so SO beautiful.

 

Philippa, you have impacted me as a mother so much in one short year. I did not know the capacity of my love or the desire I had for a daughter. Your big blue eyes take in the world around you and your face gives away what you think about it. You're quiet, yet are not afraid to let us know what you want. You outeat all of us and I enjoy watching you enjoy each flavor. I love to watch your love, receive your wet kisses, and participate in your contagious giggles. You think you can do much more than you are capable of. You try to do everything the big kids do without fear or hesitation. Although this often becomes a frustration for both of us, I pray that you continue to have that motivation and desire for it will turn into ambition and I know God will use you in big ways for His purposes, little one.

nine.ten.eleven

Our baby girl is growing. Trying to remind myself to enjoy each stage of life. I will always have something to look forward to with the next phase and next set of milestones, but I will also always have something I miss from the previous stage. Live in the moment, mama!

And just because it's good to remember the frustrating moments, too...

Elliott's Element

This kid has a love for the outdoors. His face always lights up when he smiles, but there is a different kind of happy smile that comes across his baby cheeks when he is in his element. And I love to witness it.

Elliott, I wish I could give you mountains, trees, snow, beaches, and deserts to explore each and every day. I love to watch your excitement as you discover the outdoors around you. You are becoming a good little hiker! I hope that your love of the outdoors only grows as you grow older. Stay outside. Stay active. Keep learning. Creation is a magnificent thing to enjoy. Drink it in, little one.

Spring Updates

She turned 7, 8, and then 9 months. Only, I'm a slacker mom for her 9 month pictures. She's a crawler, quite the eater, and has become even more beautiful. One of her brother's favorite phrases is "Pippa, don't do that!" I'm not so sure he likes having a crawling sister.

 

In other news we went to Albuquerque with Zack to tag along on one of his trainings. Took the kids to our favorite restaurants, the zoo, and hiking.

We also tagged along when Zack went down to Alabama for a course. We stayed with Jer, Abby, and the kids and had lots of quality cousin play time and family visits! It was the greatest trip all around.

The kids and I came home in time to celebrate Easter in Las Vegas. Elliott had fun hunting Easter eggs and more fun eating jellybeans. Pippa wore my first Easter dress that my mom made!

We also took a trip to San Diego and enjoyed the USS Midway museum, the beach, and the zoo!

In between all these travels we have had visitors, a father-son camping trip, soccer classes for Elliott, lots of play dates at the park, a date night to see a show on the strip, a relaxing Mother's Day, and a whole lot of fun! Zack has been gone for work for the majority of the last few months, so we try to spend a lot of quality friend-time while he's away and a lot of quality family-time while he's here. Spring has flown by!

Halfway to One!

How did she turn 6 months on me? She is getting to be such a big girl. We just started solids and she loves them. She's a great eater and a clean one, too.

She likes to smack her lips, blow bubbles, sit up, and chew on everything. She plays very well by herself but definitely enjoys watching Elliott play the most. Now she sits up in a highchair, stroller, and shopping cart all on her own which is making running errands easier.

In other news...we are going on 3 weeks with a completely potty trained (day and night!) 2 year old. Hurray! Elliott caught on very quickly. Although during those first couple days it didn't seem very quick. At one point we were so exhausted we looked at Pippa and told her we refuse to potty train her until she can ask us to do so in a complete sentence. Luckily for her we realized that life outside of diapers is pretty easy (and cheaper!) so I think we'll be training her sooner than that. No one told me how much work potty training is...thanks a lot, people! 

We also just fought off quite the evil illness. So my kids are just getting back to a normal schedule and activities outside the home. It's nice to not be under house arrest and to enjoy my kids' healthy, playful, energetic bodies.

 We were able to dedicate both kids at church this past Sunday. It meant a lot to dedicate them to a godly upbringing alongside our local church family. Because it will surely take more than just us to do so!

Five Months!

At five months Pippa has officially discovered her feet are her favorite, can sit up, and is still incredibly adorable. See?

Right before Pippa turned 5 months, Grandpa and Uncle Bugs came to visit. We had a fun weekend with good food, good drinks, fun walks, catching up and play time. We had a blast. A big thank you to those of you who pitched in for the Best Christmas Present Ever! It was a good present for us, too!