thanksgiving 2014

Posted on December 9, 2014 by tara

We spent Thanksgiving weekend with my side of the family this year. It was the first time in a while that we didn’t run back and forth between both families’ homes, and while we definitely missed having more time with Michael’s family, it was nice to stay in one place. These goobers weren’t really interested in having their pictures taken… … but at least they humored me for a decent mommy-daughters photo.
This was the biggest dinner I think my parents have ever hosted. The picture doesn’t even show how long it really was, but there are two tables combined under those tablecloths!
My dad always always always carves the turkey.
Karl brought his girlfriend, Kaitlyn, who put up with all our shenanigans (and Karl’s loudness!) for the duration of the weekend.
Kaya only wanted to eat her utensils. I don’t think she even took a bite of her Thanksgiving dinner. She ended up having a yogurt, and if you know her very well, you’re probably laughing, because that’s what she eats every single day. Why have turkey when you can have the usual?
Kaelyn just enjoyed her toys.
My mom was the only person that could really hold her (and at times, even look at her), without making her upset. I think she was just sleep-deprived and a little unsure of all the chaos. I felt a little disappointed that my family didn’t even get to enjoy Kaelyn as the happy baby she always is!Kaya didn’t have any good naps, so she was a bit tired too.On Friday, we headed up to the temple with Michael’s family. It was the first time we’ve gone in over a year. It felt so amazing to just be there with my best friend and feel the quiet and peace the temple offers.
We had such a great weekend surrounded by our family.

a blessing, not a burden

Posted on December 5, 2014 by tara

I’ve spent most of this week sick (for the second time within the past two weeks), which is normally a rare occurrence for me. I’m finally starting to feel like my normal self again (just in time for some Christmas festivities this weekend)!

Honestly though… It’s not easy being mom and feeling awful all at the same time. Your body just begs you to sleep and rest, but you’ve got mouths to feed, bums to wipe, and two-year-old mood swings to handle.

It’d be so easy to see all this as a burden (especially when you don’t get that nap you so desperately need)…

… but I’d count having my babies with me on a sick day as a blessing.

How couldn’t I feel a little better at the sight of their smiles? Having Kaya play kitchen with me was also a pretty good distraction, and I had the best little snuggle buddy in the world to keep me company.

I’d spend any day with them. I’m so grateful for my little sidekicks and honestly wish they didn’t have to grow up and leave home.

(Let it also be noted: Michael is equally amazing. He finished my laundry, let me go to bed early, and even did my grocery shopping!)

I am one lucky gal.

kaelyn: 5 months

Posted on December 2, 2014 by tara

Height: 26 inches
Weight: 13 pounds 14.4 ounces
Clothing size: Both 0-3 month and 3-6 month onesies, but all 3-6 month pants.We’re mostly in 3-6 month jammies, too. Eyecolor: Blue-gray.
Nursing: Every 2.5 hours!
Favorite things: Snuggling, warm baths, being tickled, watching Kaya, and when we fly her over our heads like an airplane! Her favorite toys are her laughing butterfly rattle and Valentine’s beanie baby puppy.Dislikes: Getting buckled into the car seat!
Sleep: Still not great. Bedtime is between 7 and 7:30 pm, and then she’s usually up around 11:30 pm, 3 am, and 5 or 6 am. Naps don’t happen unless I’m holding her or she’s so tired that she just passes out.

She’s still sleeping in our room, but I’m planning to transition her to the crib before this month is over. It might be crazy with two girls in one room, but I’m ready to just make the change.
Nicknames: Baba, Peanut, and FuzzHead!
Milestones, etc.: -She is SO great at grabbing what she wants and holding on to it. It’s really hard to take anything out of her little iron fist!
-She doesn’t just babble, she yells and shrieks with happiness! She actually has a very shrill little voice.
-She can sit up pretty well if she has the boppy pillow behind her. I’ve tried to get her to sit on her own, but it doesn’t last for more than half a second!
-I’ve been working on getting her to “stand” (assisted, obviously) on her legs for forever, and now, she finally does it! For a long time, she’d just avoid putting any weight on her legs at all, so I’m glad we’re making some progress.
-She still hasn’t rolled over yet… and to be honest, it’s probably my fault- she doesn’t get nearly as much floor time as Kaya did at this age. We’re so much more on the go these days, and when we’re home, I’m either holding her or she’s in her little seat next to me while I’m getting something done.

Dear Kaelyn,

Do you have to grow so fast? I just want to keep you tiny and snuggly. You really still seem so little to me, but I honestly can’t believe you’ve been here with us for 5 whole months.

You are the perfect blend of sweet…

…and crazy! You just emanate joy and contentment, and everyone notices. It’s definitely my favorite thing about you!

I’m so proud of how big and strong you’re becoming. You started out so tiny, but no one could ever tell by looking at you now.

I love you Kaelyn Grace. Thank you for choosing our family!

Love, Mommy

first snow

Posted on December 1, 2014 by tara

There’s something extra special about the first snow of the season.

The air is quiet, and the world is still. Every creature watches the earth become transformed by soft, white powder. The tranquility is accompanied by the eager anticipation of building snowmen, sledding, and knowing that Christmas is fast approaching.I love seeing her amazement at every small wonder of life.

Michael and Tara

It's Us!

Monthly Archives: December 2014

thanksgiving 2014

a blessing, not a burden

kaelyn: 5 months

first snow