Two Today

Dear Hyrum,

Today you are two years old! You've grown up so fast! We had a very tiny birthday party on Saturday with some family and cupcakes. Today you opened your little gift from us though. It was a tiny man with magnetic clothes so that you could dress him up as a fire fighter, super hero, police officer and a few other things. The first thing you did was pull out two of the man's boots (which are oddly shaped like hockey sticks) and shoot and pretend puck around the living room. I have no idea where your obsession with hockey came from but it sure is interesting to see what you turn into a hockey stick these days. The other day it was your cracker and you and your sister had a shoot out at the lunch table.

You love to run and skip around the house and have recently fallen in love with jumping. Each time you wash your hands on your stool in the bathroom you ask me to hold you hand so you can jump super high and land on your feet with a giggle. The way you move your little body right now is priceless and I love watching you swing your arms and shake your hips while you dance along side your sister in the living room.

It has been such a joy to have you in our family. I love your sweet little voice, your obedient nature and your love for reading. I adore the way you said "I lub you!" a bunch of times before bed tonight. I love smooching you before bed as you excitedly cling onto your Daddy's back for a piggyback ride up to bed. Thank-you for making me smile each and every day. We sure love you!

Cupcakes for Dinner

Today we held a super low key birthday party for Hyrum.

He turns two on Monday.

The weather started out lovely in the morning and turned to rain by the afternoon.

The children spent the morning outside.

Hyrum asked if he could bring his cowboy out with him, which meant his hat.

They played soccer for quite a while.

 I joined them outside just in time to witness a sweet moment  between Daddy and his boy.

Hyrum had blown a shoe while kicking the ball and Daddy came to his rescue.

 Gramma, Grampa and Uncle Chris came in the afternoon to celebrate with us.

We had a little BBQ and ran out of propane just as the smokies were ready.

Phew.

After we had filled up, we busted out the cupcakes.

I tried to make them into the shape of a hockey stick with a puck, but I'll spare you the pictures.

I'm not very creative without my artsy fartsy sister.

They were still delicious though and I caught the kiddos sneaking more 

and hiding under the table to eat them around dinner time.

After all the hustle and bustle Hyrum ended up crashing on Gramma's shoulder for the evening.

I brought him up to bed shortly after 6:00PM, took off his jeans and changed his bum.

He slept through it all.

I still can't believe this boy is going to be TWO!

Thrill Seekers

Tonight Mr. Stannix and I went on a date to Galaxy Land! A super awesome friend offered to watch our kiddos for us, and did a great job! I have never left Joe that long with anyone, but he took his bottle fine and was sleeping when we got home. I didn't hear a peep from him until well after three in the morning which hasn't happened in quite a while. She's a baby whisperer I tell ya! It was super nice to have an evening out. Neither Mr. Stannix or I are big thrill seekers anymore. I used to LOVE amusement parks, but I have to admit if I didn't have my dear husband there to make us go on rides, I probably would have stuck to the bumper cars and kiddie rides.

This was my first time EVER doing bumper cars.

Everytime after we got started on a ride we asked, "Why did we do this!?" It was still fun, but my stomach isn't quite as strong as it used to be!

Mr. Stannix talked me into going on the swings. 

Our very last ride of the night was The Mind Bender. I am shocked we even went to be honest! How could you not go on the WORLDS LARGEST INDOOR TRIPLE LOOP ROLLER COASTER at least once in your life time. The lineup went quick and before we knew it we were strapped in wondering what the heck we were thinking! I survived it though, even if my arms were too short to comfortably grab onto the bar in front of me. I closed my eyes for a lot of it. I've never seen the look of fear in Mr. Stannix's eyes until tonight. It takes automatic pictures while you're riding, and ours was pretty funny. When the ride finally came to a halt I was sure I might puke, and as I looked over the edge of the roller coaster car I saw some nice dried stuff from a previous rider and knew at least I wasn't alone. After a walk through the mall and an ice cream cone from Marble Slab, I felt much better. We came home to a quiet house and sleeping kiddos. Thanks so much to a super awesome lady for watching our babes for us!



Growing Older

Today we ventured out to the library for some new books. It turned out our favorite program was running and we had friends there, so we stuck around a little longer. Hyrum is growing up and actually joined in on the songs for the most part. He was very quiet and shy for a little bit and held my hand while he did the actions. He is totally a boy and eventually lost interest and went to climb the small ledge by the window and explore the room. It's hard to believe he will be two on Monday.

His new favorite phrase is "Okay, Mom." Anytime I remind him to sit on the couch, or ask him to make his bed or do a little chore he says, "Okay....Mom" in his deep little voice. He can be so obedient sometimes and those words are music to my ears.

After lunch he picked the old lense-less 3D glasses out of the toy box. He loves to put them on and take them off. Today he thought it was super funny to put them on his belly. I almost giggled every time he said the word belly. "Put glasses on beh-yee, Mom". Whenever he says Mom it melts my heart. I couldn't have asked for a better job title. Anyways, he took the glasses up with him at nap time and ended up looking super cute after he fell asleep.

Last week he had a cold and would often come up to me and say, "I have booger Mom. Would you pick booger? Mom?" Part of the joy of motherhood I guess. He is getting a little old for me to pick his nose, so I did the next best thing. I taught him how to pick his own. Just kidding. But with some Kleenex and a little encouragement I am hearing that question less and less.

The Simple Life

We have officially started looking for our very first home as of a week ago. Mr. Stannix has worked so hard to get us to this point and I am very grateful to him. It's been exciting, busy, stressful, fun and crazy all at the same time. One of the upsides that I am enjoying is spending a little bit of extra time with Mr. Stannix. Throughout the day my inbox piles up with emails from him with new listings or flirty phrases. The other day we even went on a lunch date with him between showings. We both fell in love with a home in a great location and neighbourhood which we love and actually jumped and put an offer in on it. The home was on the market for maybe a day and already had an offer above list price moments before we put ours in. There were a few more homes in that neighbourhood we were going to look at, but they had already gotten offers as well. Mr. Stannix and I decided this home buying business feels a bit like kill or be killed, and since we were killed we are kind of gun shy now.

We spend our evenings together searching MLS listings and weighing out different options. Do we buy in an old, well established neighbourhood and spend a little more? Do we want newer interiors? Do we prefer a modern look? How long will the commute be? Is it worth it? What kind of lifestyle are we wanting? How long are we planning to stay here? Do we get something cheaper so we can sock away money for something we like down the road? And ultimately, will we be happy there? After a week of looking, I am already wanting to take a break. Mr. Stannix makes sure I love the kitchen and the yard and has been very understanding and loving. I just want to make sure he doesn't have a crazy commute to work so that we can spend more time with him. I couldn't have asked for a better, more loving or more understanding husband. I sure am lucky.

Camilla's little ears pop in and out of our conversations and this morning she said, "How 'bout we just move to a new house and if that house doesn't have teddies, then we just come back to this one."  She said it so matter-of-factly I had to giggle. If only life were that simple sometimes. Speaking of the simple life, tonight we bathed all three littles at once. I tried convincing Camilla to have her bath after the boys finished theirs, but she jumped on in anyways.

Mr. stannix and I had a long talk tonight and decided in the end it really doesnt matter how emaculate the home is but rather the feeling that is there when you enter the front doors. If we can find a modest home in a favorite neighborhood for a decent price, I think it will be worth the wait. Until then, we are thoroughly enjoying the simple life in our quaint two bedroom home. The children are happy and I couldn't ask for more!

Morning Smoothie

There are days when I wish my children would stop growing so fast. Joseph has been growing and changing every day it seems. Lately he has shown a big interest in food. While we eat our meals he sits in his high chair and fusses while he chomps and smacks his lips. Today I made the kids and I a smoothie for our morning snack. Trying to drink mine with Joseph propped on my hip was no easy task. He went nuts over it and grabbed at the glass with his chubby fingers as he pulled it to his little mouth. He got so grumpy when he couldn't have any. I love seeing that personality of his come out. He's one determined little dude. He has become quite the wiggler lately and is constantly reaching and grabbing for things that he wants. Every time I try to place him in his high chair or car seat he buckles his knees and makes it difficult. He loves to feel his feet beneath him. When he's on his tummy now he will turn his little body side to side and reach for toys. As excited as I am, I would be okay if he just slowed down already!

It Was a Monday

I took this picture a while ago, but I think it perfectly describes today.

It was definitely a Monday.

Sleepy Boy

While the children and I baked cookies this afternoon I noticed Joseph dozing off out of the corner of my eye. His head was nodding and he fought to keep his eyes open as long as he could. Just as I slipped the third pan into the oven his eyes closed and his head dropped. The poor little guy was so tired he fell asleep amidst the excitement of fresh cookies and noisy siblings. I guess house hunting can do that to ya. Shortly after I snapped a picture I reclined his high chair and snuggled him in a blanket. Sleep on little one, sleep on.

Five Months

Dear Joseph,

Today you are five months old. Time seems to be going by way too fast lately. I feel like you should still be a newborn! You have grown into such a happy baby and bring so much joy into our little family.

You have recently discovered your feet and love when I leave your toes out so that you can play with them. I love seeing the dimples on your elbows and knees as you play. Those chubby thighs of yours are so hard to resist and whenever I gently squeeze them you break into giggles. I could munch your soft baby cheeks all day and adore your open mouthed kisses!

You have become so interactive over the last few weeks and love to reach out and grab things. The other day as I drank a glass of water with you in my arms you squirmed and reached trying to get a taste. You are super interested in food and enjoy your tiny helpings of rice cereal each night. You are getting good at shaking your rattles and grasping your toys and everything goes to the mouth.

Whenever you are propped on my hip your chubby little fingers always seem to find my hair.  You often grab at the back and open and close your fingers slowly as you feel it between your fingers. While I perform my motherly duties with you propped on my hip you will often have a firm grasp on my shirt collar or hoodie strings making sure you are extra close to your mamma.

You love interacting with your Daddy. The other day he taught you how to growl and you've been doing it ever since. At dinner time your gaze often finds him and you flash him that awesome ear to ear grin of yours.

The other day as I was nursing you I couldn't help but gaze at your tiny little face. I noticed your hair is starting to come in and though it is light, you are turning into quite the little fuzz head.

Though you can roll, the desire still isn't there. You are okay to just lay and be entertained by your siblings. While you are on your stomach though you like to be on the go and your legs and arms are always moving and pushing.

I suspect a tooth is about to make an appearance because you are constantly munching your fingers.

The jolly jumper has become a recent favourite and I love watching the pure joy you get as you bend and push those chubby little legs of yours. You especially love when your siblings jump close by. I think it makes you feel big. Camilla can hardly leave you alone when you jump and loves the position you are in for awesome hugs and kisses and you willingly oblige throwing your arms around her neck as you try to suck on her hair. She will often try to hold your hands as you bounce until I gently remind her that you are safer jumping on your own.

You still don't sleep through the night, but some of my favorite moments with you are in the late evening as I nurse you in the quiet of the streetlight lit bedroom upstairs. There is no one else demanding my attention and technology is far out of reach. I get to sit in the big green chair with you cradled in my arms. As I listen to your sweet breaths I notice your chest gently rising and falling in the stillness of the room. Your chubby little hands open and close as your arms push and fight against the blanket. Soon your body realizes how tired it is and you snuggle into my arms and drift off to sleep. I should probably start sleep training you, but I so enjoy those bedtime snuggles.

Feeding Time

Today after everyone finished their dinner, this is what my kitchen looked like...

Oh that Camilla, how I love her!