To Chris

So I always post about our children, but I wanted to post about Chris today.

We're so wrapped up in raising and caring for two little humans, work, keeping up with household lists, planning and attending events, making our weekends count as a family, taking care of Jackson (yes, he always seems to come further down on the list but we love his just as much as we used to)... and the truth is, every day I'm so grateful I'm taking it all on with him. As much as we are good about telling each other "I love you," I don't think I voice how I appreciate him enough: who he is, how hard he works, how much I respect him, why he's my favorite person, that he prioritizes family, what it means to me that we're able to team up with me at home and him tackling such a big job to make it happen, that he gets me and respects who I am, that he values what I do for our family so much... I think it's important to take a step back and remember us as a couple beyond being parents. Chris, you still make me laugh and feel loved and special every day. Let's keep that up :)

I guess this post goes down as a sappy love letter, but I want to find it among posts someday as I look back at the blog or the books I've made from it. During these years full of so much joy, exhaustion, and busy days and nights with young kids, I want to remember how Chris and I really were a team. Even though date nights are sparse and "us time" is hard to come by when kids are finally in bed and work is left to be done before the next day, I am so grateful for our life together. I remember why we're best friends and partners, and I want to focus that more than I do. Because I believe that loving your spouse is one of the best things you can do for your family. Plus I can't help loving him.

Everett is One!

Our baby is one. Our baby is ONE! I can't believe it... I also can't help myself but post about his first birthday before going back and doing catch-up. This happy, easy going, observant, curious, brow-furrowing, used-to-be-snuggly-until-he-recently-got-squirmy, smiley baby has brought so much happiness to our lives. Though it's only been a year, I can't imagine life without him. It's funny how that works.

12 Month Stats:
Height: 30 in (54th percentile)
Weight: 20 lbs 2 oz (30th percentile)
Head Circumference: 47.5 cm (86th percentile)

Tricks

-Says Mama, Dada, Ella, more (and signs it), and uh-oh

-Cruising around, walking holding onto furniture and fingers

-Climbing on everything

-Mimicking... (especially moving his head up and down and side to side when others do)

-Pointing

-Clapping on cue

-Waving

Likes

-Ella, as well anything Ella is playing with or using

-Banging things together-- the louder the better

-Head banging to music, and bouncing along when he's standing

-The play kitchen (lots of banging possibilities)

-Peek-a-boo (a.k.a. "Where's Everett?... There he is!)

-The dog bowls, fridge, on top of Ella's bed, the bathroom, our shower, and other places he generally shouldn't be

-On a similar note, escaping out the front door whenever possible

-Putting everything in his mouth

-Baby Swim Class-- loves going under water and splashing

-Little Hands!

-Jackson

Dislikes

-Diaper changes

-Sitting still for very long

-Being locked out of the kitchen by baby gates

This sweet boy has our hearts. Bonus: he's hilarious ;)

Unfortunately, Everett caught some sort of stomach bug the week of his birthday, causing him to be sick on the actual day. Thank goodness he recovered in time to party with lots of friends and family at Burton Park, where we hosted Ella's first birthday bash two years ago. We celebrated him with pizza, salads, cake, and drinks. It was super relaxed at picnic tables and on blankets, and kids ran around like crazy. Everett is a lucky little boy to have so many wonderful people in his life. I soaked up how blessed we are as a family that day. So happy, so fun!

We also had some special time with Marie/Nana, as she came up for the long weekend to be with us and participate in Everett's birthday. Besides being an amazing help after a long few days/nights with a sick baby and restless big sister, we had quality time at home together and a fun Sunday taking the train to Burlingame to walk around and enjoy a delicious lunch outside.

Eggless Smashing Cake :)

He got the hang of it. Haha!

"Girls, show us your powers!"

Ella Turns 3 in Disneyland

Ella Turned Three in Disneyland!

Blogging has been on my mind.... for months. I'm excited to share our most recent trip to Disneyland for Ella's 3rd birthday, as well as Ella, Josh, and Everett's first time to the park. Next I'm planning to go back to add posts from recent months to "catch up." Please stay tuned!

Our Goofy Group

Three kids three-years-old and under, four parents, two grandparents, and two great-grandparents visiting Disneyland together made for such a memorable and special trip. As a girl who went to Disneyland every other year growing up, I can't tell you how special it was to see my parents, grandparents, and sister and brother-in-law enjoy watching my own children there. Cousin time was loved by all three (as always), and soaking up the magic of this young age, along with the joy my family shared in doing the same was amazing.

Papa Goofy and Goofy's Gal Walking Ella into Disneyland

Disneyland with Great Grandkids/parents-- priceless!

The best way to describe Ella for most of our time in the park is starstruck. She had wide eyes and didn't talk as much as she normally does (which is nonstop, haha). She loved meeting the characters, and a highlight was the Character Breakfast we went to as a birthday meal when we first arrived. She proudly wore her birthday button that prompted staff and characters to wish her a happy birthday. When you ask her about her favorite thing in Disneyland, she often says the fireworks and parade. My mom and I couldn't keep our eyes off of her during the fireworks show as she watched from Chris's shoulders, since her complete fascination showed how magical it was to her. We loved seeing it through the eyes of a child.

She loved riding the carousel, Dumbo ride, Autopia cars, Jungle Boat ride, Arielle ride in California Adventure (although she said she was a "teeny bit scared"), and her favorite "It's a Small World" ride. We went on that twice, and she got the picture book based on the lyrics to the song as a souvenir. Another highlight was Ella dancing with Mary Poppins and Bert during one of their performances in front of the castle. Celebrities in her eyes (Mary Poppins and its soundtrack are her favorites so much that she's going to be Mary for Halloween), she didn't follow the moves much, since she was fixated on them the whole time! It was adorable.

Step in Time!

Meanwhile, Everett was an absolute trooper. He hung out in the stroller, snoozing and snacking along the way, and he managed to sleep through the parade and fireworks like a champ. He got through all of the meals out, as well as two long car trips. We knew taking him at this age would be a gamble, and thankfully we won. Everett enjoyed playing at Goofy's Playhouse, "It's a Small World" and the Ariel ride, too :)

We had fantastic service both in the parks, and in restaurants where we ate dinner in Downtown Disney. Both a low and a high was when Ella had her only meltdown at Tortilla Joe's during dinner, and our waiter served Chris his beer out on the balcony where we had taken her. Ella recovered from her fit, and so did Chris. Too funny!

"I don't want him to have Mickey ears. I want him to match me!"

"Hands up!"

Too good not to share. Haha!

Tim's arms were made for selfies.
And we love stroller swap passes.

Classic! Goofy, meet Goofy.

Disneyland and my grandparents are celebrating 60 years this year! 

Can't believe our little girl is 3...
We love you, Ella!

September Birthdays!

Ella's Pinata Cake!