Change

I'm not one to wax all sentimental usually, but a lot has been happening here, reminding me of how the days are passing by and my babies are becoming boys.

Yesterday I packed up Kiki's 18-24m clothes along with RJC's 3-6 months. It was overdue but it was hard to part with some of our favorite items, especially the Baby's knowing it'll probably be

a long while before another baby wears it (or maybe never if we have all girls from here on out). On the bright side we got to open up the 6-12 month box and take in the baby Kiki smell. Love it. Also, all of K's 2T clothes are brand. spanking. new! (There's nothing like pulling off a tag from clothes for weeks at a time. {I know, I have an addiction.})

with his 2nd cousin, two weeks older, and his great-aunt

(she's super old)

Well, I've put the clothes in the drawers, and accepted this fact: Ryker is almost 6 months, sitting up, smiling, jabbering, and becoming our snuggle-bug, less newborn and more baby day by day. Kiki is kicking the diaper habit, and hooked to the adrenaline rush from our incessant proud praises. (warning, upcoming "mom moment") He talks non-stop, making us laugh with the phrases he comes up with. He is spunky and super cute.

Some days I think I have the best job in the whole world.

Yultide Musings

We traveled far and wide seeking the best Christmas ever... Until we reached Grandma Pat's house, nestled in the ever-festive desert mountains of Phoenix.

We ate ourselves sick on rich foods in festive locales

We reacquainted ourselves with long-lost relatives

..and introduced older generations to the newer ones

all the while making off with some seriously awesome free swag in our likewise awesome seasonal get-ups

When we entered the gates of our apartment complex, Nicholas cried and said, "No go home! Go back to Grandma Pat's house!"

I feel the same way, Nicholas.

Terribly Excited for the Two's!

almost 1 month

1st birthday

2nd birthday

Our little Nicholas is not so little anymore... He is 2 years old!

We were told the time would pass by quickly, but I had no idea it would be this fast. Its amazing to think how much he has grown and learned in his first two years, and we couldn't love our demanding, bossy, busy little guy any more! I love how he nicknamed himself, bites his nails, and begs me for trips to Target. He is friendly to new people, and loves to go to nursery at church. He keeps us laughing with all of his huge personality and funny (unintentional) phrases;

."Oh no, Kiki!",

."Touchdown!"

."Kiki's turn"

."busy, busy, busy!"

.putting himself in timeout

.talking to his toys and introducing himself

."buy it!" (when he sees something he likes at the store)

."give!" (when I wont give him a toy, he talks to me like I'm a dog)

."No, no like it!"

."call me!"

.the entire song of Jingle Bells

{In church last week in AZ the primary children got up to sing a few Christmas songs. He was very excited because just the week before in LA our primary kids had sung his favorite song, Jingle Bells. Well, the kids here sang two songs (Away in a Manger, Stars Were Gleaming), then went to sit down. Nicholas got very upset and yelled with full vigor, "JINGLE BELLS! SING JINGLE BELLS!!"}

He loves grapes, Thomas the Train, reading "Where the Wild Things Are" before bedtime, wearing his Nike shoes, and calling people on the phone. He remembers all his friends' names, and talks about them often. He is good at sharing, but likes to sit on his brother's belly and say "Ride 'em, cowboy!"

We love our boy, and we can't imagine how boring our lives would be without him!!

Our Happy Place

Three guesses as to where we went yesterday...