And with a snap, the holiday season has passed!

Today we took down our Christmas tree. And it's so weird to think that a month ago I posted on here and Christmas seemed so far away. But that is the way life goes. And it made me think of all the things that I so hope to have changed by next year. Oh, to give my children a real home of their own! And to think of my two as being 5 and 2 years old! Crazy.

But, back to the now. The entire Christmas Season was really nice. Holland got totally into everything and is just at a very excitable age. Christmas morning was especially sweet. Holland woke up and the first thing she said was, "I need to go see if Santa left Talin a present, because he's a kid, too!" And for about 30 minutes she got totally thrilled with everything she saw. And then my sweet boy came toddling into the room in his Christmas pj's with a big surprised smile on his face. And he loved it all. And it was fun having my parents here so they could see their grandchildren on Christmas morning.

And now, in a flash, it's all over. And in a mere 5 days it will be a new year! And quite honestly, I wouldn't mind flash forwarding to it, or 'er the 4th... I think that both Holland and I are eagerly waiting the holiday break for preschool ending. I think that all of this idle time is making her (and me!) go crazy! I am not at all prepared to deal with a grumpy, demanding kid. I cherish the sweet "You're my best friend, mom" and "You're the best mom in the world" and "I love my baby brother!!" so much, but I just wish they were the norm like they used to be. But this too shall pass, right?!

one day at a time

So, quite honestly, I haven't exactly been feeling entirely blissful lately. I am just stressed out about so much. Wondering if we will ever to provide our own home for our growing children and if we will ever get a business up and running. And that with feeling that we are bursting from the seams where we are (while we are totally thankful to have this opportunity...)it is all just wearing me a little thin. Add in a dog seemingly barks all day long and you get a completely frazzled mama that sometimes doesn't appreciate every sweet moment.

But on the happy news- I have a ONE year old now! Okay, maybe that isn't entirely happy as it does make my heart sad! How did he grow up so fast? Talin has totally changed our lives and I love him so much. He is not just walking, but practically running everywhere. He has such a silly personality and cracks me up. And oh how he loves his mama. All day long he runs into my leg and gives me the most perfect baby bear hug. Perfect in every way. So maybe he does throw almost all food offered to him without even trying it. And he hardly sleeps through the night (but as mentioned before- it's not like I have anywhere to put him!) and he is notorious for pulling his sister's hair and climbing in precocious places... I love this boy so much.

Talin is currently showing little interest in actual talking, but gets by just fine by mainly pointing at whatever he wants and just says "GAH". And it works. He will say "mama" and "dada" and lately we rarely even get a "hi" or "bye". But it'll all come in its sweet time. I'm not the least bit concerned. I love how he mimics Holland so much. And I love how excited Holland gets about trying to teach him new things. They can sometimes play for the longest time together. If they are both in the mood, they can play for hours! No tears being shed, just lots and lots of giggles. And that makes for a happy mama!

A good day

It seems that despite my children being in such a carefree, sweet time in their lives; sadly often Joe and I are stressed out about so many things that we can forget how wonderful these little people truly are. I say to myself that I would be able to enjoy them so much more if I just had x. But, then I remember that we don't, or at least not yet. So, might as well make the best of these perfect children we created. And when I do, everything seems just right.



Today both children woke up happy and in a great mood. Joe took the children out of the bedroom, let me sleep longer while starting to make breakfast. Holland came in about every minute and a half to be "Dr. Holland". She was set to "make me feel better" and made sure to check on me constantly. But, rather than being annoyed at it, I just relished it all. Seriously, she can be such a nurturing girl and I love her for that.



After a great breakfast (biscuits and gravy with a poached egg!), we relaxed and then I got on the treadmill and ran 5k for the first time. ever! What a great feeling that is. I'll be completing my first "race" on Thanksgiving day, and although I have yet to run outside it is nice to know at least I can manage the distance.



And another "yeah" of the day: The kids and I got to attend another Caspar Babypants concert! Woo hoo! For anyone not aware, Caspar Babypants is led by Chris Ballew- the lead singer from Presidents of the United States. Good music- good times! I'll post a video of Holland and her friends jumping at the end of this post.



And on to the little lion: he is growing up SO fast! Talin now walks almost as much as crawling. He seems to prefer to walk holding something really big; almost as though he enjoys the added challenge! His favorite thing in the world is to mimic his big sister- especially clapping, putting his hands over his head "yeah!", but most of all just screaming. He is terribly funny and even smarter. He loves to take caps off of markers and very intently concentrate to make sure he gets it back on. (then take it off again, put on, etc...) And man, does he get mad if I take it away from him! His body language definitely speaks out more than his verbal language. Most of the time it is completely evident what he wants just by his actions. And, that is a good thing! He really doesn't seem terribly interested in talking at all at this point. And, I'm hardly concerned... He definitely knows and says "dada" on a regular basis. We sometimes get "hi", "bye" and "mama" and that is about it. Still waiting to hear what cute thing he will first call Holland.

love and changes

As I type, this is how my babe is sleeping so sweetly in my lap. In another home, I'm sure he would be happily sleeping in his own crib, in his room. And honestly, I kind of wish we had that option for him. But, we just quite honestly do not have anywhere to put him! It wasn't even an issue when we first moved here- he was just a wee one at 4 months old. But now, only weeks from turning a year!, it is different. Luckily, most nights he still is happy to just nurse to sleep and sleep on my nap until I can get him into his bed in our room. (Holland goes to sleep in our room prior to being transferred to her own room. And, then slips back into our bed again much later.) Ah, but it won't be like this forever- right?! And, I should stop making it sound like I am complaining because then I will just be asking for advice. We are quite aware we made this bed we are lying in, and it works. Most of the time... :)(but it would be nice to have another bedroom!)

And with my random thoughts bouncing all over my head, I am having a hard time choosing which ones to put down... We had a good trip. A really good trip. The kids did fantastic on the drive even though they barely slept. (so out of character for both of them) We stayed crazy busy and I realized how many great friends we have in Boise. I just felt so much love from such amazing people.

And Talin is still not walking yet, but continuing to get closer everyday. I think he took 3 steps today! And he now pulls himself to stand even more than before. And he has started to crawl with his bum in the air and practically running on his arms and legs. Pretty cute! He mostly jabbers, but his favorite word is definitely "bubba". Bubba is Sue's cat, but, he uses that for any cat. Often any animal really. It is about as easy word to say as you can find, so it works. I do get called "mama" fairly regulary as does Joe get "dada". No word for Holland yet though I do look forward to see what that will be.

A million little thoughts

I am sitting here, the night before getting up super early to make a drive with just the kids back to Boise. I think it will be great for Holland to see her little friends she still talks about daily. And I am so excited to see MY friends I miss! And for Talin to interact with the little ones born right around the same time as him...

But the preparation stinks! I just go from bag to bag thinking of one more thing to add and never completing anything. I exhaust myself! And of course packing with two little ones who constantly need me- not easy!

I keep thinking Talin is going to start walking on our trip- we'll see! He is SO close. And tonight even took a few steps. In the bathtub!! He loves the bath and just constantly stands up, tries to take a step and splashes down. I guess it is nice that the bathtub is big enough for me to stand right next to him (and for his older sister to have plenty of room to play as well!)

And in other news- we have a four year old now! How on earth is that possible! Holland had a great birthday; starting with a super fun scavenger hunt to find mostly 50 cent beanie babies. And, I'm glad that we gave birth to a new tradition. Yeah!

There are so many little things that the kids have been doing lately that I should be writing down, but alas- no time tonight. Hopefully, we make many memories on this trip with no major meltdowns or anymore chaos than we are already used to.

Firsts...

It was a pretty big day around here. Holland had her very first day of pre-school. She has been terribly excited about this for months now. We were able to make it to some Summer playdates with other children from her school as well as meeting her teacher a handful of times and could not wait until the real thing.

She went to bed excited last night and woke up eager to begin her school day this morning. Right before we got out of the car she did say, "I think I might be a little scared." But she walked in looking proud and happy. She was a tad shy (as expected...) in the beginning but after about 10 minutes of settling in she gave me a big hug and didn't even look back to watch me leave. It felt weird!

And of course, it went totally fine! I wasn't the least bit concerned. I think she is really going to love going to "school" twice a week. I am really looking forward to helping out in the class for the first time in two weeks. It will be so entertaining to watch these little children's interactions.

And onto the 2nd first of the day: While Holland was in pre-school, I took Talin to a little one's story/song time at the library. It felt so strange but fun to just have Talin with me and doing something aimed (somewhat) at his age group. I also look forward to just coming home with him some days and playing, just the two of us. Or letting him take a nap while I read! Ah, that sounds heavenly!!

And the 3rd first of the day: Talin actually fell asleep completely on his own from playing in the playpen. He was tired, but I had just tried nursing and putting him down for a nap to no avail. So, I placed him in the playpen so I could get lunch made and he didn't seem to mind one bit. He played with his toys for maybe 2 minutes, laid his head down and fell asleep! Sounds so simple and ordinary, but this is so not ordinary in our household. And he even slept for over an hour despite the noise from his screaming older sister and the crazy, barking dog. Maybe he will start to do this more frequently. It sure would make it easy for me!!

And, before it leaves my memory forever, I need to write down something Holland told me the other night. I went to book club and came home around 9:30 and of course Holland had insisted on waiting up for me so that I could read her bedtime story. And she was (as she often is lately) just insanely sweet and loving. My favorite quote of hers she told me that night:" Mom, I love you forever and ever and I will never change my mind and unlove you. " So, since she has said that, we have told each other this to each other multiple times. She is a special girl.

a little stunt man and a growing girl

What a busy week or so! I feel like I really do not every have time to do anything right now as Talin is fast as lighning and into EVERYTHING! I know it has been 3 years since we were at this stage with Holland, but I swear he is just SO much more active! He can now stand up in the middle of the floor; and does every opportunity he gets. And now he has raised the bar and stands on anything he thinks will be a little challenge: the bed, the couch, a box, a chair, etc, etc. And he climbs! He likes to pull himself onto a basket that is on a rack we have and then just hangs. He can't figure out how to get down so he just screams. Comical, but scary. No steps yet, but I don't imagine it is too far away.

Holland starts preschool next week! Just twice a week for two hours at a time. But, I think she is really going to have a blast. I will be helping out a few times a month also and am really looking forward to watching her interact. She is really such a smart girl. I really have been pretty bad on working with her on little things. We talk about everything that goes on, but no pressure. (and she's still THREE! So, not a concern of mine...) We had talked about the sounds that letters make quite awhile back and then I just haven't... But, today in a 5 minute car ride she got down pat letters "H" "S" and "T". So, just after those few minutes I could say a word "horse, store, sunshine, toes" And she would know which letter it starts with. And even added some more words of her own. I was impressed. I suppose some children are reading at this age, and I totally believe she could be if we had pressed the issue. But, I am happy at her/our pace.

One of my favorite things that Holland says right now is "DAISY LIONS!" She calls dadelions daisy lions and always says it with so much gusto. She does know it is not the "correct" word, but just likes it; I do, too. And she has to run over and grab it when she sees one and blow it all over. I love watching her excitement. It's those little moments that make the crazy hectic life we live all worthwhile.