And then she was 2 . . .

Miss Priss Pants is 2 years old today. Can you believe it? I certainly can't!

She is as feisty and fun as always, if not more so as she continues to add words to her exploding vocabulary. She has been putting a few words together in the past week or so, saying "Want more mama" "I did it!" and "Mama! Want bite!" She labels EVERYTHING she sees, usually with the right word, but sometimes in her own "Ry-speak". :) I love her little voice, even when she is screaming. Okay, maybe not when she's screaming . . .

Our little drama mama, her latest nick name, can hold her own with big brother and all of the little boys in her classes at daycare and Sunday school. She wants what she wants and will stop at nothing to get it. She is still addicted to her binky, but wants it less and less at home. Somehow she goes all day at daycare without it. We're still trying to figure that one out, but since she's my last baby, I'm okay with her being little a while longer.

She is a gorgeous girl! And hilarious! Anytime she hears music, she shakes her booty. It's adorable--I should really get it on video so you can see for yourself. I'll add that to my ever growing to do list. :) When I pick her up at school, she screams "Mommmmyyyyy!" and comes running to me. It's so sweet! Then, when we get home, she is my velcro baby until bedtime. She literally plasters herself to me much of the evening. I try to remember that she'll only be little once and just enjoy it.

Our little stringbean is only about 25 pounds (we go to the doctor for her well visit on Friday to find out the exact stats) and is still fairly tall. She has grown so much that she hardly looks like the same baby!

I am so blessed to have this amazing little lady in my life. She is absolutely a perfect fit for our family, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to call her my daughter.

Feliz cumpleanos, mi amor! I love you so much!

Commitment--as told by a 4 year old

While at the water park last week, hubby dearest lost his wedding ring 10 minutes into the fun. He's lost so much weight lately that it needs to be resized, and the water pouring down from above washed it right off his finger. (It was found the next day, so no worries!)

Tonight my little man asked me why mommy and daddy wear those rings. I told him that it was so that everyone could see that we are married and committed to someone. Here's his wisdom at it's finest:

Critterboy: "Mommy, I'm committed to Jacie."

Me: "Big Jacie or Little Jacie?" (one of his teachers is named Jacie, along with another critter in his class)

Critterboy: "Little Jacie.", he said shyly.

Me: "I thought you liked Kendyl best."

Critterboy: "But Kendyl wasn't there today, so I am committed to Jacie."

Thank goodness we have several more years to discuss the importance of commitment! You have to love his little grasp of the concept though, and his love of the ladies!

He steals my heart everytime he opens his mouth--I can't wait 'till Miss Priss Pants starts talking. It's gonna be a laugh a minute for sure!

Thirteen

Thirteen years ago today I married my best friend, the love of my life. We were young. And crazy in love! Today we're not as young, but just as much in love.

So much has changed, but our love has only grown stronger. In 13 years we've watched as friends' marriages crumbled while we stayed strong. We've faced lots of difficult times, but somehow learned more about each other and grew closer together as a result. We gained weight together. Lots of weight--90 lbs each at one point. We've now lost weight together--over 100 lbs combined and still losing. We've created one miracle child and adopted another. We've grown up together.

Honey, I love you even more today than I did 13 years ago. We've made wonderful memories together, and I can't wait to make even more. I seem to remember someone saying (on our wedding video no less), "Ask me in a year and we'll see if they're still happy." I think it goes without saying that we proved her wrong, don't you? Thanks for always treating me like a princess, even when I don't deserve it. You're still the love of my life, and I cherish every day with you.

ONE YEAR!

I have so many thoughts spinning in my head that I can't even find the right words to get it all out. One year ago today we arrived home with our beautiful baby girl. We were thrilled to finally have her home with us and begin our life as a family of four.

The past year has been an experience in patience, love, learning, bonding, and simply enjoying our family. God has blessed us tremendously. Sometimes I forget that I didn't give birth to our little ball of fire--she fits in our family perfectly!

Miss Priss Pants, I'm so blessed to be your mommy. You keep me on my toes and have helped me learn patience that I didn't know I possessed. You bring joy to my heart. I often look at you and wonder how on earth I could be worthy of being your mom. I love you so much, and can't wait to watch you grow into a beautiful young lady. Happy one year home, baby girl . . . I hope you're as happy to be my daughter as I am to be your mama. Abrazos y besos mi amor!

Then: 5/29/08

Now: taken on our family day, 5/25/09

Happy 4th Birthday Critterboy!

Four years. Yep, he's really four years old. It was four years ago that our little miracle man arrived, 10 weeks before he was due, at a whopping 2 lbs. 11 oz. What a perfect little person! You can read the whole story HERE in last year's birthday post.

Matthew, you are truly an amazing boy. This year you've grown up so much! You were such a trooper through everything the past year has brought--becoming a big brother, travelling to Guatemala to bring your "sissy" home, having surgery to remove your tonsils and adenoids, getting glasses, etc. You are so smart and wise beyond your years. Sometimes I think we have an adult trapped in a little critterboy body! We love to watch you dance and listen to you sing. You love to drive your Jeep around in the back yard and are a better driver than mommy! You care so much about others' feelings and especially about your baby sister. We have enjoyed watching you grow and change this year. Mommy and Daddy love you so much buddy! Happy Birthday to you, and many more!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! Today is my 4th Mother's Day, and my first as a mom of two. When I think back over all the years that I wanted to be a mom, but wasn't or couldn't be for all of the various reasons, I'm amazed at these little blessings that God has given me.

Being a mom is harder than I ever expected it to be. Honestly, sometimes I'm not very good at it, or at least I don't think so. My kids, however, don't seem to notice my motherly shortcomings, so I just press on, loving them with all my heart and working hard to be the best mom I can be while juggling what seems like 1,000 responsibilities. I'm so proud to be their mom, and I hope when they grow up and look back at their respective childhoods, they'll be proud to be my kids.

Today just happens to be Mother's Day in Guatemala as well. I think alot about Ryenn's birth mom and foster mom every day, but especially on these significant days. Without these women, we wouldn't have this fiesty little princesa in our family. Their love and sacrifice, along with their hardships, is imprinted on my heart forever. We're so blessed to have email contact with her foster mom--she even emailed to tell me Happy Mother's Day! Feliz dia de la madre!

I think about my mom, who even though she lives very close, we really aren't together all that much. I used to think (okay, sometimes still think) that my mom didn't really know what to do with a challenging child and young (or not so young!) adult like me. Or that I got away with wayyyyy too much. Or that she expected too much of me. You know, all those things a therapist would tell you. :) But when I look back, my mom gave me everything--she sacrificed so much to give me the opportunities and "stuff" I need and wanted. For that I'm so very grateful, and I need to tell her that more often. I love you mom!

My hopes for the today are simple: spend time with my family, and be thankful for being a mom. Oh yeah, no stinky diaper duty or housework either! :) I can't imagine my life any other way.

I wish all my awesome mama friends a very happy day. Let's all enjoy this wonderful gift of motherhood!

Just flyin' a kite . . .

Clear blue sky, light winds, kite actually flying, chicken on the grill, happy family times--what could possibly be better than this?