Break a leg --or so the saying goes

EV has been taking ballet this past year and we absolutely love this ballet school.  First, it's not broken into mini sessions where you potentially could have a different instructor or different classmate every several weeks.  It's also at our church so the focus isn't necessarily about dancing for the sake of dancing but dancing for the purpose of glorifying God.  And they have a large recital at the end.  This recital is exciting because they get to dress up, perform on a large stage, and receive tons of accolades for their hard work throughout the year.  EV has been looking forward to this all year but man is it hard work (not just for the kids but the parents too).  EV is now at an age where she has practices, performances, and games.  For a kid that is actually very shy, she loves being on stage and in front of a lot of people.  She said her favorite part of the recital was dancing.  She had the biggest smile on her face and she had a great time. 

At the end of it all, I was sad that it was over.  I appreciate her teachers, the friends she made this year, and all the fun she had learning how to dance.  We can't wait to do it all again next year!

Blink of an eye

I don't understand how we are approaching Emmett's first birthday in a couple of months.  I haven't had a chance to write down all his milestones; I don't even know if I remember all of them.  So many things they say about baby number 2 is so true, so cliché, but true nonetheless.  They are often overlooked and everything is secondhand.  All schedules, clothes, friends, activities are centered around the first-born.  All he wants to do is keep up with big sister, not be left behind, and get whatever she's eating into his tiny little hands.  And then in a blink of an eye, he's almost one.  When did he begin to stand and cruise around so effortlessly?  When did he start understanding our conversations and start repeating the things that come out of our mouths.

Although time is flying by, one thing is for sure, he captures our hearts more and more each day.  His sweet disposition and loving smile makes anyone putty in his hands.  Emmett, you are the sweetest baby I've ever met, and I'm not just saying that cause you're mine.  Although it breaks my heart when other kids push you around and make you cry, there's a little part of me that wants to baby you for as long as I can.  You love to eat fruit, yogurt, bread, pasta, chicken, peas, and tofu.  If it's bland, you won't eat it.  If you don't like it, you won't eat it.  You are so curious about your surroundings and all you want to do is whatever noona is doing.  You like getting yourself into tight, small spaces.  You love to dance to music and make your own music by banging on anything you can get your hands on.  You have two teeth on the bottom and one growing in on the top.  You love to climb on anything you can get on top of.  Your favorite toy is a little basketball hoop and you enjoy putting the ball into the hoop over and over again (although the noise it makes scares you).  You are scared of the vacuum cleaner and anything that makes loud noises.  You're favorite book is a touch and feel animal farm book.  You love feeling the little animals and the noises made for each animal.  You are still a thumb-sucker.  You hate getting your diaper changed and being told "no."  You make the saddest face when you get in trouble. 

You make each day so much brighter and we love you more each day.  You make all of us a better version of ourselves. 

Spring Break

Since EV is on the public school schedule we have to think about things like spring break and summer camps.  So, this year we decided to take a trip up to Maryland to visit family.  This time we decided to fly instead of drive.  EV still has PTSD from our last trip and doesn't want to do long distance driving for quite some time.  This is Emmett's second time on a plane:

We took a short day trip to visit old friends near Philly.  Although it was crazy windy and the "egg hunt" wasn't much of a hunt at all, it was really nice to be around old friends, catching up and hearing how everyone is doing.  It's crazy to think that I've known these kiddos since some of them were in elementary school!!  Sweet baby Adalyn is growing up so fast and EV loves being around her.

EV loves to learn and I love that about her.  On this trip we went to the natural history museum and to see the cherry blossoms.  Much of this trip was focused on spending time with family.  I know that as Jimmy's parents get older, each moment with the grandkids is even more precious.  We are planning on going back up over Labor Day weekend.  Even though our time is short, I hope that it leaves lasting memories in the minds of EV and Emmett.  Oh how they are so blessed to have grandparents, aunts, and uncles that love them more than they can ever imagine!!

Emmett's first play date

Whenever EV has a "first," the immediate thing that conjures up in my mind is a blogpost topic. But for Emmett it's not even an after thought.  I guess that's why second-borns are more laid back, they really have no choice.  Life is crazy keeping up with EV's schedule including play dates.  Poor Emmett doesn't really have friends his age, that is until recently. 

Logan is not only Emmett's age (they are only a week or so apart) but they both have older sisters (also very close in age, the girls are 7 months or so apart and are in the same ballet class).  How perfect!!  I love that we could have a play date with just the boys or with both kids and they both would have playmates.  So, last Friday, Emmett had his first play date.  There were some bumps and scratches, discovery of new toys and sippy cups, and best of all a friend to experience it all together.

They played together:

Ate together:

Laughed together:

5 years old!

I cannot believe Evangeline is 5 years old.  We celebrated her birthday last weekend the only way we knew how--going all out!  I have developed a love for planning parties. I enjoy thinking through the details and seeing everything come together. And I love watching people enjoy it all, making it all worthwhile.

For EV's 5th birthday we had a costume dance party. I let EV give me ideas of what she wants and then we do our best to put it together. Jimmy was in charge of the invite, music and food. I took care of the costume, decorations, and activities. This year EV helped quite a bit with crafting the decorations and it was such great bonding time.

The day of the party was hectic for sure but we all had such a great time. Jimmy dressed up as a lobster and EV was a mermaid. We had both kids and parents dancing. We crafted masks and the party favors were noise makers and pop rocks. Get it pop rock? Since its a dance party?

And just like that she's now 5 years old. She continues to bring our whole family laughter and joy. She truly is a gift from God and we are thankful everyday for such a blessing. Evangeline, we pray that you will grow to be a passionate, thoughtful, loving young woman of God. And that as you develop and discover new talents and passions you will use it to glorify Him. May you have a love and compassion for people, caring for those in need. We love you sweet girl and we are so proud of you!

Mommy, Emmett is getting in my way!!

And so a new chapter begins.  Emmett has been mobile for a couple months now, which has brought on new challenges and adventures.  As much as EV has been wanting a new playmate, she didn't realize that this new playmate would have his own idea of fun.  She attempts to tell him what to do and how to do it, but alas, he does not listen.  He rummages through her baskets filled with her artwork and knocks down her figurines she has strategically placed.  She gets frustrated and he thinks its funny.  Then it started happening, first she would take toys away or scream "noooooooo."  Then she started pushing him. 

We try to teach her that she has to share now and learn to compromise.  We try to explain to her that it cannot always be about what she wants to play and that if Emmett was playing with something first that she cannot snatch it away from him.  She does not like this new way of life.  This is not what she asked for.

There are days when she is sweet to Emmett.  She lets him join her in her pretend play.  Those are the days when Emmett seems a little more cooperative.  It's when she gets possessive, he gets defensive.  I know they will figure it out and my hope is that they will learn to become great friends. I feel grateful for these two and I'm trying to learn how to make the most of every moment I have with them.

Ice Skating 101

Ice skating was never a big deal for me growing up.  I don't really remember how I learned to ice skate or when I learned.  It was one of those things we did once or twice a year over the winter break.  After getting married to Jimmy, I really got into hockey for a bit, especially when we actually had a team in Atlanta.  Through a friend who got tickets from work, we were able to go to games pretty regularly (thanks, Gil!).  I even have a Thrashers jersey to prove it!  But when they were bought out and moved, I was a little sad but didn't think much of it.

Prior to this year, we had taken EV ice skating once when she was 20 months old.  November of this year was the second time taking EV and she was hooked.  I think there were two major things, we went with a friend and she skated much better than EV and at the top of every hour was a little performance by junior skaters.  EV is super competitive so seeing her friend Kati skate well, she felt compelled to skate just as good.  She was also mesmerized by the junior skaters.

So, we signed her up for ice skating lessons.  And reality hit.  This is not easy.  It hurts when you fall.  And the ice is cold.  These three things makes EV waffle between I never want to skate again and I love ice skating.  She likes the idea of skating and wants to be as good as those junior skaters.  She hates that it isn't an easy process.

I am so glad we signed her up though.  I'm still trying to decide if we should continue after this session.  Although Jimmy has visions of her becoming an Olympic figure skater, I simply want her to do what she's passionate about.  I don't want her to be a quitter all because it's not easy, but I also don't want to push her to do something that she doesn't care for.  When she skates, she's competitive, she doesn't quit, she pushes herself, and she seems to be having fun, which makes me think I should encourage her to keep at it.  Other times, I see her frustration and tears in her eyes and I just want to let her quit.  No matter what, I want her to know that we are proud of her for her determination and for trying her best when she does go to lessons. 

She's growing up so fast and it's not always easy keeping up.  We're proud of you!!  And in EV's words, "for what?!"  For always trying your best, getting up after you fall, and putting a smile on your face even when it's not easy. We love you, Evangeline!!