3 years old

I just tucked my 2 year old daughter in for the last time! Next time I see her (assuming she doesn't start yelling that she is thirsty, needs another kiss, her blankets are twisted...) she will be 3 years old!

Three years ago right now, I was pumped up for labor! It was my due date and she was ready to meet the world! Things were getting pretty intense, but I wanted to stay home as long as possible. Jose and I had just got home from getting foot massages and renting a movie (note: do not try to watch The Hangover while in labor. Like I tell my students, do NOT laugh during contractions, it causes unnecessary pain!). We knew we would be meeting Aubriella soon, and were excited and nervous. Looking back it would have been wise to try to sleep for a bit.

After a few more hours of laboring at home, we headed to the hospital and arrived at 1 am. She was born at 7:54 that morning. Giving birth to her was one of, if not the most amazing, exhausting, beautiful, empowering events of my life. It was such a gift to give birth to her naturally and unmedicated, and afterwards I remember thinking I had never felt closer to Jose. I couldn't have done it without him, and we were a perfect team.

I don't think I could have imagined the spunky little girl Aubriella is today. Just like her middle name, she is a Joy!  She is also the source of many laughs (you'd have to read her quote book!), and to be honest sometimes the source of my frustration! Jose always says Aubriella is just like me. I don't see it personality wise, but I will admit I've trained her well in matters of taste and style ;-). I can't believe at 3 years old how often her and I already "duke it out"! I love every ounce of her strong will, independence, and determined spirit, but oh.my.word. She does not back down. And I love her and admire her for it! Before her I avoided conflict at all costs, and don't think I had ever yelled at someone. Not sure if that is good or bad, but this little lady has stretched me. Aubri-girl, we are going to teach each other a lot!

I could tell you so much more about Aubri, but I would be writing all night! And tomorrow is a big day for us! She has already submitted her birthday requests. First a Panera bagel and has also asked, "Can you take me and Ella to the pink hotel for cake?' Maybe I'm being too indulgent, but when she requests something so cute and sweet, I'm happy to oblige. So tomorrow after our Panera breakfast, we are having a Madonna Inn lunch and cake, topped off with a pizza dinner. Birthdays only come once a year!

Testing,testing, 1-2-3

Ok....so picture showed up last post. Let's try it again!

At 6 months old I decided to start taking a monthly picture of Ezra. You now same spot, same pose. It lasted 3 months, but it was worth a shot! 

 Ezra on his 6 month b-day

Much smilier on his 7 month b-day!

8 months

And an extra just for fun!

Hope these post!

Life is full

Despite the fact that I get up twice a night to put Ezra back to sleep, or that I have started to break up "arguments" between my kids (mostly whines and cries about someone taking someone else's toy away), or that Ezra now knows how to open every drawer and cupboard (and take everything out in about 2 seconds), or that I lose my patience just about everyday (always gets misplaced)....life is great, and being a mom is the greatest adventure ever. 

Ezra is almost 10 months old. I can't believe how fast time flies! He is mimicking and "talking" lots more this past week. He says Dada, Ba (ball), Ha (hi), calls Aubri "Tah" consistently (no idea why! Maybe sis-tah??), says Nana a lot and seems to be in the right context, and copied Aubri and I when we said "uh-oh" after he dumped all the cards to a board game. He does the one sign I've taught him ("more')  He hums along when we sing, and you can't keep him from dancing! 

He is giving me a run for my money now that he has figured out all the cupboards and drawers open up. He is obsessed with our game trunk. Not. fun. Thankfully Aubri is a great tattle tale (really I appreciate it!), and she is a great little helper. She is such a helper at distracting him when I am trying to get something done.

Aubri is going to be 3 this month!! WOWSER! She is getting excited for her "Tinkerbell cabin party at the snow" where we will have "cake and donuts with sprinkles." We are looking forward to our trip to Big Bear next week! She got to move up in Sunday School classrooms and is SO excited! Her teachers have said she is doing great listening and participating, and it makes my heart swell when she tells us what she learned about in class. She always asks when she can go to real school, and remembers me saying (when she was 1!) that she would probably go when she is 3. 

Aubri got a new bike for Christmas and it has been fun to see her love riding it! She is becoming a better rider every day as she is learning how to watch where she is going!! She is quite the distracted driver. I've been so proud that every time she has fallen (even with training wheels) that she has gotten back up and said she wants to try again. 

I've been the worst blogger because I haven't figured out how to add pictures without purchasing more space, and lets face it what's a post without pics. When I figure it out, you can bet that I'll be updating much more about our crazy, busy, FUN, full life.]!