A Step Inside

I once read a quote in which a mother was asked 2 questions.. “What is the best thing about being a mother?”  She replied, watching my children grow”.. The second question, “What is the hardest part about being a mother?”  She replied, “watching my children grow”..   I think about this saying quite often, and it definitely rings true..  Witnessing the milestones that my children accomplish couldn’t make me more proud, but they are constant reminders that my children won’t stay this young, little, etc. forever.

Today Ashlyn is turning two years old.  She is such a ray of sunshine in our family.  Always making us laugh, coming up w/ funny antics, and just a breath of fresh air.  We couldn’t love her more!  She loves reading books, coloring w/ crayons, doing wooden puzzles, playing w/ baby dolls, and listening to music.  She can sing the entire alphabet, count to ten (sometimes even eleven & twelve!), and goes potty when have her try.  She LOVES to dance, and can really shake it.. She loves playing w/ big sister, Kaylor, and absolutely adores her.  Her favorite characters are Dora, Elmo, Barney, and Mickey & Minnie.

Dear Ashlyn,

Happy 2nd birthday, to YOU!  I love being your mommy, and watching you grow.  I love your sweet snuggles, eskimo kisses, and big bear hugs.  I love the way your scrunch up your nose and squint your eyes when you smile, and giggle endlessly w/ laughter.  I love how you reply, “OHHHH- kayyyyyyy” to us, or “YUP!” w/ nothing but excitement in your voice.  Always know how much you are loved, sweet girl!  Happy 2nd birthday, Ashlyn! ♥

Love, Mommy

(this challenge started to take a backseat, but I think I’ll be forgiven, with that whole bedrest thing & all, right? lol)

I love little pieces of our kiddos throughout the house.. Even if it means everything isn’t always organized!  These foam letters were on the wall after a quick, warm bath to rid Ashlyn of her fever last Sunday..

The day after Thanksgiving is definitely one my most favorite days of the year..  I skipped out on going out to shop this year (although I did get almost ALL of my holiday shopping down online..whoot!), but in tradition we always decorate our house w/ Christmas decor, put up the tree, listen to holiday music, and bake some goodies.  We did all of those things aside from baking, but we made up for that part w/ leftover pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving.  I love the memories that we create on this day, and as a mom they will be ones I always remember.  This year was even more special, watching Ashlyn help Kaylor decorate the tree.  Last year she was still too young to help..  I was snapping some images of them, and was just about to go grab the video camera when I remembered that I had HD video on my 5dMarkII.. duh!  I haven’t used it enough yet to know really what I’m doing, so bear w/ the unsteadiness.. lol   This was also a first attempt at putting together the video/slideshow.. I love how it turned out