Water Baby

Aislyn had her first swim lesson today.  We started all of the kids young to avoid all of the anxiety about water.  They learn the rules about pools and safety early on and though I would NEVER leave them unattended, I know that if they get in a situation their odds of a positive outcome are increased.  This has already been proven when Cami fell in a pool his past summer fully clothed and caught off guard.  There were adults all around and a dear friend of ours even dove in to save her...but she had already saved herself.  

Anyway, Aislyn had a wonderful time.  She loves the sensation of warm water and often closes her eyes and starts to doze during baths.  We call bath time "spa time" at our house because she finds it so relaxing.  It was the same in the pool.  The water was warm and as soon as she laid back (in the float position) she was calm and relaxed.  She didnt even mind putting her face in the water!

Big Girl

Camryn, you have been such a big helper lately.  Without ever being asked,  you jump right in to keep your baby sister content with your smiles, laughter and playfulness so that I have a minute to make a bottle, handle your brother or just grab a moments peace.  You help diffuse your brother in the midst of a melt down, telling him "Its ok buddy!" or strategically distracting him from his distress with an offer to play.  You have been my second pair of hands these last couple of days.  You have always been so kind hearted, giving and willing to pitch in.  My big girl, I dont ever want you to feel "pressure" to be responsible for your siblings, but at the same time I appreciate that you take your baby brother and sister under your wing and are helping to show them the way.  You amaze me.

Not long now!

Today Deepali and I hosted a baby shower for our dear friend Jennifer.  She is due February 10 and looks absolutely fabulous...I dont think she will have any problem getting all the way to her due date.  It is going to be so exciting for Deepali,  Jen and me to all raise our babies together.  We have been friends since our first year teaching together in 1999 and now Kartik,  Aislyn and baby girl Porter will all get to be friends as well.

Jenn, I am so over the moon happy for you and Mike.  You will be amazing parents and your baby girl will be so very blessed with all of the love and happiness that your family has to offer.  I know how long you have waited for this very special gift and the day is fast approaching when you will hold her in your arms, look into her beautiful eyes and be filled with amazement at the tiny human being you and Mike have brought into this World.  Cherish every moment, they go by so fast.  Hold her and snuggle, because before you know it she will be ready to spring from your lap and explore all the wonders that surround her.  Finally remember always that you have within you all it takes to be a phenomenal mom... there are no instruction manuals because all you need to know is already there in your heart and in your instincts.  You are going to be GREAT!

3 Months Old

This past Saturday Aislyn turned three months old.  Though I had time to take her picture as I do every month on the 10th, I didnt have a moment to blog.  She is growing up so fast.  Shes full of smiles, sprinkled with a little "fuss 'n cling".  Shes still a great sleeper.  She sleeps all night and we have to wake her in the morning to get the day started.  Many days she would much rather stay snuggled in bed (just like me!)  She looks so much like her brother and sister!  I decided that every month I would post a photo comparison to reflect on all three at the same age.  I wish I had lengths and weights, but there are no doctor visits until next month so we will just have to wait to see how they all compare.  Oh little Aisy, we love you so very much.  You are like the cherry on top of our family sundae.  We just wouldnt be the same without you.  With you our family feels complete :)  

I just noticed shes the only one of the three not smiling in her three month picture.  I think its because Cami's was taken in July and Aidan's in May both when it was warm outside...Im sure all Aislyn was thinking was "put that camera down and put some clothes on me...its cooooooold!"

Aidan 3 months.  He had the darkest and longest hair of the three.  Lovingly nicknamed "the Donald Trump Combover"

Camryn 3 months old.  She looks the biggest of the three but was actually the smallest!

Mischief Maker

Today he's whined a little, complained a little, argued a little, told me outright "NO!", colored on the floor and fought with his sister!  So how is it that one little smile, hearing him say "Mommy, I love you" and a hug as tight as he can manage makes it all melt away...must be the power of a son.

Happy Birthday! (a few days late)

Ian's 34th birthday was Dec. 31.  This year for his birthday he celebrated by taking the kids out for some one on one daddy time.  

The Sunday before his birthday Ian and Aidan went to a Houst vs. Iowa State basketball game.  Aidan was over the moon about going to the game with his dad and has not stopped talking about it since.  He loved the basketball, the players and the food...the only hing he didnt like was Shasta (the Houston mascot) getting too close!  

Then Wednesday, Ian and Cami headed out bright and early (4am to be exact) to Ft Worth for the Armed Forces Bowl.  A great time had by all including excellent seats, pictures with Shasta, and the first Bowl win in just about forever for our Houston Cougars.

With Ian and Cami at the game, Aidan made sure he did his part by baking cupcakes that were ready just in time for daddy's return. (*Note I dropped the ball on getting his favorite cake ordered from Amy...oops!)  Happy birthday honey!  We love you!

Merry Christmas

   

Its been a long and beautiful 48 hours.  Yesterday we started the day by baking and decorating our Santa cookies.   The kids were so cute standing around the island in their PJs working so hard to make just the right cookie for Santa.  Once we finished and clean up was done we dressed and headed to the children's service at St Lukes.  We watched the pageant, sang carols and listened to Dr Pace talk about graciousness and giving.  All three kids were very well behaved, sitting patiently and singing along the best they could.  As we sat waiting for the service to start Aidan started to belt out "Happy Birthday" to Jesus...super cute, melted my heart.  When it was over we headed to my mom's for dinner and then home to put on PJs and look at lights.  We went to Pecan Grove in search of  THAT HOUSE on Mistyvale, and it didnt disappoint.  The neighborhood does a beautiful light display, the kids absolutely LOVED it.  By the time we got home it was late, we settled in, put out a snack for Santa and sprinkled Magic Reindeer Dust (thanks Kathy!!!) up the front walk to ensure that Santa's sleigh would find its way to our house...the smell of oats and the glitter in the moonlight must have worked because it wasnt long before santa made his stop.

Cami was the first to wake and came straight to our room to deliver the news that Santa had indeed visited our home.  She then ran to Aidan's room, flipped on the light and yelled "SANTA WAS HERE AIDAN!" to which he responded by pulling the covers up and saying "no....SLEEP!".  So Camryn pulled out the big guns and yelled "He brought you a BIG DINOSAUR!".  By then, covers wer flipped off and he bounded his way out of bed and bolted to the living room, where they checked out their stockings and then proceeded to tear through the rest of their goods.  Finally, we headed to Grammy and Popa's for lunch and MORE presents.  Its been wonderfully exhausting...a truly AMAZING Christmas filled with fun, family, faith and blessings.  

Aidan's First Hot Chocolate

MMMMMMM...Hot Chocolate, yet another delightful holiday tradition.  Nothing goes better with cold weather than a warm cozy cup of hot chocolate.  A dark, sweet mug of rich creamy goodness topped with a layer of softly melting marshmallows...theres just nothing else like it.  The smell alone conjures thoughts of warm snuggles and fuzzy blankets- all around comfort for the body and soul.

Tonight Aidan enjoyed his first cup of hot cocoa.  We have been talking about it all week.  This past week was just too warm to truely enjoy it as it should be enjoyed.  Luckily, last night a front blew in bringing the cold weather, making us all feel a little more "Christmassy".  So tonight was the night.  After dinner, we warmed a cup of cocoa for Camryn and Aidan.  They carefully, one by one dropped their marshmallows on top and blew on their mugs until it was just cool enough to take a first sip.  They giggled and smiled and slurped until every last drop was gone.  Never have I seen two messier, happier content little children as tonight after their little cup of indulgence.  

During these weeks of hustle and bustle we should all make a point to take a break and enjoy the little wonders that the season brings.  When we see our children having a cup of cocoa, looking in awe at homes lit with strings of lights, singing their Christmas carols in their school performances... we get that indescribable feeling of joy, in that moment all is right with the World.  I can only imagine that that feeling is the very feeling that warmed the hearts of those that stood around the manger that very first Christmas night. That joy is the purpose of the season.  So have a cup of cocoa and count your every blessing.