Three

Four years ago, we were about to meet the most amazing girl I know.  The little girl who would call us mommy and daddy and love us deeper than we ever imaged.  Four years ago, our lives were way less entertaining.

Chesney, you have taught us to listen with intent, play like a child and love without limits.  

We get excited about the little things and celebrate even the tiniest accomplishments because we know these moments are fleeting.

  

Chesney, you are better than the princess we always wished for.  Thank you for being our baby girl.

This year has passed too quickly but we have enjoyed every last minute of it.  Happy last day of 3 Chesney.  We love you so much peanut!

Brecken {14 Months Old}

 Brecken is 14 months old and loving every minute of it.  He is a speedy little man who is so steady on his feet.  He has never ending energy and amazing climbing skills. We have taken down all the gates because he knows how to go up and down stairs (and frankly, he was pulling the gates down which was even more dangerous).

This little guy loves loud noises, the vacuum cleaner, the snow-blower and this thing, the Ninja blender.  Whenever we pull this thing out, he runs over to help.

 And then gets mad when we put it away.

We didn't take as many pictures this month because we have been stuck inside, but Brecken helped celebrate Daddy's 32nd birthday with big sis Chesney.

• Weight: 18ish pounds 
• Length:  31ish inches
• Clothes: You are wearing 6-12 month clothes. You are wearing 12 month sleepers. 
• Shoes: You wear a size 4 shoe. Your Pumas are actually size 5 now but fall off if we don't strap them super tight.  
• Diapers: A mix of cloth and Pampers (size 3) this month
• Food: You love chicken, pizza, fish, grilled cheese and tacos. You are a good eater overall, but when you are done, you swipe your hand across your tray and clear it onto the floor if we don't take it away quick enough. You drink mommy milk and water. 
• Development: You can sign more when you eat and have just started to sign please. You love to read books.  You will grab a book and bring it to someone to read. You can blow (you stick out your bottom lip and then blow) and you make a spitting sound in the sink when you brush your teeth.
• Words: Dada, hi, hello.  When daddy comes home it's hi dada or da-dee.
• Teeth: lower right lateral incisor (February 19), right lower first molar (February 24), lower left lateral incisor (March 12)
• Sleep:  You go to bed around 7 pm and wake up at 7-8 am.  You take a 1.5 hour morning and afternoon nap.  Your morning nap is around 8:30 and afternoon around 1.
• What I love about you: You have the cutest low belly laugh that usually comes out when you do something you aren't supposed to do.  You nearly always have a smile on your face and giggle a million times a day.

 

Happy 14 months Brecken!  We love you tons!

Up High

Someone found a new way to play with his ball machine.  If you can't reach it, climb it.

 And he was positioned perfectly so that the ball would roll down between his legs.  Then he could grab it and put it back in the top.

 He's pretty proud of himself.

Clearly this is a safety violation.  Do not try this at home.  He's a trained stuntman.

Brecken {12th Tooth}

Brecken's 12th tooth, his lower left lateral incisor is coming in.

Balancing Act

A few days ago, when I was on the phone with my mom, Brecken learned a new trick.  He and Chesney were eating graham crackers for snack.  I turned around to see him sitting in his high chair with his hands on his tray and a smirk on his face...and a graham cracker balanced perfectly on his head.

 He now repeats the trick on a daily basis, with everything we eat (including spaghetti).

 Such a ham and a talented one at that.

 

Happy Birthday Daddy

Today we celebrated Daddy's 32nd birthday.  We invited Grandma and Grandpa over for some Italian House lunch and cake.

 

 After lunch Daddy opened some presents. Chesney wrote on his cards.

 Daddy got some custom made golf balls from Chesney (with assistance from Grandma/Grandpa). 

 He also got the new Donkey Kong game from the kiddos and myself.

 And the best part of the party, cake!

 

 Chesney debated between Spider-man, Cars and Monster Inc. for a theme but settled on baseball.

 Happy birthday Daddy.  We love you so much!!!

Brecken {11th Tooth}

Brecken's right lower first molar is coming in.