64 degrees

I refuse to turn the heat on in the house in August! When I woke up this morning (before my kids, I might add) it was only 64 degrees in the house. Fall is in the air, already! I was hoping for a little more summer and a few more days spent at the beach eating a refreshing popsicle. O well, there is always the memory...

He is a Tail Puller

Day three of Doug being back to work: The boy woke up feeling the need to say everything in a whiney tone making mama want to cut her ears off! Then the girl barfed on mamas shirt right after she put it on. Said boy pulled the cats tail so hard that she was hissing at him even though he tried that move last night and got a firm talking to. What to do about a tail puller? Well, my arms were full of baby so I grabbed said boys arm to guide him to time out. Well, he went boneless so it ended up being more like dragging him to time out, ahem. Then, he laughed at me! Breathe, Elena, remember your yoga!
I need an extra dose of patience!
How about a photo of them being sweet....

Ahh, that's better!

Capturing Summer

We have been capturing summer! We spent 2 weeks in Albuquerque.... Here is our trip in photos...

We spent lots of time in the sun...

We captured first smiles...

Captured this...

Swam and then warmed in the sun...

Saw joy in my dads eyes when he entered his birthday bash...

played with cousins...


introduced Fina to family...

watched an amazing summer storm

It was a great trip!

Baby Love

There is something so magical about babies. Some friends of ours just adopted their first baby girl and Pete, the new dad, put it perfectly. He said "watching a baby sleep is like watching a camp fire." How well put is that? That is exactly what it is like. So peaceful, so amazing, so magical. It's like there is a story in that little face that you are dieing to know.
I can stare at my baby girl sleeping all day long. That being said, I love looking at her little round face and staring into her deep blue eyes when she is awake. I had said this would be my last baby, and maybe it will be, but I will always long for those sweet moments that can only be had with your new baby. I don't know if this can be my last baby...we shall see.
As you can see, Fina is plumping up nicely. She weighed 8lbs 1oz at 3 weeks and according to my mom's scale, she is about 9lbs now at 4.5 weeks. She loves mama's milk and mama's milk loves her too!

Three

I can hardly believe that this past week, on August 5Th to be exact, our Cooper turned three years old! Watching your child grow up is so bitter sweet. It is so amazing to watch them learn and grow but it is so sad how fast it goes. It is like you are holding on so tight to every precious moment and watching it slip through your fingers at the same time.
Three years ago, after a long labor, I gave birth to my little boy. I will always remember exactly how he sounded when he first cried, how he smelled when I bent my head down to meet his, how warm he felt on my chest right after he was born. Even though I was exhausted from labor, I stayed up all night looking at my new baby in wonder. Staring at his perfect face, cuddling him, not even able to grasp just how monumental that day was. Having a child changes you in every way and I really don't think you would know what you were missing if you didn't have a child, but wow, it is such a privilege to be a parent. Sometimes, when we are simply reading good night stories as a family and we are all giggling I look over at Doug, we exchange a look that says "we are so lucky, this is all we need". Being a parent has made me appreciate all the simple things in life and has made me realize that the simple things are all that matter.
I have learned so much about myself since I have had Cooper. The relationship I have with him is more complex than any relationship I have ever had. The love I feel for him is fierce and it overwhelms me at times. Yet, nobody can test my patience like he can. I have learned a new way to love and be loved.
Cooper, you have become such an amazing little boy. Your are wicked smart! You say and do the funniest things. You are compassionate and loving. You are wonderful. I have loved every moment of being your Mommy and look forward to every moment to come.


I made this crown for him. I copied the idea from a friend of mine at work. She gave me the pattern. Thanks Erin!


Here we are singing Happy Birthday to Cooper


Cooper opening presents. He had such a blast at his party!


Miss Fina slept on everyone during the party. Doug and I hardly saw her.

A Day On The "Music Sound"

We were invited to go out on a boat on the Puget Sound with Brenda and Johnny's family on Sat. Cooper heard us talking about it and on the way announced that we were going out on a boat on the "Music Sound".
It was a beautiful day and we had so much fun. Cooper and Kayla had a blast together! They really play well. Fina did great. She has been such a peaceful baby, we are so lucky. Here are some photos from the day...
















We went out to a sand spit so the kids could play. It was very fun!!