BK (before kids), I used to dread January. It seemed like such an empty month after the excitement and fulfillment of the holidays which I love so much, but now I look forward to January. It's such a nice feeling to clean, organize, get life back in order from the happy chaos and establish much needed routines again. It's a month of goal setting, budgeting, playing with new toys, learning new skills, and looking forward to an exciting year ahead. I truly enjoy plotting out our calendar for the first 6 months of the year, which is filled with birthdays! Part of me is so sad celebrating my babies getting older, but the other part is so incredibly thankful that we have these beautiful babies to celebrate. After much thought we (I!) decided to forgo the typical "Kimmi" birthday party celebrations and instead have a super casual play date birthday party at the park for the trio so that we can do individual date birthdays with each child instead. The only downside to having children so close in age is that individual quality time is rare. I want to take some time to truly celebrate each child with just Ryan and I. The park day will be cupcakes and juice and perhaps a few decorations (because I can't stand to not!) and then Clayton's special day will include dinner and an Angels game, Chloe's a trip to the American Girl store and of course she'll get to pick out a new baby, and Easton will go to Irvine Park to ride the train, the ponies, and go to the zoo. Can't wait to celebrate! We had some milestones this month. Clayton continues to be a superstar on his "pedal" bike. He's so fun to watch. Clay has gotten super inquisitive lately and "beat around the bush" answer are not sufficient. The other day he rephrased his question for me, "Mommy, my question is, why is Chloe in trouble" after not being satisfied with my incomplete answer. I imagine we have a lifetime of this. Chloe learned how to ride her big girl bike in just a few short days. I have to give Ryan credit. He is a fantastic bike riding teacher! Ryan's typically pretty impatient, but he was so focused, determined, and loving with the duo as he taught them to ride their bikes. She loves riding her bike and Mommy is super thankful Santa didn't listen to her and brought Chloe her princess bike! Easton, our fearless toddler has taken to his Y-bike like a champ. The boy loves going down hills super fast, feet up with the grandest grin. He has to ride every day or else a massive tantrum ensues! He's also started talking so much better in the last few days. I've been praying about it and am thinking God is hearing me. I am not the least concerned about true issues, but don't want to get referred to speech therapy. Easton's small collection of words are now being said with regularity and purpose. He's finally more interested in reading, which is huge to sound and vocabulary development. Despite the slow talking development, Easton is a great communicator. He understands perfectly well and knows how to get what he wants through a whole assortment of other means.
Here's some pictures of our month of hope and promise...
Clayton and Chloe's 2013 reflections
Waiting at Urgent Care because Mommy gets a little paranoid...clearly E was perfectly fine!
Such a good dog.
Special date at the movies with our original two! We are "Frozen" obsessed over here. We listen the soundtrack on repeat all day and watch the movie daily (we have hookups!)
Nonnie's turn to chase Little around Box Canyon!
A true princess wears her gown to sleep!
We considered canceling My Gym because it is pretty expensive, but just can't do it to this sweet boy. He loves every minute of his time there!
We love playing dress up!
Learning time with Mommy...Courderoy
Daddy pulled up and there was a fire!!
Clippers game in a box compliments of Uncle KyKy!
Daddy and Me day at Messiah! Ryan had such a special time with his beautiful children.
Love my crafting time!
Daddy kisses at My Gym!
All ready for snow day...in California, in January, in 80 degree weather!
Clayton's version of Daddy
Chloe's version of Daddy
My little make-up artist!
Sweet snugglers
Soaking up the winter sun at Balboa!
Brave kid rode the crazy whale ride!
A boy and his dog
Our first successful and enjoyable dinner as a family of 5!
Family time at Disneyland
Clayton can write his name!! So proud of my boy.
Our little girl's dream come true...
This kid is crazy!!
Gift for baby girl all ready to go...getting difficult, yet exciting.
Soccer practice with Soccer Shots
Having fun at Mommy's work! Who would have thought a ramp could be such fun!
Easton loves taking showers with Daddy!
