11 Months of Baby Girl Bliss

Well my sweet Jenna is already 11 months old.  Last year at this time, I was a cranky women on the edge and ready to pop.  This year has gone so fast and I have enjoyed soaking up the perfection of our littlest peanut.
At 11 months Jenna:
Is crawling all over the house and I often have to go looking for her
She loves to have the dog in the house and she thinks he is pretty funny
She claps her hands, waves bye bye, blows kisses and can point out everyone in the family
Her favorite toy is her ball popper but would rather play with any and all things the boys are playing with
She loves to be outside with the sunshine on her face
Still nurses 3 times a day
Her new favorite food is grapes and hot dogs
She is happy most of the time but is definitely a Mommy's girl and always wants to be near me
She likes taking a bath
Can pull herself up to standing position
Continues to steal our hearts day after day

Always on the move

Pretty girl, the world is at your feet, all you have to do is go after it.

I LOVE YOU SWEET MAY MAY!

Sundays with Pa-Pa and Grandma

Sunday is my favorite day of the week.  We take it slow, relax and spend time together as a family.  My wonderful MIL often makes a sunday brunch and we head to their house for a fantastic meal.  Today we were celebrating my MIL and FIL's birthdays.  They took the whole troop out to eat to celebrate. ( for the record, that is 8 adults and 7 kids, 6 of which are under the age of 6).  The kids did GREAT.  We had a fantastic meal and then headed to Pa-Pa and Grandmas house for cake and ice cream.  All the kids were super excited as they brought their snow cloths and Pa-Pa pulled them behind the Mule on the sled.  They had an absolute blast.  Even a couple of the "older" kids went for a ride.  I love how my children absolutely adore their grandparents.  The bond they share is priceless and they never want to leave their home.  I think they would move in over there if we let them LOL.  I am certain that my children will cherish the memories that are made on sundays at their Grandparents home for the rest of their lives.  Thanks Pa-Pa and Grandma for the super fun day.  We love you more than words! XOXOXO

The kids were helping Pop (as Noah call's him) get the Mule out of the barn 

Noah and Colton taking a ride 

I think they were having a blast

Kyle and Will's turn 

Hang on!

And they're off 

Jordan and Paige's turn 

My cute little penguin  

Our sweet Paige 

Miss Isla was the co captain for the day 

Colton, the back seat driver 

Noah and Will 

Daddy trying to stay warm 

Time for the "big" kids to take a turn 

Jordan fell off, wonder how that happened?

Some things never change 

Jordan getting John back for knocking him off the sled 

I guess my boys will never out grow this 

Happy Birthday Pa-Pa and Grandma!
XOXO 

Seize the day

There is a pretty fantastic article I have seen in multiple places today that has got me thinking.  It is called "Don't Carpe Diem" you can read the article here
  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/dont-carpe-diem_b_1206346.html
I often feel like I miss the boat on my Carpe Diem moments.  I know how absolutely true it is that our lives pass by quicker than a blink of an eye.  I think it was only yesterday that I was bringing Kyle home from the hospital.  He will be 13 next month.  Yikes!  Now my May will be 1 next month, Colton starts young five's in the fall and Noah will be in 5 day a week school.  With this knowledge of the reality of my children growing and moving forward with their lives I am always "trying" (used losely) to soak up every second of motherhood.  Many days I fail miserably.  The daily chores consume me, the kids push to many buttons and the constant lack of sleep turn me into a zombie of ritual.  Than, all at once some random moment will stop me in my tracks and snap me back into my Diem. Oh how I love those little things.
Jenna giggling
Noah calling Jenna "Sweetness" in the most tender voice I have ever heard
Colton telling me he loves me "more than a hot dog" at a moment when I really need to hear it
Kyle sharing a special moment of his day with me
John snagging a hug as he passes me in the kitchen
I have many heart stealing moments every day.  Moments that I know are  precious and should be cherished because they too will pass quicker than I can imagine. I might "miss the boat" more than I care to admit, but I am graciously embracing my blessings.  I thank God for little "big" moments that he sends to remind me to Carpe Diem.  

I love to watch her explore the world around her 

She is always so curious what her brothers are doing 

She is trying to learn to stand 

What's not to love?

A million baby toys and she plays with the hot wheel car

Finally a doll buggy in the house and what does it get used for?  To transport weapons of course!

Colton is so sweet, sharing his popsicle 

Yeah!  Her hair is long enough for a pony!

Jenna's 1st Oreo cookie 

I have to go looking for her now 

Mr. Hollywood himself.  Half cry, half laugh 

Playing Wipeout in the kitchen 

So computer savvy.  Think he reads my blog?

She loves my scarf.  Not sure if she loves it so much because it is mine or because it is soft