and just like that he turned 1.

I have been having a hard time writing this post. Partly because I'm in denial and partly because I took so many photos that I've had a hard time going through them and editing them. This is somewhat due to Teddy Bear's birthday falling right during our Easter celebration. (easter photos are up next) I guess there's no putting it off anymore.

Well, we have officially survived Teddy Bear's first year of life. Maybe, with two older siblings and a highly distractible mother, I should say that he survived.
In the days leading up to his birthday, Teddy Bear started walking. Thank goodness for that. D and I didn't know how much longer we could keep lugging this guy around. Luckily, our arms haven't fallen off yet. I discovered in my karate class that my left arm has become freakishly strong as compared to my right...I guess carrying around 23lbs *all of the time* can leave its mark.

A few days after his birthday, Teddy Bear said his first word (beyond Mama, Dada and "wazz at"). He received a stuffed panda for Easter and he now says, "panda." Which really sounds more like "Danda." Which could easily be mistaken for "Dada" except that his emphasis is completely different. I'm his mom, I know these things.

Some more about Teddy Bear: He still hates having his diaper changed, officially sleeps through the night (I was way too enabling on this count), loves to dive down slides head first, lost one of his only bottom teeth in a freak colander accident (colander has been banished) Enjoys carrying Jellybean's dolls around and Buddy's underwear (hmm...), likes to make a "vroom, vroom" sound when pushing cars around and a pig snorting sound when looking at pictures of farm animals. Increasingly loves books and has decided that he likes cuddling his panda and his raccoon lovey. This kid also loves to dance.

Buddy and Jellybean love to include him in their games. I'm only slightly concerned that he is often cast as the villain. His siblings really do enjoy having him around and interacting with him.

He is just the sweetest kid there is. We love him to pieces.

Click on the picture below for a link to a gallery with more of his birthday pictures.

Teddy Bear 1 Year Old April 19, 2014

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

Quick Picture: Fairy Garden

Jellybean saw a fairy garden at a local nursery last week and fell in love. So, here is the result of today's endeavor. A little fairy house is next on our project list.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

She is Four.

Jellybean just passed her fourth birthday. She basically had an entire four days of celebrating, which was a bit difficult for Buddy. (It is so hard to see someone else getting all of the attention and presents...) Jellybean had a blast and then fell to strep throat the very next day. At least she wasn't sick on her b-day.

She started her weekend of fun off at the Natural History Museum with some of her cousins. The next day, she got to eat her birthday cake at her grandma and grandpa B's house. She had specially requested an Ariel cake with a castle. She helped me put the fish on. She loved the end result and if it doesn't end up on Cake Wrecks, I'll be happy.

Monday, she received a special visit from her other set of grandparents. Then, on her actual birthday, she woke up to some presents. Later that day, we took a family trip out to buy books at DI and then to get cupcakes. Living the high life.

Jellybean is fun, loving, sweet and creative. She is always up for a craft or art project. She loves, kittens, puppies, princesses, dress-ups, ponies, barbies, baby dolls and "mommy time." She enjoys being read to and has learned all of her capital letters. She is also well on her way to learning all of the lowercase letters and sounds. She will be starting preschool this fall and is very excited about it.

This girl loves to play with both of her brothers. Teddy Bear loves her especially. She can always get him excited and laughing. It is so cute watching her play with him. Jellybean is my helper. She sometimes likes to play "helper bot" and is always up for helping me cook or get the table ready for dinner. She loves to listen to music and sing. She can often be heard belting out a number or two in her room. Right now, she loves to sing "Let it go," but can also be heard signing songs that she has just made up.

Jellybean enjoys riding her bike and will likely be ready to take off her training wheels this summer. She always wants to play and really likes role play games. She is always happy to assign people roles, not so happy if they deviate from their assignments. If you ask her where she'd like to eat out, she'll most likely say Wendy's. If you ask her what color her hair is, she'll say orange. Which is still her favorite color as well. She always has a secret for you and will not let you leave without a hug.

Jellybean started ballet this year and D and I are so impressed by her focus in class. It is clear that she loves to dance. Jellybean loves to spend time outside, even just exploring the backyard. She also is a great helper in the garden, an excellent rescuer of worms and she can't wait to help me with a vegetable patch this summer.

We could not be prouder of her. She is such a bright, sunny girl. I am so glad that she's mine. Here's to another year of awesome.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ