3 year old Twins; 4 month old Anna

Last month Allie and AJ celebrated their 3rd birthday! We decided to have 2 parties this year in an effort to enjoy everyone's company more than we have in the past. It turned out really well. On Saturday we had a party at my parent's house with family and some of our friends. Then on Monday evening we had a neighborhood party.
This year, Allie wanted a princess party and AJ wanted either a race car party or a monster truck party. This made it hard to do a "theme" so I ended up making Allie a princess cake and AJ a Lightening McQueen cake. They LOVED the cakes and were so excited about them. I remember being so excited for the cakes my mom would make us as kids for our birthdays and it makes me happy to be able to carry on this tradition with my own kids.
All AJ really wanted for his birthday was a big, blue monster truck and all Allie wanted was princess stuff. Nana and Papa got them both what they wanted and along with everything from Uncles and friends, they have been in heaven this past week! Alberto and I decided to get them bikes for their birthdays. I was a little worried that they wouldn't be as excited as we were, but they both love their bikes and are doing so well at riding them. They even love wearing their helmets.
Turning 3 has been a bitter-sweet experience for me as the mommy. I am not going to lie, it has been challenging to deal with them the last few months. However, the other night as I worked on their cakes, AJ was sitting by me on the counter and Alberto was playing music. I looked over at AJ and he said, "Mom, this is my song." I laughed a little and then went back to coloring frosting. A few seconds later, I looked at him again and he had grabbed a beater and was using it as a microphone rocking out to "his song." It was so darn cute and I realized in that moment, I love this age!! They are SO funny and imaginative. Yes, we have our moments, but overall Allie and AJ are the cutest, most fun kids on the planet and I am endlessly grateful that they are mine (ours).
Allie-Has become a princess. She loves to dress up and is so happy to finally have her own dress up clothes, shoes and jewelry (thanks everyone)!
She loves to look at herself in the mirror and watch her face as she talks and makes faces.
Loves "helping" me...whether it is holding Anna, singing to her, taking diapers to the trash, carrying around the baby lotion, making cookies, putting on my make-up or folding laundry, I can always count on Allie.
Has an awesome memory. She knows many songs and has even memorized some commercials on both from the TV and the radio. She is learning her letter sounds and is really picking up on Portuguese words very quickly.
Wants to wear a dress everyday.
Needs a lot of attention and gets a little jealous of baby Anna, but luckily she is always nice to Anna.
Still sucks her thumb, but I just don't have the heart to nag her about it yet.
Still has super curly hair. It is getting so long...She sure is beautiful.
Loves seeing girls in wedding dresses and loves to talk about dancing in a wedding dress. If you ask her who she is going to marry, she says "AJ".
Likes Taylor Swift and can recognize her voice even when she doesn't know the song.
Loves her froggy jammies. When she grew out of her first pair, she asked for them for months. Luckily we found two different pairs at Costco so she has plenty of froggy jammies to last her through the winter.
Likes to dance around and is beginning to experiment with new dance moves.
Says, "What ever you say Mom." and "I just wanna play for 1 more minute"...all the time.
Is quick to throw a fit if she thinks there is even a small chance things aren't going to go her way.
Has started to give explainations for not listening, "Because I just need to do this."
AJ-Can't get enough trucks, cars, motorcycles...anything that goes.
Likes talking sports with daddy.
Will ask people to play with him. I think it is the cutest thing, "Hey, Hey Daddy, you wanna play football with me?"
Loves his puppy and carries it all over the house. It's ear fell off yesterday because he rubs the ears between his fingers to fall asleep. He recently named it Brinkley, after Nana and Papa's dog.
He HATES hair!! If he gets a hair on him or if my hair touches him, he gets all upset and grossed out. It is really funny.
Is a snack-aholic lately. Asks for snacks all day long. If he sees someone eating he asks, "Hey, what are you eating?" or says, "Hey mom, open up."
Is very aware of "boy" stuff and "girl" stuff. He really likes to be around daddy, uncles and Papa.
Can make Anna laugh more than anyone else. She loves him.
Loves to point out when he is being "a nice boy" or "listening" when I am mad at Allie for not doing these things, "Mom, I'm being a nice boy."
Still loves to tease Allie.
Doesn't like when Allie is in time out. He always asks me to let her out.
Is really good about smiling for pictures.
Always wants to go to Nana and Papa's house.


Anna-At her 4-month appointment she was nearly 16 pounds and measured 27.5 inches. She is so tall that the nurse re-measured twice and Dr. Kaddu even asked me if I thought they measured correctly. I love having tall girls!!
She continues to look months older than she is.
Is the most pleasant baby you could imagine.
Has started screaming!
Started saying "Ba-ba-ba" and "Da-da, ba-ba" in the last few days. She only says it when she is tired or hungry.
Loves to watch Allie and AJ; especially AJ.
Is becoming very distracted by all sorts of things...
Can roll over both ways, but for some reason won't roll from her belly to back lately. She just gets all mad after being on her belly a while.
Likes to "sit-up" and look around.
Is taking more and more interest in toys.
Has gotten over her obsession with her hands and is now OBSESSED with her feet. She loves to suck on her toes any chance she gets.
Still has a ton of hair.
Gets a lot of attention when we are out and about. She is a total entertainer.

Halloween 2010

We had such a great Halloween this year! Allie and AJ chose to be a cowboy and a cowgirl and they were by far the CUTEST cowboy and cowgirl ever!! My mom made their costumes and did such an awesome job. I wish I had my mom's skills! We got Anna a little cow outfit so she could be a cowgirl too!
Earlier in the week the kids had their Joy School and the theme was Rodeo. They were so excited to get to wear some of their cowboy stuff.



On Friday, we took the kids to a Halloween parade and story time at the library with some of their friends. It was chaotic, but fun to see all the kids dressed up in their cute costumes.


After the library, we went to the Staheli Farm with my school. The kids loved seeing the animals and exploring the pumpkin patch.


For Halloween, we went to Nana and Papa's house to trick or treat. I was sure 5 minutes into it, the kids would be begging for us to hold them, but they were awesome. They walked all over the place and were so happy in their costumes. Even Anna was in a good mood the whole time. Normally I would say Halloween is not my favorite, but this year it was so fun and I just loved seeing Allie and AJ so happy!
Eating sweet rolls at The Bracken's house.



Relaxing with Nana and Papa after a long night of Trick or Treating.

Anna 3-Months

Our Baby Anna is 3 months old already! She has been such a wonderful addition to our family and we all love her more and more each day.
A few fun facts:

• Anna is big and beautiful as ever! She is so long that she looks a few months older than she is.
• Anna is still a great sleeper at night. We are working our way into a daily schedule slowly but surely.
• She still HATES to be in her car seat. She throws a fit when we put her in and if you are not giving her your undivided attention while she is in there she will fuss.
• She is all smiles these days and does a lot of babbling. Allie and AJ love to hear her "talk" and they get so excited when they are the one to make her smile.
• Anna is super strong. She loves to pull herself up into a standing position and loves to practice her standing skills. She is always kicking and pushing off of everything.
• Lately, Anna loves to play with her swaddling blanket. She is not really interested in toys yet, but she loves to grab onto her blanket and put it in her mouth or on her face.
  
• She is totally obsessed with her hands, which I know is normal for 3 months, but really she is obsessed. She is starting to suck her fingers, not the thumb yet, but all the other fingers. It is cute. When I lay her down for naps she will wiggle her hands out of the blanket and squeal with excitement then usually falls asleep with one or both hands right at her mouth.
• She still has a ton of hair! I am just so surprised she hasn't lost much yet and it just keeps getting longer. I think she is even getting a little mullet in the back.
• Her eyes are so big and gorgeous. All day long she is so alert and looking all over the place, with wide eyes just taking it all in. She even has curly lashes which I am so jealous of.
  
• She is turning out to be pretty brown. In the beginning I thought she might be more fair skinned, but now I wouldn't be surprised if she turns out as dark or darker than AJ. Lucky kids!
• She still does not want anything to do with a bottle or pacifier.
• Anna has a few nicknames already: Baby Anna, Anna Banana, and Allie calls her "Little Fella".

As for Allie and AJ, they will be turning 3 soon. They are so excited for Halloween, their birthday and Christmas that they kind of mix it all up. This year AJ wants a big truck, race car, monster truck party and Allie wants a "Belle for my birthday Christmas party".However, all of a sudden yesterday, AJ talked her into a pink monster truck party and he decided he wants a brown monster truck. They are too funny. I guess we will see. I told them I could make a monster truck cake with a princess in the truck and they both said, "NOOOOO" like it was the most ridiculous thing they had heard.


For Halloween they are going to be a cowboy and a cowgirl. We got them each a pair of boots, which they love. They want to wear them all the time, but daddy is making them keep the boots nice until after Halloween. My mom is going to make their costumes...I am excited that they are excited because last year they were kind of scared to dress up.
Last night I gave them a bubble bath and I was asking them about their birthdays. This led into them saying celebration, which led into them throwing bubbles at each other saying, "You look like a celebration", which led to them to saying things like, "You look like a clown" and "You look like a pirate" and pretty much what ever came into their minds. Soon they were literally smacking each other in the face saying the craziest stuff and laughing hysterically. I probably should have stopped them, but it was so funny to see them laugh that hard. By the time bath time was over they had water everywhere, but it was worth it to hear their laughter.
I could go on and on about these two. They are getting so big and so so smart! I am amazed everyday at how much can happen in 3 short years!

Camping at Pine Valley

A few weekends ago, we decided to do a quick camping trip at Pine Valley. By the time we got all packed up and Alberto finished up his school work, it was late in the day. We didn't end up getting there until dinner time and the kids didn't have a nap that day. It was a crazy evening between 3 tired kids, me trying to heat up dinner and Alberto trying to set the tent up before dark. Before the night was over, both Allie and AJ biffed it pretty hard and Allie was screaming over everything. Alberto and I were asking that question I am sure all parents ask at least once during every camping trip, "why are we doing this?" During all the madness however, we managed to have some fun. We roasted marshmallows, made smores and cooked jiffy pop over the camp stove. The kids helped me gather fire wood and we all enjoyed sitting around the fire for a while. As we were setting up for bed, we realized we forgot the sleeping bags!! Luckily I brought a couple blankets and Allie and AJ have air mattresses with sleeping bags attached. It ended up being a really cold night, but all the kids slepts really well in spite of the lack of covers. I was shocked at how well Anna did. She only woke up to eat once and went right back to sleep.
The next day we let the kids have donut holes for breakfast with hot chocolate. They thought that was the best thing ever. Between eating and several trips to the potty the kids played football with Alberto and played all sorts of pretend games. Later that day my family came up to picnic with us. We walked over to the lake and let the kids explore while Uncle Wes did some fly fishing.
After lunch we headed for home. Although it was a lot of work and a huge test of our patience, we had a great time!

My chart topper

Anna had her 2 month check up yesterday. She weighs 13lbs and 9oz. and she is 25 inches tall. This puts her in the 99th percentile for weight and height!! She is such a good baby! When I take her to the doctor, I have no questions about her and a million about the twins. I know it is just because they are always going through stages that are new to us. We have done the baby stuff and I am way less freaked out this time around, but the toddler stuff is always keeping me guessing.
In addition to being a big beautiful baby, Anna continues to be a great sleeper and eater. She is so strong and people are always commenting on how she holds herself so well. She still has a great head of hair, which I am so happy about. She has these gorgeous curly lashes and the most beautiful smile. She is generally easy going and content and loves to be outside in the evenings (as do the rest of us). She has started using baby talk lately and I just love it. Today she was jabbering pretty much nonstop while she was awake and not eating. It is so cute and Allie and AJ love to hear her. She loves her swing and her own bed. She still hates her car seat and won't take a pacifier...this makes shopping less fun than it could be. She is discovering her hand now and I have a feeling that she will be a thumb sucker before too long. The other day I had her on her tummy and I guess she was really hungry because she began sucking on her arm and gave herself a little hicky.
We are sure enjoying having our baby Anna with us and watching her grow and change.

The moments that take your breath away

So, tonight we were driving home from my parents house and that new George Strait song was on the radio, "The Moments That Take Your Breath Away". I was listening very closely and started thinking of some of those moments in my own life. My first thoughts were of all the excitement and emotion I felt on the days I had my babies. I remember both times lying on the operating table shaking and smiling like a clown just waiting for our babies to arrive. It seemed like so long waiting at the time and now looking back, it was all so quick. Seeing each of them for the first time was truly breath taking. Looking into their dark eyes and holding them close for the first time was breath taking. Watching them discover the world, grow and learn...
I can't believe my Anna is already 2 months old and the twins are almost 3! It goes so fast and all night I have been thinking, I need to write this down so my babies know that from the moment they arrived, they have been my world. I can't imagine more love than the love of a mother for her child.

Baby Anna's Blessing and A few weeks before

Today was Anna's blessing! It was such a special day and Alberto gave her a beautiful blessing. It was so nice to be with family and good friends and celebrate our precious girl. She as usual was such a good baby and although she was awake during the blessing she was quiet and nice. After the blessing we had a fun lunch at our club house. I took a few pictures, but nothing too great. Thanks to all who were able to make it out to support us and spend time.

I included some random pictures I have taken lately. In the past couple weeks Anna has been changing so much. She is smiling a lot more and so alert. She hold her head up and looks around like she just can't wait to figure this world out. I love how she stares into our eyes and when she smiles it makes me feel like I am the greatest thing in the world to her.

Last time the kids and I were at my mom's house we decided to make them a fort to play under. They put their Lightening McQueen and Princess mattresses under it and we read books and attempted an unsuccessful nap. It was fun though and I enjoyed reading with and chatting with them under our little fort.

Baby Anna's Newborn Pictures

I am so pleased with the way Anna's newborn pictures turned out! They were worth the wait!! Now the hard part is deciding what to enlarge and where to put all of them!

Thank goodness for Books

I have posted more than once about how much I love when my kids sit down and look at books. Lately, I love it more than ever. Allie and AJ are in this phase where they are super whiny and they fight a lot. Some days can be really long with 2-two year olds bickering and throwing fits over every little thing.
However, I think they love books now more than ever. Several times through out the day they will empty the bookshelf or a basket of books and quietly look through them. It is heaven on earth.
Every night we read a few books (or Brazilian comics in Portuguese)as a family. Both Allie and AJ are starting to like to pretend to read too. It is so cute. AJ will open a book and say, "Once upon a time there was a dinosaur (or whatever the subject of the book happens to be). The End." They both LOVE the "If you give a..." books. They can finish every page now that they have caught on to the pattern (our kids are so smart).
Tonight we read, "If You Take A Mouse To School". Allie wanted to read it to me after I read it to them. She opened the book and said something along the lines of, "If you take a mouse to school, he'll probably want your lunch box. He will play soccer and skateboard and chances are if you give him a snack you will take him back to school." She "read" this to me as she turned through pages using picture cues. I am sure she could have told me the whole story if she wasn't skipping pages as she flipped through, but the cutest part was how proud she was of herself. She was just beaming as she remembered the words from the book.
I love how learning comes so naturally for little ones. It is amazing to see how they take in EVERYTHING!!

Anna's Birth Announcement

The photographer, Errin Andrus, just sent me these today and I just love them!! I can't wait to get the actual announcements and to see all of her pictures. We have the most beautiful babies in the world!!

Front of the announcement

Back of the announcement