It's Been Awhile...

The end of June is nearly here and I haven't published a post since March. Given how much I enjoy writing in this space it seems odd, but I suppose I haven't known exactly what to say. Well that, and we've been knock down, can't catch our breath busy for the last 6 months. But now, I think we are starting to breathe. Life is changing, drastically, but I think we are starting to relax by the grace of God.

Since January 2014 we were able to visit family, I was able to see Ebony for the last (earthly) time, we went to her funeral (which was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time), I started back at work which brought with it a ridiculous schedule and pace for both Henry and I, Sy turned 1 and Zoey turned 4, an a whole host of other highs and lows, joys and sorrows.

My job has been wonderful for the past six and half years. It's allowed me to have my children home with me and work full time. Something I have not taken for granted. However, it brings with it a crazy schedule, developing most of the day and then you teach in the evening 4 nights a week, which means you don't have much of a social life. Henry and pass by each other as I hand him the kiddos and headed into the office. It's always felt like a lot, but the last six months felt so much harder. It likely had a lot to do with the workload, and the fact that up until the last couple weeks, Sy was up in the night at least twice. Everything can feel more challenging without more than 4 hours of sleep. But we stuck it out and struggled and pushed to stay connected as a family. 

All that being said, it seems clear that our family is trying to adjust and pray about changes we need. We are not entirely sure what that means for us yet, but we are talking about it, a lot. And in the meantime we are looking forward to summer, because regardless, summer means Mommy isn't working. It also means, more family time, and actually eating suppers together. I'm also excited about the prospect of using this space for more creative things, perhaps postings about recipes (white chocolate sauce or the perfect cheesecake anyone?), activities with the kids and our new family venture with It Works! Global (we are finally feeling healthier! Boo stress yay Wraps and Greens!). 

So keep our family in your prayers and forgive me as we navigate this stage in our lives. But we are genuinely excited about what is potentially in store!

Little Girl Grows Up...

Today is the last day Zoey will be 3, and it seems appropriate given how grown up she has become. She still has that tiny little voice that melts my heart, the same big baby blue eyes that she has had since the day she was born, and her hand still fit snugly in my hand. She's still my baby girl, but in the last few months, even weeks, she has grown up significantly in front of our eyes.

We had a demonstration of how much she has grown last weekend. She showed us how capable she really is under pressure. We were on our way out to Henry's soccer game when I popped out on the deck to grab supper off the grill so it would be ready when we got back. I shut the patio door behind me to make sure Sy didn't follow me outside when Zoey locked the toe lock on the door. She was being silly and having fun, but the problem was she didn't know how to unlock it to let me back in the house. Since we were on our way out, everything was locked up and my phone was inside. I tried for about an hour to give her direction to unlock the door and she tried, she tried so hard. The lock is tricky, even for adults who try it the first time find it a little disorienting so I understood why she was having trouble. We tried a few different options but nothing was working. I finally asked her to bring my phone to me, hoping we could squeeze it through a crack in the patio door. She climbed up on a chair to get the house phone and started to climb down. Unfortunately she didn't see that Sy had taken the vent cover off and she stepped inside and hammered her leg against the tile edge. I likely don't have to explain how unbelievably awful seeing your baby girl bruised, bleeding, and crying for you and being unable to get to her, feels. I was fairly sure she was going to be okay, but that feeling will stay with me for quite sometime. Despite all that, Zoey rallied and managed to keep helping me try and get inside. She mustered up bravery and climbed back up on the chair to get my cell for me. The crack in the patio door was just big enough to barely get the phone through so it took some time and some determined effort from Zoey. I was unsure if she was going to be able to get it pushed through, but she tried, and was not going to give up until she succeeded. My heart swells with pride when I think of it, it was incredible. Finally I had my phone and I tried calling Henry on the off chance that he had is phone on the bench with him. After thinking for a minute I decided it was time to call 911. They were so helpful and sent an officer to the house and a locksmith was close behind. The officer arrived first and amazingly got in through an unexplained unlocked window (they are all securely locked tight now). In the 20 or so minutes while we waited for the officer to arrive Zoey grabbed the iPad after I asked her to take care of her brother. She sat in front of the patio door and played games and turned on a movie for him so I could see both of them. She was mentally and physically drained by this point but kept talking to me and stayed remarkably in control. When the officer came inside she was a little stressed by the stranger inside the house while Mommy was outside. However, once I was inside the officer talked to her and she told him about her Owie and how she got herself a bandaid. I was so impressed at her willingness to talk to him and stay in control even then.

When Henry got home we recounted the story and he showed her how to unlock the door if it ever happened again. We also have a plan set for anytime something like this happens again, although hopefully it doesn't. We have been talking all week about how amazed and proud of Zoey we are, how she took care of her brother, even though she was hurt and scared she kept helping me, how she was brave and talked to the Police Officer, and how she took care of her brother and listened so well. She was very mature and grown up, and it seems so fitting that she would be having her birthday this weekend.

Our sweet Zoey is so brave, kind, loving, smart, and funny.

When she dances I feel unable to actually contain all the joy she brings me.

When she laughs we can't help but smile.

When she plays with and takes care of her baby brother we feel so much gratitude for her and her loving heart.

When she sings 'Let It Go' from Frozen, I am in awe of her mind and her ability to memorize and learn.

When she is patient and knows that we have presents for her but is willing to wait a whole two weeks, we nearly burst with pride.

When she uses her manners we are thankful for her willingness to listen and to bless others with her thoughtfulness.

We are so very thankful for you Zoey and can't wait to bless you on your Birthday tomorrow! We can't wait to see what this next year and every year after holds for you. We pray daily that God would continue to build you up and draw you close. Thank you being so perfectly you.

We love you! Happy Birthday Sweet Pea <3

Sy is One and Some...

My sweet baby boy is one and a bit and the moment came and went in a flash! If you don't believe me, it's February 18th, over a month passed his birthday.

A post about Sy's first year is long overdue and I have found myself fighting the urge to talk about how hard and busy the last months has been, but I think I would rather talk about all the amazing things my little boy can do now.

At One Year my Sylas can walk and run like crazy. It's amazing. People thought we might be busier once he could walk but I find it almost easier. He's a sturdy dude and is giving it his all to keep up with his sister. He runs back and forth, back and forth, all day happily flapping his arms, joyfully pounding his tummy, finding new adventures, toys, and harassing our very patient dog.

At One Year my Sylas can eat! We were expecting this to be a challenge since he was showing the same signs and symptoms with eating solid food that Zoey had at his age. He wasn't able to eat anything with too much texture without throwing it all back up. We kept at it and let him try different things when we could and helped maintain the interest he had in food and flavours. But just before his birthday he started having an easier time handling different textures. He still has some challenges depending on the food or day, but he is loving food and we are so excited!

At One Year my Sylas can make people smile! Sy has a personality and smile that makes people stop us in the stores. His smile takes over his entire face and lights up his eyes. Whether it's a mischievous smile or a silly smile, it's impossible to not be touched by his joyful personality. Sy and his sister are both very bright individuals that way, but even last night, we were talking about his 'twinkle'. Oma couldn't help but smile just talking about what she's always called his twinkle. There is something in his eyes that lights up his whole face and the people around him.

At One Year my Sylas can talk talk talk! At his one year check up our family doctor was impressed with the number of words he could already say. Apparently, children with siblings can take a little longer to talk since the older siblings can take over for them. Zoey is more than happy to help Sy communicate, and regularly tries to let me know what she thinks Sy wants. But it seems Sy is eager to express himself as often as he can. He's babbled for quite sometime and over the last month or so has figured out a few important words to help him convey his many emotions to us. So far he can say clearly Mom, Dad, Uh Oh, uh ah (No), Please, Thank You, Up.....oh dear I'm forgetting a couple. But I have to say, I'm thrilled he's already using manners. It makes me very proud of my kids when I see them making those good choices.

At One Year my Sylas knows the people around him. Sy recognizes the people he trusts and feels comfortable with. When Daddy comes home he perks up and runs to peak over the gate to see him. He's always excited to see Auntie Bailey, Grandma, Oma and Opa, Carissa Lynn and Blair, all the people from our community group, and with a few visits to Edmonton he is excited to see Auntie Dawn and Uncle Ryan as well. I love that he can feel safe with his family and with others. He isn't a shy as Zoey was at this age with new people, but he has a healthy caution in unfamiliar situations.

At One Year my Sylas is athletic. Clearly the kids got their athletic strengths from me....okay probably not. Henry is one of those annoying  amazing people who truly excel at most athletic activities they try, and the kids are showing signs of having their Daddy's talents. Zoey can kick a soccer ball where she wants it to go and can throw a ball remarkably far and straight. Sy can keep up with his sister pretty darn well for a one year old. We haven't seen him kick intentionally yet but he has a solid arm so far. Like I mentioned earlier, he runs back and forth for a large portion of the day, and when he's in his crib he likes to jump and jump and jump.

At One Year Sylas loves. My baby boy has a gentle heart. He's more aggressive than Zoey was, he's trouble, and he loves to destroy things all day. But he loves his family, he loves hugs, snuggles, and kisses. If you ask for a kiss he'll smile and give a big, wet, sloppy kiss. I'll take those as often as he'll let me. I can see already that he can get frustrated and hurt just by the tone we use. He is incredibly intuitive. We describe Zoey often as being a ball of emotion, and I think that Sy is different, but we can't discount the deep deep emotions his has as well. I adore his personality and how sweet, silly, and precious he is.

At One Year my Sylas is loved more and more every day by his Daddy and I, exactly for who he is and I am so thrilled everyday with the new things I get to learn about him. We are so honored to be his parents and are so proud of who he is and all he learns every day.

Happy Birthday my sweet little monster. We love you more everyday! We pray that God would speak to you and become real to you more and more.

Love Always and Forever <3