So Very Very Thankful

Now that Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have passed, I've had a few moments to reflect on the things in my life that I am truly thankful for (some more valuable than others (don't judge, sometimes nothing makes me happier than a mommy time-out and a glass of wine)).

 1. My sexy firefighter husband. He has given me life's three greatest gifts, his love,
    Jack Ryan and Ella Grace.
 2. My beautiful children. J & E are healthy and happy and the center of my world.
 3. My sister. She gives nothing but unconditional love to me and is there no matter what.
    Someday we will be those crazy gray-haired ladies in a big house with lots of cats.
 4. My family and in-laws. Each gives so much of themselves. They helps in more ways
    than I can ever repay and love J & E so very much.
 5. My BFF. The girl I met on the first day of 4th grade has been a rock in my life for more
    than 20 years. She and I welcomed little girls into this world seven weeks apart; I hope
    they grow up to be great friends too.
 6. My friends. We've shared the best of times and the worst of times.
 7. My job. Even on the most frustrating of days, I really do love what I do. I am blessed to
     be one of the few that want to go to work each day.
 8. Surviving potty-training a toddler. It seemed to take forever, but we did it! Hopefully
     E will be easier.
 9. Knowing I picked the best man in the world when the laughter of my son fills our
     house.
10.Watching that same man dote upon his little girl with such love and tenderness.
11.Date nights
12.A good soak in the tub
13.The kindness of strangers who offer to help with a door when I have both kids by
     myself
14.Hugs from my sexy firefighter- he just knows when I need one
15.Enjoying a glass of bubbly with the sexy firefighter
16.Homemade fried rice (sexy husband's specialty)
17.Homeade gifts from J & E
18.940 Basswood- orignally owned by my grandparents, now owned by my aunt. The
    backyard holds some of my favorite childhood memories.
19.Mommy time-outs
20.Mexican Food
21.Anything pumpkin flavored
22.Winter (I love cold weather)
23.Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino
24.Pinot Grigio
25.Fresh flowers
26.Italian Food
27.Brad Paisley's music
28.Target
29.Tex-Mex trail mix by Archer Farms
30.Freedom

A week of many firsts...

Jack and Ella are both growing so fast these days. We have had quite a few "firsts" for both kids this week. Jack has been pottying training for some time and about a two weeks ago decided he could go by himself and he didn't need any help. Jon has been working with him on standing up like a big boy this week. With the help of some "targets" he is doing fairly well. We are also trying to coax him into eating new foods. Some days are more successful than others. Ella transitioned from a size 1 to size 2 diaper this week, which I know sounds pretty uneventful, but to me its just another sign of how fast she is growing. She also tried rice cereal for the first time this week (see pics below). I always wonder what babies must think when they get something other than formula or breastmilk. The texture alone must be mind-blowing. On the downside, Ella also made her first trip to the urgent care center for kids. She got her first cold (thankfully it wasn't an ear infection). Suctioning her nose is torture to both of us. Jack was very helpful at the doctor's he told both the nurse and doctor all about her symptoms. It was really very cute. I am amazed at how conversational he has become.

You're a Beautiful Girl

Recently we had some pictures taken of Ella Grace, they are below for your viewing pleasure. At her 4-month check-up she was 25 1/2 inches long and 13lbs 4oz. She loves to laugh and scoot around her crib, tummy time is getting better (less screaming and crying on her part) and she loves to "sit" up and look around. Jon and I love the way she watches her older brother. She is so entertained by Jack and we can just tell she can't wait to move and play with him.