Happy Birthday Kellen!

Some of you might be wondering, "What's up with the trains?" Don't get me wrong, trains are great and all, but they probably wouldn't be my first choice for my blog background. However, today is Kellen's birthday, and I can't think of anything he loves more than trains (the boy is obsessed!), so they are in honor of him.

10 things I love about Kellen:

1. He is so polite, always saying please (pweese), thank you (bank you or banks), you're welcome (ya-wah-come), bless you (bess you), excuse me (es-koose me), and sorry (sa-wee). The best part is how he always puts a cute little, "oh" before it, and the name of the person he's addressing after-- "Oh, banks, Mommy!", "Oh, bess you, Mommy!" He says it all like he actually means it-- Like he really is grateful for his cup of milk! :) Oh, I also love how when I hurt myself or even just cough, he instantly asks, "Yo-kay Mom?", and, "Oooh! Es Okay Mommy! Kisses!" and he kisses it better. He really is so caring!

2. I love his enthusiasm for everything. Even when he was just tiny he always responded to a question with a huge, "Oh, OKAY!" or, "Oh, SURE!"

3. I love how he dances! His signature move is to stick his left leg out, a little to the back, with the toe pointed, and bounce. The best part is his dance face, with his eyes and mouth both wide open. I don't know how he got to be so cheesy... Taylor... :)

4. I love how strong-willed he is. Granted, it can make life hard for me sometimes, but at least he's not a quitter. When he really wants something it is almost impossible to distract him! He wont forget about it. I have always marveled at how such a small person can have such a strong will. Hopefully I can help him to put that in the right direction.

5. I love how affectionate he is. He has always been full of hugs and kisses. And of course, he adds the, "Oh!" to every hug. He's always good for a snuggle, which I so appreciate.

6. I love his sense of humor. He loves to put on a show and make people laugh. Sometimes he even hurts himself in attempt to be a clown. Again, Taylor!

7. His big baby blues, complete with the longest, thickest eyelashes. I'm actually jealous! They look especially amazing when they glisten, all soaked with his crocodile tears.

8. His crazy hair that has a mind of his own. It adds character. :)

9. I love how friendly he is. He has never had a problem with strangers, but instantly excepts others. He'll walk up to a random kid in the park and say, "Hi Kid! I Kewin! Wah pay wif me?", and he has a new friend. The very first time I took him to nursery he said, "Bye Mom!" and didn't look back. I was a little disappointed, to tell you the truth.

10. I love that he's protective of Jane, his "Baby Shane". When a "suspicious looking" stranger approaches us at the store, for example, he says, "Don toch ma Bebee Shane!" When I took Jane to the doctor for her first checkup Kellen watched as the nurse pricked her heel and made her cry. Kellen jumped from his chair, grabbed my umbrella, and gave the nurse a solid whack on the knee. I felt bad about this (luckily the nurse wasn't hurt, and had a fun sense of humor), but it was good to see that Jane's big brother already "has her back".

I am so grateful for this beautiful boy in my life. Even when he was first growing inside of me, I could feel that he was a special spirit. I am truly privileged to be his Mommy. I love you, little Kellbert!

Mother and Daughter

Oh, that is so fun to say!!! I am so exited to have my girl! I just know that she'll always be my best friend, just like me and my Mom! I love you Mom!

Jane Sleeping

Little Miracle

Identity Crisis?

Kellen was having a moody day, and I could not figure out why. Finally, I gave him a hot bath, wrapped him in a fuzzy blanket, gave him a box of graham crackers, and set him on the couch. (Those are things I like when I'm having a bad day.) Jane then needed my attention, so I went upstairs to take care of her. When I returned I found Kellen asleep in her pink car seat. Suddenly it all became clear. He's feeling replaced, poor little guy, and it's no wonder! This new little person is so dependent on Mommy, that it's impossible for me to give Kellen the same amount of attention that he is used to. Since this moment I've decided to let the housework slip a little bit, and make more one on one time for Kellen. Maybe in a little while, I'll be able to balance it all a little better, but for now it can wait. My kids are more important.

SUPER DAD!

I just have to say that I am so blessed to have a husband like Taylor. He is so good to me and the kids. He gets up early every day to drive to work in the cold, dark morning, and comes home tired from a long day. But instead of crashing on the couch, he picks up both kids and gives them his full attention so I can finish dinner preparations, or just have a moment to myself. He puts Kellen to bed every night, putting on his pajamas, brushing his teeth, reading books, saying prayers , and singing songs. To me there is nothing sweeter than listening to Taylor sing sweet hymns and primary songs to our little boy. I always thought I would be the one to sing the lullabies to the kids, and sometimes I even feel a little bit jealous, but I know that this special time with Dad will mean a lot to our kids for years to come. He loves his kids so much, and I'm grateful that he is able to so tenderly express that without any inhibitions.

Little Drummer Boy

We went to the music store to check on some upright bass prices. Tay had a blast in the back room where they let him jam for a while on a sweet electric upright. They let me help Kellen try the cutest little violin. He looked adorable holding it, and he thought it was pretty cool... until he saw THE DRUMS! He loves drumming on my pots and pans at home, so he was pretty excited to see the real thing. He has great rhythm, I must say. He can keep a steady, four count beat with no problem.

Goodbye Mop Top!

We are missing Aunt Taneea's free haircuts for the boys because their hair grows like weeds! I can do it myself, but he's a wiggly worm and with his thick and crazy hair it takes me a while. This took about fifteen minutes and no clean up! Kellen liked being in the big spinning chair, wearing a "batman" cape. I think it was worth the $10.