Happy 4th Birthday Carleigh!

My Dear Little Girl,

You are Spring Sunshine and a Summer Thunderstorm all rolled into one. A girl of fantastic imagination and a loving heart. I admire your honesty and your ability to take life in S-L-O-W-L-Y. You equally enjoy playing battle with your brother and having girl time painting your nails or playing dress up. You love princesses, ponies, singing songs and snuggles. You wear your heart on your sleeve and have more empathy at four years than many adults I know. Be patient with me my sweet girl as I learn to understand your constantly changing needs. I love witnessing who you are becoming. You are strong-willed and admittedly a challenge some days for Mommy and Daddy, but we wouldn't change you for anything and thank God for blessing our family with you.

Happy 5th Birthday Nicolaus!

N - Nice

I - Intelligent

C - Caring

O - Observant

L - Loving and Lovable

A - Amazing

U -  Unstoppable

S - Sensitive

P - Passionate

Four Years Old!

Yep, he's four! Can you believe it? It seriously feels like yesterday God made us a family by blessing us with this

And four years later we are blessed every day by this kind, funny, sweet, stubborn, sensitive, smart, silly, snuggly, handsome, loving little man.

Nicolaus, I seriously don't deserve you. You have taught me so much about life, love,selflessness, happiness and forgiveness. Through you I am living out good works and discovering God's plan for me and our family. Every day I am amazed by you and am blessed to be your mom and help you to discover God's plan for you.

She's Two!

Miss Carleigh May,

You are sweet and sassy, smart and determined...some have even called you a diva. You love your "bankie," babies, petting Roxy and giving kisses. My little social butterfly, it is hard to believe you are the same baby who would barely let anyone besides your mommy hold you. You enjoy "booming" your brothers army men and taking the toys he loves, yet cannot go to sleep without giving him a kiss and hug. You are brave, seeming fearless at times. You climb to the top of the highest slides at the playground and squeal with delight going down. Nicolaus won't even do that! Mommy wishes you would eat and drink a little more, but it doesn't seem to keep you from growing. Don't grow up too fast my baby girl! Tonight after stories you asked me to rock you too sleep. I'm so happy you did, it means you're still my baby girl!

* 24 lbs
* Sleeps 10-12 hours at night
* Naps 1.5 - 2 hours during the day
* Goes on the potty, though not potty trained 100%
* Speaking in 3 and 4 word sentences
* Despises shoes and walks on tip-toes
* Loves dresses and galoshes
* Enjoys singing
* Counts to 15

Happy 3rd Birthday Nicolaus! | Then and Now

Three

Nicolaus,

I can hardly believe when you wake up tomorrow morning you will be a three year old! Someday when you are a parent you will understand the bittersweet emotions your child's birthday can bring. I am so excited for what you will discover in the next year of your life, yet a little sad the last year has gone by so quickly. You are my greatest joy and I thank God for blessing your Daddy and me with you. Your excitement and raw zeal for life I hope never goes away. You are sensitive, smart, fun, funny, handsome, outgoing and oh so loving. You love music, learning, and absolutely adore your sister. I just know you will be best buddies forever. I enjoy being silly with you and being a comfort for you. I hope you always know you can be your true self with me. One of my favorite parts of the day is snuggling with you in bed at night, singing you one last song and hearing you say "I love you Mommy," as I close the door. I love you too, Nicolaus!


Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all that you have created, but most of all thank you for the family you created on the day Nicolaus was born. On this eve of his third birthday, I pray for guidance in being the kind of parent you want me to be and leading both my children with the grace they deserve. Help me to lift up and encourage Nicolaus in all the things which make him unique. Help me to find patience on days when all I feel is frustration. Help me to offer them the tools they need to be morally strong and spiritually motivated. Ultimately help me fill them with the knowledge of your love and compassion. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Birthday Boy

My Dearest Nicolaus,

Today you turned two years old and I cannot believe you are such a big boy already. You are so smart and funny, determined and outgoing, sensitive and caring. You really enjoy trucks, Thomas the Train, balls, singing, dancing, and reading stories. You love to give hugs and to snuggle with a blanket. You find a way to melt my heart every day. Nicolaus you are my joy and I hope you always know I love you.

Love,
Mommy

* 30 lbs 1 oz and 34 inches

Let's Party!

Nicolaus' FirstBbirthady party was a success! It was just the right amount of people both for him and for mommy. The farm themed cake and cupcakes were a hit...especially with the birthday boy. Nicolaus loved it when everyone serenaded him with Happy Birthday and at first, of course, was more interested in the wrapping paper and balloons than any of the gifts. But he recieved some great presents with which he is already having loads of fun. Thank you family and friends for sharing this special day with us! We wish we could have spent more time visiting with everyone. Oh, and if you are wondering where John is...he was the one taking all the pictures!

1 Year Old!

Happy Birthday to My Little Man!

* 21 lbs
* Now has 3 teeth
* Sleeps through the night consistently
* Enjoys his bedtime story
* Says Dog, Da-Da, Cat, Hat, That, Ball, Bath and moos like a cow
* Eats almost all regular food --no more baby food
* Drinks some milk and is down to 3 nursing sessions a day
* Loves vienna sausages and dried cranberries (not together)

* Can climb up stairs

* Loves going on walks with mommy
* Likes to roll around and be silly on Penny's bed
* Give's Penny hugs and kisses
* Throws his hands up in the air for "Touchdown!" when he sees a football player