The first born turns SIX!

I say this every year, but I don't know where the time goes. I feel like we were just in the hospital having our first c-section with him. Those first months of motherhood were some of the toughest ever. Serious infections, two weeks in the hospital followed by home health care, baby with acid reflux who never stopped crying...gosh, I didn't know if we would ever see the light. But here we are six YEARS later and we have the sweetest boy ever. 

He is kind, loving, and a rule follower. He is my twin-OCD, set in his ways, and a perfectionist. Oh and very, very tidy! :) Gavin is a unique kid. He loves animals, bugs, and his siblings.

 If he has free time you can find him out back catching bugs. He wants to be a bug spray man when he grows up. He loves school and has three girlfriends...Hannah, Kiley, and Riley...that's a quote:)

 He also loves crafts! That part of him comes from Em...I am not a crafter! He is a joy! I am proud to be his mama! 

Love you Gavin Nicolas! 

23 months old and 10 months home

I have gotten behind (shocker) on my monthly progress notes since coming home with Chloe. It seems like a lifetime ago that we were in China. It's been almost 10 months and she is already 23 months old. Hard to believe we are about to celebrate her second birthday. 

She continues to grow and change, but one thing remains the same since we first held her-she is the most active, busiest baby I have ever had the pleasure of raising! I think most of my friends are reluctant to believe how crazy life is when she is awake until they spend five minutes with us! A social worker was recently at our house at 8:00 am (she arrived 15 minutes early) and asked if I was out of my routine as Chloe dug in the garage while I packed Ethan's lunch. Ummmm, no ma'am this is my life every.single. DAY! She may be busy, but she is a delight and we love getting to watch her grow. With the help of lots of speech therapy she is saying yes, no, mommy, mama, quack, moo, baa, ruff, elmo, more, eat, please, milk (all approximations but close approximations). She is signing for baby, bath, cheese (her favorite food). Her drool has decreased considerably which means less bibs! She still loves music and her BFF Nolan.  

Sure can't imagine life without her! 

Easter Fun

March, April, and May are crazy months for our family! Lots of birthdays and then throw in Easter to the mix and you have a mama who never stops! But is all for the cause of memory making and special times with those we love. Here are some pictures from our weekend and Chloe's first Easter.

Easter baskets from Papa and Em. Chloe loves anything with music!

Ethan is obsessed with states so this placemat was a hit! 

Dying eggs...Chloe's first time and she just wanted to pick up the eggs out of the dye. Our hands were both green

The Easter bunny stopped by...Chloe was still sleeping, but wasn't really into it anyway:)

We made it to the earliest service at church...just a small miracle! And Chloe made it through the service in the nursery...second miracle of the day! 

She stays with us in big church for music and loves it!

After church some of us took naps...

While the rest of us set up for our Easter party...it was a great day with Papa Em and friends who are like family. My kids had a blast with their friends...I think even the big kids had fun too! 

Be still my heart

Couldn't forget Amelia:) 

Taking Papa's drink while he chats with Mr. David

Chloe loved the bounce house

The Gillick Family

The ladies actually got some time to sit and chat while the kids ran wild:)

The egg hunters...thanks to the big kids for hiding all the eggs

Buttering up Mr. David for candy

Lucy got on board with Chloe's plan...both girls opened their mouths like little birds for David's cobbler and David complied.

It was a fabulous day celebrating our RISEN King!!!

Lifesong Easter Egg Hunt

We had such a busy weekend! Today it maybe would have been nice to lay low and recover from the boys party yesterday, but no time for laying low with three littles. First church, then an Easter egg hunt, and dinner with the Metzgers. I love that my boys, even Gavin, still enjoy hunting for eggs. This year was extra special because Chloe got to partake in the fun. 

I have to say I don't think she really cared about the eggs, but loved moving and grooving to the loud music! 

The boys were such good little helpers. 

Ethan wanted Gavin to help him in his "division" 

And Gavin was fine all in his own:)

Such a fun afternoon with good friends!

Gavin and Ethan's Party

We had such a fun day celebrating our boys and their 6th and 4th birthdays insect style!  We are super blessed with the best of friends. I love party planning as most of you know, but I am forced to be low key at a venue so I get to enjoy it too! Here are some pictures from the special day!

Thanks to everyone who joined us to the fun!