.. from mel ..

Time is gaining speed.

I can feel it. If I'm not carful many memories would have passed that i hadn't recorded and i would regret it.

so here i am,  wanting to do this regularly. for reals.

As if it isn't hard enough that I'm getting older (and growing gray hairs and nearing the big 3-0) these little tikes are growing at what seems an impossible rate. They are so fun, so much work and worth every single second.

Jack is really developing into his own little person. He's started playing cars and adding in conversations. He has low voices and high voices. He wants someone to play with him often and I can't say I mind. It's so strange how quickly it all comes flooding back. Pretending, creating a story and being somewhat bothered when my three year old interrupts or tells me that doesn't happen.

I've been so inspired lately by reading this book, by spending time with other mama's (and post-young mom's) and learning to try new things. I love the idea that this whole parenting gig can be changed whenever and however. There is no rule book that I need to follow and each kid is so different. These two that I have are so different and respond to totally different things. I do love their quirks so much and wouldn't change it for the anything.

I can still remember holding Jack when he was a tiny baby. Sometimes he'll want to pretend to be a baby and have me hold and cuddle him. Yesterday I said to him, "You're my baby!" and he told me, "No I'm not! I'm a big boy." 

And it's so true.

He's heavy to carry and his gentle nudges have turned into painful headbuts. I can't really wrestle with him anymore for fear that one of us will really get hurt. I love watching him become aware of his size and influence on Zoey. He's so gentle with her and can carry her from one place to the next. Of course he's still defensive of his precious cars (or whatever he is playing with at the moment) but he is quickly learning to bring Zoey a toy or share, even if he doesn't want to. Something that is hard for most first borns, so I've been told.

Who will this precious boy become? What will he love? What will drive him crazy? What kind of adventures will he go on and who will capture his heart? Will he love Jesus??

John and I often stay up late talking about our dreams for the kiddos and praying for their little hearts and that they will turn to Jesus when they are young. I pray to learn how to direct Jack's passion and enthusiasm for life in a direction that is good. First borns are so tricky. They are a trial run. I pray he is gracious, haha.

A normal view of our kitchen floor.

And our sweet Zoey bird is also growing. She's a true little girl, but isn't afraid to throw a few pats or climb up onto anything she can manage (!!) She is everywhere and so, so quick. The nursery workers call her an "escape artist" because she is always busting out.

Today I found her standing on a chair, so excited she got to the top. Last week she tried to climb onto my shoulders and up our armoire. (not joking) She is loves to hang upside down and have me flip her over. It amazing me because Jack didn't care to do any of this. He had other things he was more interested in.

our Birdie is always so sweet and loves a good cuddle. She also loves to dance and sing along to anything we have playing.

This was our first spring Oreo. We ate them while it snowed. Jack was in heaven.

john and i have really tried to be intentional about going out on datenights. We feel so refreshed and recharged when we do and the kiddos get balanced and connected parents. it doesn't happen every week, but it does happen a lot and we are lovin' it. it's like we're dating again!

oh, this picture warms my heart to no end.

these three. i tell ya what.