Somewhere Over the Camo: holiday

Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

at 1/27/2020

January 25, 2014. We became parents to a baby girl. After a brief trip to the NICU (she was noisy and had issues breathing right off the bat), she settled into a peaceful, easy going personality. And it has been that way ever since.

Grace has rolled through life adjusting to move after move, becoming a big sister twice, experiencing everything first and while she wears her heart on her sleeve, she loves fiercely. I'm never surprised to find her completely zoned out just rubbing the dog or cornering a sister to give them a hug they weren't wanting or expecting. And somehow our sweet oldest girl is now six.

Saturday, after a super early wake up call, was Grace's day. We got donuts for breakfast. She picked out a special gift with daddy at the store. She anxiously waited for her party to start. We invited friends and family over for unicorn horn decorating (ice cream cones), presents, cake, and goody bags. After her party we went to dinner with family and everyone woke up Sunday completely wiped. But happy.

While we deal with a lot of emotions in this house, this stage in life is one of my favorites. Grace's personality is caring and inquisitive, but also a rule follower. She listens, is helpful, and loves doing big sister things right there at mommy's side. This year she started kindergarten and has come so far since the first days of preschool. School has been a great fit for our girl and I love hearing from her teacher when she talks about our girl and her successes. She is creative and loves Legos. She loves routine and hates feeling like she is left out of things. When she walks out the door or spends time away from me, I never worry about how she handles herself with other people.

I am proud to be her mama.

To my oldest baby girl - Never ever stop being you. Your personality is something to be proud of. Don't let people walk all over you in life, as there is not a single thing you can't accomplish. Not a single thing. I'm so excited to see what the next year holds for you as you get further into school and grow more into the little lady you are becoming. Selfishly, I hope the next year goes slowly though. The time is going far too quick. It seems like just the other day we were welcoming you into the world and discovering the world as you did. Mama is ALWAYS here for you and ALWAYS behind you as your biggest cheerleader. I love you, always and forever.

January 25, 2014. We became parents to a baby girl. After a brief trip to the NICU (she was noisy and had issues breathing right off th...

at 4/23/2019

at 4/02/2019

Last year when Emily came into the world 2.5 weeks early I knew that the end of March this year was going to be an interesting one to figure out. My girls have back to back birthdays and I just couldn't see how we could ask family and friends to come out multiple weekends or days in a row to celebrate our girls. So instead of asking everyone to do way too much, we combined the parties into one three hour long party. And it worked out perfectly.

Please excuse the dirty door, I never got the other side cleaned. Sorry, not sorry.

I spent most of last week spring cleaning my main floor. This winter just felt so brutal and it was such a relief to dust all the things, clean under the furniture and wipe down every last corner. Somehow even though I spent the entire week getting ready, I was still not ready until about 15 minutes into the party and after some special help from my friends. Someday I swear I will be on time to my own parties. Maybe.

We kicked off the party with snacks and playing. Then the kids got to decorate their own wand with ribbon and stickers. We were kind of winging it but I think they all might have actually enjoyed it. After that Emily opened her presents and we sang her happy birthday. Girlfriend was not into her cake, at all. Something about the texture of the icing she really wasn't a fan of. Once we called it quits on Emily's lack of cake enthusiasm, Brooklyn got to open her presents and then we sang to her. The three hours ended up being just the right length and we were all wiped by the end of it.

After the party we went out for the girls birthday dinner with my parents, sister, and then a couple of my girlfriends stuck around to go out with us. By the time we got home and cleaned up the food mess I was pretty much dead on my feet. So that must mean the party was a success, eh?

Kind of become tradition at this point.

All I know is that three is one of my favorite years for a birthday. It is the first year that they get into it and really enjoy the entire process. It makes my heart swell every single time my kids get excited for their friends to come over and see them. Also - hosting my last first birthday party is a hard notion to get over. This is really it y'all. The baby phase is almost past us for good. How the heck did the last year pass that quickly?!

Last year when Emily came into the world 2.5 weeks early I knew that the end of March this year was going to be an interesting one to figur...

at 3/28/2019

My middle child is three today.

It has been three years since the sweet babe with the squished nose was safely placed in my arms just 48 hours after I fell pregnant belly first with Grace in my arms outside our home. Of all the nurses I have had, the one that helped me labor Brooke into this world is the only one I truly remember. Her spunk seems to have transferred to our spirited girl. The girl that came into this world on her due date, on a military installation on the Kentucky/ Tennessee line. How has it been three years?

To my Brooklyn,

You, my dear, are something else. Ornery, yet sweet. Sassy and smart. Strong willed and determined. You keep us on our toes and always surprise us. The biggest cuddle bug in our family, but also the one who lets you know when space is needed. I'd say you are a perfect mixture of your mama and your daddy.

This year was a fun one for you. You became a big sister, while also being a little sister still. You found your voice and use it often. You string sentences and words together like you've been talking your whole life. You can count to ten and sing your ABCs. You are always singing and obsessed with Frozen. All parts of it, but especially Anna. You also love Moana, still. Pink is your favorite color. Macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets and cheese pizza are your favorites. You just moved into size 4T and are almost into size 8C shoes. You have the most gorgeous hair that absolutely cannot be tamed. This year you started sleeping in a toddler bed and started entertaining the idea of potty training. You love to color and play Barbies with your sister. Your nose is the absolute cutest thing, especially when you wrinkle it up to laugh or smile really big. You love going to the park and have no fear of climbing or trying new things. You love to do mommy's hair and cuddle while reading a bedtime story. You taught yourself how to do a somersault, and will just randomly start doing them. You are a righty. You still have a dang good throwing arm for a toddler and fairly accurate aim. You love to flirt with daddy and know you are wrapped around his little finger.

I am so excited to see how the next year goes. Potty training, starting your first recreational activity, going to preschool all alone and so much more. I know you will take it all in strides, you are very independent. Sometimes though it is hard to believe you are already old enough for these adventures.

I can't wait to celebrate your birthday all day long with you. I know this is the year that you start to understand the importance of the day and you are so every excited. That makes mama excited, my love.

Happy birthday Brooklyn Monse!

Mama loves you.

To read Brooklyn's birth story, click here.

My middle child is three today. It has been three years since the sweet babe with the squished nose was safely placed in my arms just 4...