little artist.

Meredith's interest in doing art projects is slowly increasing and I couldn't be more excited. It's so fun to see her creativity coming to life. I also love these quiet moments, just me and her.

thankful.

This year, as Thanksgiving approaches, I have felt overwhelmed by all that I have to be thankful for.  Mostly, I am grateful for my family. I'm grateful for their health and their happiness. I'm grateful that my husband is also my best friend and that adding a second baby to our family has helped us work better as a team. I'm grateful that he works hard in his career and makes being home for dinner a priority. I'm grateful that after a long day of work, he doesn't veg out on the couch, but instead gets right down on the floor to play and entertain Meredith.

I'm grateful for this toddler phase. There are moments, of course, that frustrate and anger me. But those moments are heavily outweighed by the good. She has the most clever things to say. She yells, "Mama, waaaaaaait!" when I leave the room and she wants to show me something. She calls, "Baba, aaahhhhr you?" when she's looking for him in the house. She sings the ABCs, Jesus loves me, Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star and Hush Little Baby in the cutest garbled way imaginable.

I'm thankful for my little boy. He's a peaceful presence in our home (except around the 8pm hour). He's letting me sleep and giving us smiles. I haven't felt as strong an emotional bond to him quite as quickly as with his sister.  It's more like a slow burn- day by day, I love him more.

We've been in California a year now. I'm thankful for the people we've met who are helping this far away place feel more like home. I'm thankful for our friends back home who stay in touch and remind us we're loved and known deeply. I'm thankful that we live in such a beautiful place. That I can take Meredith outside to play on most days. That trees are heavy with fruit and mountains are in sight almost everywhere.

I could go on for ages, listing more and more, but I won't. We have been blessed with so much and not a day goes by that I don't thank God, especially for my babies.

a day off.

Last week, after a busy few days following our trip to Texas, I declared a day off. Now, how exactly does a stay at home mom take the day off? It mostly looks the same as any other day. Emotionally, though, it's different. No guilt over screen time. No pressure to get dressed, be on a schedule or accomplish anything. Of course the irony of that is Meredith had less screen time and I accomplished more around the house than on a normal day.

But it was a great day. PJs, hot chocolate, Cars, cuddles and baking.

Mama Meredith & Potty Training

A few weeks ago, we attempted potty training. We were not successful. I was demoralized. Meredith was frustrated. So, we are taking a break. Yet, while we aren't actively talking about potty training, it's still clearly on her mind. I'm taking this as a good sign.

And goodness! How great are toddlers?! Sure, they have their moments. But mostly, I am laughing all day long at how clever she is.

2 months.

My sweet Mattias,
You are two months old. It doesn't seem possible that you have been here that long already. You've completed us, though. You've made our home feel more full and even happier than it was before. You are so easy going and just seem to go right along with the hustle and bustle of our days. I daresay you are an easier baby than your sister, but it could also be that I'm not quite as anxious as I was the first time. Either way, I find myself simply enjoying you. Not worrying about sleeping and eating and schedules and educational activities. You are a baby and I'm soaking up the moments I get with you- cuddling, rocking, nursing, cooing. Sweet boy, I love you. And thanks for taking it easy on me.
Mama

And for comparison's sake, Meredith at 2 months: