29 Days for Daddy: #1

Andrew's 29th birthday is at the end of January and Arin wanted to do something very special for her daddy.  Arin is a planner and she especially likes to surprise people with a drawing or a letter left in a mailbox, a special gift, or some other gesture to know that you are loved by her.  One morning, early in December, her and I were talking about her daddy and we came up with the idea of "29 Days for Daddy".  Starting 29 days prior to Andrew's birthday, the girls would give their daddy a gift or plan an activity to do with him.

Each day, I wrap a gift (either the gift itself or something telling what the activity will be).  Then, the girls take turns drawing a picture on wrapping paper.  Attached to each gift is a tag with a clue about the gift and on the back of the tag, the girls tell their daddy what they love about him.

Day 1: "The Gift of Food"
On the back of the gift tag, it read "I love my daddy because he is pretty" ~ Ella
We took Andrew to nice steakhouse.  It is one of his favorites, but we haven't been to it in a long time (it is expensive), like years, like since before Arin was born.  It was a fun surprise and a great way to start this project.  The girls really loved this because they were able to dress up, something they always look forward to.

Drawing by Arin

Inside the box was a piece of paper with the restaurant's logo on it.

Andrew and his princesses

Arin working on her photography while waiting to be seated.

I know, you would have thought I would have taken a picture of his meal, or something to show we actually went to the steakhouse, but that did not happen.  Maybe next time.

Thumbsucker

We have our first official thumbsucker of the family.  Kaelyn has been chewing and sucking on her fist for the past several days.  Tonight, after she fell asleep on her daddy, we realized that she was sucking on her thumb, not just her fist.

Why I Love Florida...

Reason #847: Swimming in December!

This is how the kiddos spent the majority of today ~ swimming at their uncle and aunt's pool.  This makes me especially happy because I do not like cold weather.  It is incredibly mild for this time of year.  The weather is beautiful and actually enjoyable to be out in, unlike the miserably hot summer days.

While the kids were enjoying the swimming pool, the guys were all breaking a sweat, building a deck for their brother's new pool.  We will all be so thankful for their hard work come this summer when we are spending more time in and around the pool.

And while the older kids enjoyed the pool, and the guys worked hard, and Grandma spent the day in the kitchen, Kaelyn enjoyed a day of being held almost non-stop.  She loves to be held, so I know this was a real treat for her. 

Kaelyn (8wks) with Aunt Jessica

Seven Weeks

Playing in the Park

Last week, my mom, little sister and nephew came to visit for a few days.  Oh how I loved the company, but the time went way too quickly!  We spent most of the time here at our house, but were able to get out to the park one afternoon.  I'm not sure who had more fun, the little guys or my mom and sister :)

One Month

I can't believe Kaelyn is one month old already!  The time has been flying by since she was born.  It's been a fun month.  She is such a sweet baby, but has some issues in the evening with being fussy and having a hard time staying asleep.  That hasn't been so much fun. 

The girls adore Kaelyn and Ella told me yesterday that she wants me to get another baby in my tummy.  Arin has already requested a boy next.  Silly little girls!

I weighed Kae yesterday.  My chunky monkey is already 12 pounds! 

Kaelyn loves to be held and she loves bath time.  If she's in the right mood, she likes floortime and time in her swing.  She sleeps in bed with me at night, but naps during the day in her crib.

Did I mention what a sweet baby she is and how much we love her?  :)