Lukie Danger-field

I'm not ready for Luke to be on the move. He's dangerous and scary!! I don't know any other way to put it. When Luke was born, he was calm. He never cried very much, and seemed way more mellow than child number 1. With the energy of Leila, I was hoping his calm nature would last forever! Well 6 months later, he is doing things that Leila never did this early and if I thought walking at 11 months was quick, this boy will probably do it by 9. In just a short months time, Luke has mastered sitting up, crawling, and now pulling himself up on anyting HE sees fit. The more unsteady the toy, the better choice for him to perform his dangerous skills. He has no concept of holding on, so the carpet is padded with blankets, and he still bumps his head daily. I love his determination. His speed and drive to get to anything on the floor makes me laugh. He flops like a fish out of water, gets on his knees and is off in a sprint. He's very quick too.

It's fun to watch the kids play together. Leila loves her brother, and constantly makes him laugh. I know there will come a day when they'll argue, but I love watching the relationship between them grow. He is her Lukie-Do.

I love these busy kids! They keep me on my toes, and although I'd love a nap once in awhile, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Busy Little Life :)

Oh my have things been busy! I am tired, and worn down, but I did get a massage yesterday so I can't totally complain. The hour and a half was much needed, and may become more of a regular weekly event. During that time, I forgot about the kids, the laundry, dinner, the dishes, my dirty house and enjoyed every minute of this ME time. The lady even came to my house and set up shop while Adam played with the kids outside. Between breastfeeding one, potty training the other, and working a little, life is busy. I wouldn't trade it for the world. :) What are the kids up to these days? Leila is basically potty trained but still has an occational accident. She stays dry all night and sometimes wakes up because she has to pee at 2AM. She is still full of personality, smiles, laughter, and independence. We love her to pieces and she will always continue to keep us on our toes. Luke is our sweet little man. He LOVES to be held. He knows how to roll over but would rather be held than explore the floor with toys. We have started him on rice cereal and he seems to be doing well. Leila is a great big sister and always is concerned for her brother Lukey. I love watching the two of them play together.

Crazy Kids!

We have been very busy over here and I thought I'd post a few random pictures of the little ones. I started back to work this week here in Havasu working 1 or 2 days a week as needed. It was such a hard decision to leave my girls at Valley View, but the hour drive was starting to get to me, especially if I had to stay later for charting. With the price of gas, I was losing money in my travels. I want to keep up my nursing skills, have some adult interaction, and make a little extra money. This way I still get to stay home with the little ones. I am so grateful to my in-laws who are watching both kids here at our house. I don't know what I would do without them in town.

Luke Michael Becomes Orthodox!

Luke was baptized on February 19th here in Havasu at St. Peter's Orthodox Church, with his God parents Pete and Angie Pakes. He was a champ and didn't cry very much. I love his little pouty lip though! He was surrounded by family as we celebrated this glorious event. We had a nice BBQ back at our house for lunch.

May God grant him many years!

Weekend Fun

Its been great park weather lately, and Leila loves being outside. She loves to spend time down at the water throwing rocks and making a splash. My mom came for a visit this last weekend and we enjoyed her visit. Luke just loves being strolled in the stroller.

Wild Hair, Wild Girl

Leila has never had a hair cut.....her hair is wild, just like her personality. I have always feared getting her hair cut because if anyone knows this little girl, they know she doesn't EVER sit still. Her hair was getting too long in the back and creating sort of a mullet look. When I was little looking back in a lot of pictures, it always looked like my mom didn't brush my hair. (Sorry Mom!) When I asked her why, she said she didn't know what to do with my hair. Now that I'm a mom, I can totally relate because my little girls hair is very similar to mine and sometimes I just don't know what to do with it. So, we took her to the girl that cuts my hair. Allie did a great job, and Leila sat still as long as she was eating a snack. It has made her hair look healthier and still curls up beautifuly.

I love this little face!

Christmas 2011

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone! The holidays flew by this year mostly because we managed to cram major life changes into a months time. We first had a baby, enjoyed Thanskgiving, moved into a new house, and celebrated Christmas. Woah, I'm exhausted! Sleep isn't really coming that easy for our little boy, and little Leila isn't calming down during the daylight hours. I am convinced busy is just a way of life now. Someday I will figure out how to leave the house with 2 kids!

We celebrated an early Christmas in Hemet visiting my mom, and sister, brother in law and kids for a ugly sweater/tie party. We had a great time, yummy dinner, and we enjoyed watching the kids open gifts. My mom then made a visit just before Christmas. I wasn't ready for her to leave. I loved having the extra hands with the kids, laundry, cleaning and dinner. Luke loved having the extra arms to fall asleep in as he loves being held. We stayed home for Christmas this year and hosted an early dinner at our new house with Adam's brother's family, and parents. It was such a great day of eating great food, opening gifts, and playing games. I love this time of year with all the family festivies.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! I can't believe 2012 is around the corner. Happy New Year!