First Cold Days of Winter

We had to take out our winter clothes in the end of October to keep us warm.

Happy Day with My Man

Troy went to Vegas for 12 days for testing. He was supposed to come home way after midnight last night. A little after seven o'clock, someone knocked on the door. I went to open it and Troy jumped out of the shadow. It freaked me out, but I was so happy to see him. So were the kids. There was a lot of hugging and chatting from the kids. There was a lot of smiling, talking and kissing from me. We spent the evening, after kids went to bed, talking in the dark with only the fireplace on. It was pretty awesome. 

Today I had a chance to surprise Troy. I had arranged a baby sitter to come so we could go on a lunch date. It isn't the easiest thing for me to find a good sitter and feel like I can just leave, but I felt like it was much needed to have some kid free time. Troy was very happy. Breanna showed up. Aleksi was sleeping and the big kids were quickly engaged with Breanna and we went on our way. We were able to go to the Monarch model home and make some decisions about structural changes and get even more excitement and assurance that we really want this for our family. Troy introduced me to Mod Pizza, where you select all the toppings you want for $7.47. Then we did some quick shopping for a winter jacket for Aleksi and winter boots for me. 

When we got back, the kids were disappointed to see us and Aleksi hadn't cried at all. This was huge for me. Breanna had made lunch, brought crafts to do with them and confidently taken care of Aleksi. Aleksi didn't even rush to me when I walked in. 

The rest of the day was spent playing on the floor with the kids, enjoying time outside, cleaning the car together, quick shopping trip to Target to spend the kids' money from their morning clean up, and then a movie night with Inside Out. 

It was such a good day. I am grateful for this family. Some days are so much work. Today was a good reminder of the beautiful people that are in my family. I love looking at that picture and how handsome Troy looks. I loved how Aleksi brought books to me tonight before bedtime. I loved watching our kids work this morning to get our house clean. I loved the unhurried and uninterrupted time with Troy today. I love the confidence that our kids have to be with new people. 

Aleksi going down the slide

Aleksi is finally in a more manageable age for the park and playground. Of course I have to watch him all the time so he doesn't climb up something and fall down, but he is steady enough on his feet that he can wander around and explore without my constant help.

Plus he loves going down the slide. 

Zoo in the Chilly Weather

When Troy is gone, the weekend doesnt have the luxury it usually has. We decided to go to the zoo to lighten up our moods. It was in the high 30s, which meant that there weren't the usual crowd of people. 

We have been two the zoo three times before, and this time we saw the moose, porcupine and mountain lions for the first time. We also splurged and ate at the Grizzly Grill for lunch. It wasnt really worth our money, but no one was hungry after that. 

Both big kids sported their winter vests and we had an overall good time. I found Saku to be especially cute in his jeans, sweater and vest combination. He dresses himself on most days, which is just fine, but it is nice to have him a much coordinated outfit every once in a while. 

Happy Baby in Tub

Aleksi's First Cake

Aleksi got is 1st birthday brownie five days after his actual birthday. Troy was out of town on Aleksi's birthday evening so we waited to have the cake with isi. Aleksi wasn't very impressed. Maybe I should have baked a fancy cake for him. Aleksi can be very stoic and solemn at times, so these pictures are a good representation of that.

Of course, as always, I ended up eating most of the brownies in the following days.  

Eerika by the Numbers

I obviously scheduled Saku and Eerika's doctor's appointments together.

Eerika was not very happy about the visit. Her biggest problem was the fact that Saku kept telling "no you cannot have any marshmallows" and it made her so mad. Actually, her biggest problem was the three shots that the nurse gave her. I am not huge fan of the nurses at the office and the fact that they do shots on her little arms. 

She was not a huge fan of the doctor checking her out, but the doctor was able to examine her and declare that she was very healthy.

She  was 32.4 inches (74%) and 22 lb 14oz (29 %). She jumped down on all the growth curves since 12 months. 

The only "issue" is her lack of talking. I am not concerned about it since she understands everything and follows commands and communicates in her way. 

Since our signing time enforcement has started, she has picked up multiple new signs. You can tell that she is excited about her progress and the fact that we can understand her. 

She can sign drink, inside, bird, excited, grumpy, sleep, mom, dad, outside, tree, please and more. 

I was asked to do a questionnaire on her at 21 months to see if there is any need for speech consult.

Note: I believe this was after Eerika's 15 month appointment