{Hannah}: one year old!

It's been a YEAR since we welcomed Hannah into the world. It was a fast, scary birth, but once she arrived, she wrapped us around her little finger and we have been hooked since!

She was quick to crawl, and is already walking. She got her third tooth (top front right) this week, and we are waiting for the other one to come in. In the meantime, she's a cute snaggletooth!

She has started to let go of the items she pulls up on and walk on her own, but she still doesn't get very far just yet. We know one day she will just take off! She can go all the way up the stairs by herself, and isn't afraid of much. She is a climber: Hannah loves to climb onto chairs, the couch... nothing is safe!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HANNAH! We love you, we are thankful that the Lord blessed us with you, and we love having the privilege of raising you and watching you grow.

Here is a first year slide show video!

xo,

Elizabeth

{Ethan}: Ethan Turns Three!

Ethan,

You amaze us. From writing your own name (with a lot of instruction from mom!), to accidentally doing math, we have really enjoyed this year. You learned numbers, letters, and colors, started to color with intention and string along better sentences. You've picked up on some attitude that came with turning three, which has us reading a few books. We can still reason with you most of the time, and you respond well to Daniel Tiger songs (thanks PBS).

We've loved being your parents these last three years and look forward to the year ahead!

Love you forever, like you for always,

Mom & Dad

{Ethan}: our TWO year old!

TWO YEARS ago, I was handed a little bundle after 19 hours of labor. He had a major cone-head (he still has a huge head) and and was very alert. All the nurses commented on how wide-eyed and alert he was for a newborn! He took a couple seconds to make any noise immediately after delivery, and I had to reassure myself that he was ok. I was immensely relieved when he was handed to me - and when we saw him, we thought he was perfect.

We hit some milestones really early, like rolling over both ways consistently at two months old (what? That's insane). Others came a little later than some of our friend's milestones (speech). Still the most remarkable thing about Ethan is SUCH a happy kid! If you tell me that he looks like his dad, I may give you a weird look. It's not true. But if you say that he acts like his dad, I would agree 100%. He's his father's goofy son. Austin always knows exactly what to do to make Ethan laugh harder and play with more excitement than I ever could! You could chalk it up to being a guy thing, but I think it's more - I am certain those two will have a Phil & Luke Dunphy relationship!

I think, with both my kids, I have been most nervous about their personalities. I know who I was growing up and I fear I'll have to raise a mini-me. Something tells me miss Hannah will have more of my stubborn streak (or really - Papaw's), but Ethan has always been just a sweet and playful boy. He's pretty obedient (for a two-year-old), as long as we manage his expectations and his schedule well!

Ethan, I just can't say it enough: I'm so blessed to be your mama.

Happy 2nd Birthday!

xo,

Elizabeth

a party and a pumpkin patch

Ethan's birthday party was a well-celebrated house full of fun (lots of kids), and we loved every minute! I think the best part was watching how well-developed his motor skills are! He can get himself in and out of his Cozy Coupe and even shut the door. He also pulls on the front yellow columns to tell you that he wants you to push him. It's too darn cute!

We also learned Ethan really only likes icing, not so much the cake. I think he prefers ice cream over both.

And last week, we went to a pumpkin patch (more like a place to ride horses that had pumpkins...). Here are some of the very few good pictures we got:

He's just so stinkin' cute!

xo,