Mrs. Connie's Ballet Class

As if Lily's ballet class couldn't get any cuter, they are now practicing at nursing homes in preparation for their May recital. They have the opportunity to dance at five different local nursing homes over the next couple months. It's such a win-win - the girls get a chance to practice for their recital and also perform community service (at the tender age of 3!) This morning they visited their first nursing home and did such an amazing job. I was so proud (and teary!) watching them. Griffin also sat patiently in the stroller and bopped his head to the music the entire time - and it was about 45 minutes long.

Lily's preschool group (3 and 4 year olds) are in pink and the older classes were there as well (in purple and blue).

The videos aren't the greatest because we were in the back of the room, but you'll get the jist...

Oh My!

Taking the time...

~
~

~

My sweet little Griffin was born just a month ago. Wait, that's not right. Over 14 MONTHS ago. I feel like I was just in the hospital with him and now he is a toddler running around the house and playing hide-and-seek with Lily. They are both so fun and energetic and inquisitive and...did I mention it already...just plain FUN! We ourselves were children once, we grew up and became adults, but when we have children, we are given the chance to get another glimmer into the magic of childhood through their eyes. We can't go back, but we get a glimpse; when we lay on the ground with them to play cars, when we turn the Christmas lights on for the first time and witness them jumping up and down in awe, when they sit on our laps at library storytime and we listen to the stories and laugh at the librarians right along with them.

~

All these moments and so many more I really do cherish. Greg and I often sit and talk about the funny things they did during the day or the crazy saying Lily came up with or the way Griffin squeezes his eyes shut when he's done eating...whatever it is...and we'll just say, "they are such good children. We are so blessed."

I read an article that circulated the 'net about a week ago about a woman who gets annoyed when people tell her that time goes quickly and to enjoy each moment. A lot of people were commenting on it and while parts were funny and I could relate, it didn't capture where I am in my motherhood journey. The author mentioned that her favorite time of day was when she put her kids to bed. Really!?!? Make no mistake - there are THOSE days when nap time can't come soon enough, but they are not every day - not even close. And I don't mind when people remind me that "time goes fast" because I know it does. I understand that even though Lily is only 3 1/2, it has gone by quickly already. I was looking at a picture taken the other day - she was leaning against the couch with her long legs crossed, phone on her ear, bow in her hair...and she just looked "older" to me. Know those moments!? When you take a step back and look at your child and think, "man, my baby is growing up...they look older today!"

There are plenty of experiences that aren't magical and fun and I want to capture on camera...the times of meltdowns and super stubborness and disclipine moments and defiance. But all of these moments are worth it and they too shall pass. I don't let it overwhelm or scare me - I just try my best to live in the moment and enjoy the little things each day. And I know deep down in my gut, that I am cherishing these moments of their childhood...the good and the not so good...

========================

Here's a link to a blog I LOVE. The blogger, Sarah, seems to write a lot like I think. She did a post the other day about this "fleeting time" thought: http://www.memoriesoncloverlane.com/search/label/Time%20Flies

And this was the most recent blog she linked to about the article I mentioned above: http://verassong.blogspot.com/2012/01/days-of-our-lives.html

Worth a read!!

Griffin

Here are a couple videos of our sweet little boy. In the first video he's wearing Lily's "macarena" skirt (thanks Aunt Rach!!!) He LOVES to dance. Every day we have some version of a dance party in the living room. He squats and claps with a big huge smile and bobs up and down. I can just see us bringing this out video out one day to show his future wife.



In the second video I try to capture Griffy brushing his hair. Before I grabbed the camera, he was just brushing away at his little peach fuzz and it was so funny. While I didn't capture it on camera (of course he did it after I stopped!) the last 5seconds of this clip are the best. Can this little guy get any cuter!?!?

Sugar Plum Fairy and a One Year old!

Here are a few videos I took the other day. Lily has an affinity for trying on her ballet tutus (in a variety of colors...black, pink, purple and blue) and "practicing" her ballet/tap moves. They are growing up so quickly...right before our very eyes.



Here's another of Lily "dancing" with Griffy as her captive audience...



And here's a quick video from the morning of Griffin's first birthday - my little baby boy is getting so big!

Little Snippet

More posts and pics to come, but here's a couple from the other night.

When we're feeding Griff, we call him our "baby bird." He opens up his mouth so wide and will get really frustrated if you walk away during his meal (for any reason...even if it's just to grab a water or pass Lily something). He likes his meals. Rather ironic since at his last doctor appointment they said he needs to be gaining more weight! Have you seen my sweet boy's thighs!?! :) I think he has maintained his weight because in the time since his last appointment he started crawling and pulling himself up on everything. He is a boy on the go! It takes a lot of calories to keep up with his big sister!
Here's Lily celebrating grandma's birthday by eating ice cream cake and drinking her water with a multitude of pumpkin straws. The straws were the latest little surprise from grandma's "magic bag." When grandma brings her "magic bag" there's always a little surprise or treat in there for Lily. And boy does she love it!

We've been absolutely loving this fall weather and spending most of our time outdoors. I know the cooler weather is coming, so we're trying to make the most out of it! While I'm a summer gal, I really love this season too. There's something so refreshing about a breezy cool morning and crisp autumn day.

Hello friend...

Dear blog - yes, I know I have neglected you. I apologize. Life with 2 has been much busier than I would've imagined! That being said, I wouldn't change it for the world. I can't possibly sum up everything in a quick post (as I hear Lily waking up now and Griff starting to stir)...isn't that how it always happens!? but I will say that:

Lily - so very interesting, getting so big, growing hair long(ish) enough to have pigtails, riding her tricycle like a pro, speaking so well and telling me stories and asking questions, dipping her toes in the "I am going on 3 and independent and will assert my strong will whenever I can", funny, singing songs (her latest is the cutest version of the National Anthem), imaginative and just the sweetest little girl I could've ever desired for a daughter.

Griffin - oh boy, what a little smiling machine. He's going on 8 months (is that even possible?? I haven't even posted pics of his birth!!?) He has been rolling, sitting up, sleeping thru the nite, eating real food (and not spit anything out in disgust as of yet!), smiling like crazy and loving his big sister. His face and eyes literally light up when Lily starts talking or gets near him. One sweet thing he does - at night I read them a story together in Lily's bed and sometimes have Griff in the middle. While the book might be interesting to him, it's not nearly as exciting as Lily. He usually rolls over onto his stomach and stares at Lily (within about 5 inches of her face). Lily is less than thrilled that he's encroaching on her space, but he just stares and smiles. So sweet.

This can't quite possibly make up for my lack of posting, but my goal is to try and do this a bit more often. While I've neglected the blog recently, I am keeping up a journal of "Lily-isms" where I'm capturing all the funny and interesting and whacky things that come to Lily's mind. For a few weeks I'd repeat a story to my parents or a friend and say "I really should be writing these down"...so I did! I know one day we'll all appreciate and get a good laugh looking back on the things that go through a little 2 year old mind.

Now I'm off to the races! Thank you God for yet another day. Life is truly good.