Merry Christmas
2013
Merry Christmas to our friends and family. It's been a wonderfully crazy few weeks leading up to Christmas but with less than a week to go- we're excited to sit back and enjoy.
We started off the new year with our little boy Brayden turning 2. Like his first birthday, he got the stomach bug and didn't get to enjoy his cake that I so carefully prepared for him. This year was a very big year for Brayden. From becoming a big brother, to losing his beloved "po" and potty training! Brayden welcomed his little brother with open arms. He LOVES him. I've never seen a newborn get as much attention as Brayden and Ruthie give him. Like Ruthie, I had hoped to potty train Brayden at 18 months- but with a difficult pregnancy, I had to postpone potty-training until after Marshall was born. Potty-training a boy was much harder than a girl- but he got it done! Brayden is so much fun. Works hard on not getting lost as the middle child. I can't even imagine life without my bold-headed little man. He is one of the most kind souls though it's hard to see through is scowl. If you can get past the scowl there's the biggest heart you'll ever see.
Marshall was welcomed into our family on April 8th. Each of my children are so unique and so wonderful. I love each of them so much. I never knew my heart could store this much love. Marshall was born 9 lbs 5 oz and eager to eat! He continues to be eager to eat and really only cries when he's ready for his bottle. Marshall has the biggest smile. He is also my first mommy's baby! I love it! In his short 8 months he started crawling at 4 1/2 months, sitting and standing at 6 months, mastering going up the stairs at 7 1/2 and at 8 months trying to climb out his crib. Oy!
Ruthie- true joy is growing up so fast. I can't believe she turned 5 at the beginning of this month!! 5!! She is in pre-kindergarten and LOVES it!! She attends 5 days and can't get enough. She is recognizing some site words and is learning to sound out words with me. She is an encourager and very helpful. Eager to do chores around the house and the one I count on to help me clean up the toys after a long day. I just love her!
Jonathan turned the bIG 30 in March. I thought for sure my birthday gift to him was going to be Marshall- but Marshall had other plans. Marshall spent his birthday like Brayden's... sick :( Boo! Jon is having an exciting year. He successfully passed his comps and finished taking classes in his doctorate program! Now on to the dissertation. I'm so proud of him!! And what an accomplishment! He also started a job at the Penn State Psych Clinic and is loving his work! We love having him home in the evenings for dinner and on the weekends.
I am having a great year. After a very hard end to my 2012 this year as been great. After a long pregnancy, Marshall James is here. I love being a mommy to three of the greatest kids. Although tiring and tough at times, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Merry Christmas.
Wishing you the very best in 2014.
