3 Years and 3 Months

I feel like the last few weeks I've been treading water.  If you've seen Finding Nemo (I've seen it quite a bit over the last few months ;) ), then you know the singy-songy voice that Dory says "Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming!"  I feel like that's my mantra day by day.  I feel like I can NOT keep up with everything.  I keep thinking of things I want to blog about, but yet each day seems to come to an end with no time for the computer.  The good news is that I guess that's a sign that we're living life and having fun!  Two wonderful things to update-MJ is a sweet, ornery, and energetic little 3 year old and Charlotte is a smiling, cuddly, and developing her own little personality 3 month old. 

My "little guy", as he refers to himself on his 3rd birthday

MJ began his birthday celebration on March 8th, at school.  He was able to choose a special healthy snack to bring to school a long with a present for the class.  He chose to bring Goldfish to share with his class and picked out a truck book and playground ball for the class present.  On his birthday he was excited to wake up and come downstairs to see his presents.  Mat had to go to Iowa City late that morning for a conference, so we were sure to recognize the special day first thing while we were both home. 

After opening presents, we just spent the morning at home playing, Skypeing, and enjoying some down time while Mat was at his conference.  After nap time, MJ knew we'd be heading to Jumpin Janes for a birthday celebration with his friends.  It was very low key but just perfect for a 3 year old!  We invited two of MJ's little buddies from preschool, JP and Adam.  They met us there for a couple hours of non-stop playing!  They were adorable.  MJ was all smiles the entire time, only stopping long enough for a little pizza, juice, and cupcakes.  He had an absolute blast!  He was so happy the whole way home and slept like a champ.  The next morning when we woke up he asked, "More birthday today?"  Bless his heart!  

 Celebrating at Jumpin Janes with his friends

Just the other day I was trying to get grass stains out of MJ's  jeans for the first time and I realized he's officially a "little guy" and not a baby.  It's amazing to me how much he's grown and changed just over the last year.  I remember last year he was still quite cautious at the playgrounds.  I followed him all around helping him and keeping a close eye on him, and now look at him...so independent, brave, agile, and proud of himself...

 

 

Little Miss Charlee just turned 3 months old.  She's smiling a lot lately-anytime we walk into her room after bed time or nap time, and most anytime you talk to her.  She still loves to smile for her brother anytime he talks to her, and he continues to love showering her with attention!  She's an awesome little sleeper at night.  She usually goes down for the night around 7:30, typically wakes once to eat around 4 or 5, and then sleeps until 7:30 or 8.  She pretty consistently takes a solid morning nap after being awake for only an hour or so, and then takes shorter naps throughout the day.  Each day is a little different though and we pretty just much go with the flow rather than have a regimented schedule quite yet.  She stills nurses about every 3 hours or so during the day.  As you can tell, she's growing very well!  She's our little chunky monkey, no wearing 6 months clothes, which are starting to get quite tight.  We've had amazing weather almost all month, so I've really enjoyed putting her in cute dresses!  

 All smiles-March 23, 2012

3 months

There are moments I wonder how I'll make it through the day, like when MJ decided to start tearing his very expensive Cars mural off his wall or Charlotte cries non stop while in her carseat, but then there are the moments when I read my sweet boy his bedtime stories and he tells me "I love you so much," or when Charlotte looks up at me with a huge smile on her face, and I remember just how lucky I am to have these two little angels!  Loving my 3 year old and 3 month old!