Ben, Kate, Archie, Annie: December 2011

Archie loves the swing down at Grandma Jakes- Kristen captured his tummy dropping pleasure perfectly.

I love my family! Sometimes it is challenging to be a mother or a wife or what ever it is that you being or doing. Of course it is challenging, if it weren't we wouldn't grow and learn. But no matter how many tantrums we go through per day, and not just from my 3 year old, or my 5 month old (yes I am including myself in here, not just throwing Ben under the bus) it is all worth it. I loved my family growing up- I had tons of fun with my brothers and with my parents, we traveled we played games we had special traditions and we still get together and have tons of fun- family is the greatest. I am now learning how amazing it is to be a wife and a mother and to be creating those priceless memories in my own little family unit. Annie is the happiest girl I have ever known. She will smile and giggle at you even when she is exhausted- she plays this game before she goes down for a nap; she likes to sleep on her tummy, so when you put her down, she rolls on to her back, then waits for the eye contact from the nap enforcer (mommy) and just laughs and laughs! It is as if she is saying that she knows she did what you didn't want her to do and it was funny. She'll cuddle and coo and make you feel like you are the only person in the world, she gives you so much attention if you give it to her. I LOVE being her mom!
Archie is our 'big boy' and he loves to remind us. He loves to cuddle after his naps, he is a helper in the mornings getting the milk, juice, cereal and bowls out for breakfast. He is very protective of Annie, calling her 'my Annie' or 'my little sister' so others know not to take her away. He has been going to Joy School and really enjoying that. I can't believe he is getting so big! He loves 'fixing' anything with his tools, loves playing with cars and trucks, loves to 'take care' of his little baby (which usually consists of putting her down for a nap and then getting her up and wrapping her in far too many blankets) and loves playing with his cousin Alex (although some days you wouldn't be able to tell that he loves her so much).
Ben and I have found that we really have to schedule just being together into our days. It really is only for a couple of hours in the evenings that we have time to watch a movie, sit and talk or do other necessary but boring adult things. So that time lately has been precious to me- I love my Ben. Well I have some pictures that I have been meaning to post, so here they are.