Christmas Letter 2011

Merry Christmas!! I can actually write that this year since this is not the Fields Family New Year’s Update :). 2011 was a roller-coaster of a year for us, but we have been able to finally slow down and enjoy this season as a family and for that I am grateful.

Our little “buddy buddy”, Garison, turned 2 in September. With that brought the end of all things baby in the Fields house. This was definitely a high point for Mommy & Daddy – all the kids can now talk and we feel like our family is finally moving in a forward direction. Little G is our charmer with his blond hair and blue eyes. He can cut his eyes just right and finagle way too much out of this mama. He is still enjoying preschool and pretty much wants to be on top of whatever anyone else is doing. Big Trucks, Lightening McQueen, Beyblades and whatever Kara & Levi are playing with are the toys of choice.





Princess Kara turned 4 in October and is all things girl. She has been in this dress/skirt phase for the better part of the year and is all about anything Disney Princess. We recently moved her to her own room and it has been fun to decorate it up all girly. Preschool is the highlight of her week and we are thankful for all the friends she has made there. After rockin’ her first dance recital in May, she was excited to get to do ballet and tap this fall.




In May, Levi graduated from preschool (complete with cap and gown) and headed off to Kindergarten in the fall. I was a lot less emotional than I thought I would be, but we still miss having him around the house. He turned 6 in October and is one of the most even-keeled children I know. We have been so pleased at how he has tackled school and have enjoyed watching him play soccer and basketball this year. Lego’s, Star Wars, Nintendo DS and Phineas and Ferb have been the favorites around here. And much to Garet’s delight, the training wheels came off the bike!



2011 was a huge year for me! After I had Levi in 2005, I decided that I wanted to do a triathlon. Life and babies happened and I never could quite make it work. So, this was the year I finally got to cross that one off my list! I was able to complete 2 sprints and look forward to training for an Olympic next year. I also just completed my first half marathon to keep myself conditioned, but I quickly decided that straight running is not for me :). Also, after a two year hiatus from the work-force, I started back to work in August and it has been wonderful! I work part time at the small engineering firm Garet works at (our offices are next door!) as their cost accountant. I am absolutely loving it and am thrilled to work for such an amazing company.

Garet is still doing all of his engineering “stuff”. His roles at work changed a bit this year and he has been on the road some, but it is not nearly as frequent as it was and for that I am grateful. I consider his greatest accomplishment this year to be a total gut and remodel of our kitchen. This is not a job for the faint at heart and he did an AMAZING job! He also found time to hit the trails on his mountain bike, celebrate our anniversary (11 years!) weekend by running the sprint tri with me and coaching Levi’s soccer and basketball teams.

This year will forever be marked in our lives with the passing of our nephew, Isaac, on July 12th. Obviously there have been a lot of tough days and moments, but we are confident that we will see him again someday. Thank you all for your prayers and support for my brother, sister-in-law and family as we walked down a very difficult road.

For the first time in our married life, travel has not been a big part of our year. Garison was the only person to get a new state when we traveled to Michigan to visit Garet’s sister and then to Cincinnati, OH for a few days in March. In OH, we mostly hung out at the Great Wolf Lodge and LOVED it! My mom turned 60 in April and my dad, brother & I pulled off the best surprise ever in the Smokey Mountains to celebrate her birthday. We had a nice relaxing few days hiking, shopping and exploring. My mom, the kids and I also stole away for a few days to one of our favorite amusement parks – Holiday World – in Santa Claus, IN. So much fun!

In July, Garet and I flew to MD for the funeral and then immediately drove down to Orange Beach with Garet’s parents for a much needed week to just decompress. I am always amazed at how God knows exactly what I need to calm my soul – we had beautiful weather and sweet family time together. We also spent the weekend at the annual Hurter Reunion on the farm in KY. It is a good place to be reminded that we can get away from technology for a couple of days and just enjoy being outside together! Garet’s work travel took him to NM, CA, HI and FL this year and I spent a few days in MD to help with my nephew, so I guess we still got to see some of the country. Never fear, I’m ready to hit the road in 2012 :)!

If nothing else, this year has taught me that life is too short. That means different things to different people, but to me it has meant hugging my kids a few more times and to be fully present in their lives, spending quality time with Garet and remembering that this life is not all there is…”For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”.

Four

Dear Kara,

For whatever reason, Daddy and I thought you were 3 for an extra long time. It might have had something to do with the fact that you constantly said, "When I am four, I will....". There are a lot of promises we are ready to hold you to :). Regardless, here you are now - a big four year old with bright blue eyes and the most beautiful face.

You have quite the personality. While we have lots of dramatic moments with you, we also have some of the most loving. You certainly wear your personality on your sleeve and though sometimes it faults you, I enjoy your hugs and kisses and snuggles immensely. You love to lay down on the couch and have one of us rub your back. I would not be surprised if your love language is Touch.

School is one of your favorite things and you are blessed with so many good friends there. While social for the most part, you do have a shy streak in you. You have also enjoyed dance again this year. They added tap to your class, so that has been fun addition to ballet. You get to dance with your good friend Emilie and you would also add that Rosa and Fern are your best friends too.

Food is not something you think is important - I honestly can not figure out how you are still alive somedays. Unless it is mac & cheese, noodles, pancakes, bananas or granola bars (or cookies :), you usually don't eat it. Somehow you weigh 37 lbs though and are a tall girl at 41.5". The only two drinks you consume are milk and your all-time favorite: water with ice (very important).

Ever since we went to Disney last year, you have been consumed with princesses. I *think* the favorite of the moment is Ariel, but you are likely to change that tomorrow. You also enjoy playing with your dollhouse and kitchen, watching Busytown or Caillou and coloring.

You have a very unique spot in our family as the middle child and it really suites you. As Levi has gone to school, you and Garison have started playing together a lot more and I think you enjoy being the "big sister" and showing him the ropes. However, when Levi is home, I see the "little sister" in you come out. One thing is for sure, you have two brothers that love you and I know you adore them.

I love you more than anything Kara-bear and look forward to watching you grow up to be a beautiful young lady.

Love,
"Mama" or "Alison" as you call me :)

Six

Dear Levi,

Six. Years. Old. I still don't believe it.

This past year was a big year for you and, as expected, you did awesome! The transition from preschool to "big" school was seamless and so far you have received nothing but praise (and all greens!) from your teacher. It is so exciting to watch your mind absorb so many new things - I can just see you processing it all. Reading is right around the corner and I am looking forward to not having to read all the instructions on your video games :). You still look so little to me as you get off that big bus everyday, but I know I will blink and you will be as tall as me.

Preschool was very good to you and you had some of the best friends a boy could have there, so we still find lots of time to spend with your old friends too. Aaron and Drew will probably be your best friends for the foreseeable future. You have enjoyed playing soccer with your buddies and your team amazes me at the abilities you are already starting to exhibit (Go Green Lightening Strikes!). Basketball starts up in a few weeks and I'm looking forward to watching you take on another sport.

I've missed having you at home this year to be the mediator between your brother and sister - you have such a patient spirit with them and can get them to compromise that really is a gift. I find that you are a lot like me in that you get caught up in details, but you have your daddy's creative thinking and artistic abilities. You amaze me at some of the ideas you come up with.

You may be small in stature (43.5", 43 lbs), but you can put away some food. You love to get a "double stack" cheeseburger (plain) everywhere we go and easily finish it off. Chicken nuggets, noodles, rice, Doritos, ice cream and cookies are other favorites. You would say McDonald's is your favorite restaurant, but I know it is only for the toys :).

Speaking of toys...anything Star Wars is still high on the list, along with Lego's, Lego games on the wii, and PS3 games among others. You got a Nintendo DS for your birthday, so now we have yet another gaming system :). Your favorite show is Phineas and Ferb, but you usually get caught up in whatever Kara & Garison are watching too. Tygee is your favorite stuffed animal. Although you do not prefer the outdoors, you always have fun when we are out. You finished 2 mile-long races this year and I was so proud at how well you did.

I am really enjoying this "I can do everything on my own" kid phase of parenting. You make me very proud, Levi, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you. I love you! Mommy

Two

Dear Garison,

Today you turned two and if I am quite honest, I have waited for this day for a long time. These past two years with 3 little kids - four years apart - has been really rough, BUT we are slowly turning a new leaf and I am enjoying the new found freedoms all of us are experiencing as we are racing away from all things baby. In some ways the last two years have flown by and in some ways the days dragged on, but here we are and we all survived!!
You are a little man now - our blondie in a sea of a dark headed family. You are somewhat shy and always look down, but you cut your eyes up at me and it just melts my heart. I've got a soft spot for those big blue eyes - you are my baby after all :).
Age appropriate toys are nowhere to be found around you. With an older brother and sister, you tend to play with whatever they are playing with. However, all things trucks and cars are your favorite. The phrase we have heard more than any other the last few months is: "Whoa, Big Truck". You use this to describe any type of vehicle - they just fascinate you. Thankfully, you love CARS cars which is good because we have plenty from Levi's 3-year run.

Speaking of Levi & Kara, you fit right in like a champ. I am amazed at how well the three of you play together, although with Levi at school, I have seen you and Kara buddy up a lot more (and fight a lot more - you absolutely refuse to say Kara's name).

Your favorite foods are probably fruit snacks, granola bars, mac & cheese, buddy fruit & pancakes, but really, your eating habits are all over the place. I actually think you would be OK on a liquid diet. You drink anything put in front of you and have been known to seek out mommy's diet coke :).

I'm afraid I have no idea how tall you are or how much you weigh. Keeping up with 3 sets of measurements is a little tough for mommy right now, but I think you are somewhere in the 27# range and 30" range??? We go to the doctor next week :).

We got you set up in a big boy bed this week - first time we haven't had a crib in the house in six years. You kept saying "Mommy, look, funny bed". Thankfully you like to sleep and so far, so good. You are the only one of the three that has had any sort of attachment to something - "Bah, Bah" aka "Big Prince" is a must at bedtime.
"Buddy Buddy", you are the BEST surprise I have ever gotten and I am so thankful you are in our family. You give the most lovable hugs and I am thankful for you everyday!!

Love,
Mommy

Christmas Letter 2010

Happy Holidays from the Fields! Another year has come and gone and the only word I can think of to describe the year 2010 for us was CRAZY! If I had known in January what all this year would entail, I would probably have asked for a body double!

Our big news is that we moved in November! Ever since we got the surprising news that Garison was on the way in early 2009, we have looked on and off for a house with a little more room. In typical Fields fashion, we decided to stop looking but then found one more house…. We saw the house and made a low ball contingency offer. They rejected and we walked away. Five days later they decided to take our deal which meant we had a house to sell – immediately! We got the house on the market, it sold in 2 weeks and the new owners needed to move in 3 weeks. All that to say, the entire process from start to finish took only 6 weeks!! Saying good-bye to the old house was bittersweet – it was our first home and the one we brought all 3 babies home to – tears were shed! God was really looking out for us during that time though because I still don’t know how we did it all. We have lots of projects in the works, but we are thankful to have a little more space to spread out into.

Levi turned five in October and I still can’t believe I’ve been a parent that long. We are entering the next phase of parenting him as a “kid” and it is so nice to have a child that can do everything on his own :). Levi played soccer this fall and we had a great experience with our first organized sports – I know that there are lots to come in our future! His passions are lego’s, wii, anything star wars, drawing and playing with his buddies from school.

Kara is our middle child in every sense of the word. Turning three in October, she is our little entertainer and makes up the best stories when she isn’t singing every song she has ever heard. She started dance in the fall and I can’t wait to see her first recital in the spring. School is the highlight of her week and she is very much a people person. She adores princesses, books, dollhouses and anything pink or purple.

This has been a big year for Garison. Since he started the year as an infant who slept all the time and ended the year as a walking, babbling ball of energy, I think it is safe to say that he changed the most :). Little g turned one in September and decided at that point that he was ready to hold his own with his big brother and sister. He is the only blonde in the family and his smile can light up a room. He is an official momma’s boy and as my baby, I find it hard not to oblige him :).

For the first time in many years, I spent my entire year unemployed and I absolutely loved it! Of course, my life is anything but slow with three kids five and under! I keep telling myself to cherish these days, but if I’m honest, I am very ready to have the kids a little older :). “Hobby” isn’t really a word we use right now, but I do have the gym as an outlet as well as leading a woman’s life group with a friend.

Garet celebrated his first anniversary at Troy7 in September and we love the benefits of working for a small company. I’m thankful everyday that he only traveled twice – TWO times - this entire year. If you knew how often he was gone before, you would know how happy this made me. He also lead a life group for most of the year and tries to hit the trails on his mountain bike when he can. Of course, his new “hobby” is remodeling a house :).

Our lives would not be complete without travel and this year was no exception. We rang in the new year in Chattanooga for a small family get-away and then later that month we finally got a chance to take the kids to The Plains for the AU/KY basketball game. I’ll let Garet tell you who he cheered for :). In May, we had the BEST trip to DisneyWorld. People thought we were crazy for taking a 4, 2 and 8 month old, but the kids were fantastic and we enjoyed some sweet time with my brother’s family and my mom. We can’t wait to go back in the future!

My dad’s mom died in June and I flew out to California for the service. She was my last remaining grandparent and it was difficult to say good-bye to an entire generation in my life, but it was wonderful to spend time with my family out there that I don’t get to see as often. We also got a chance to go to Kentucky for the annual Hurter Reunion at the Farm. We stopped by Mammoth Cave on the way home so the kids could get another stamp in their National Parks Books.

On August 12^th, Garet and I celebrated our 10^th wedding anniversary which is a little hard to understand considering we are still 25 ;). We took a FABULOUS trip to an all-inclusive resort in Cancun and it was just what we needed. It was so fun to be free of responsibility and just have fun together. Garet really is my best friend and I am so thankful to have him as my man.

Less than a week later, the entire family boarded a plane to Maryland to spend a long weekend with my brother and family in Maryland. We try to do different things every time we go up and this time were fortunate to go to a Cubs/Nationals game, spend the day in DC and hang out with my cousins and their families.

All that to say, I guess our year was pretty typical for us – I love that we live life to the fullest and adventures abound. God is good – all the time. We continually thank Him for our health and provision and especially at this time of year for the gift of His Son, Jesus.

Dear Garison,

My "little G". I don't even know where to begin - this last year has been a whirlwind with you right in the middle. You were such a surprise to us last year, but you are the best surprise I have ever received. Your big blue eyes just tug at my heart strings and I finally get to claim a child - you are a mama's boy for sure :). Your laid back personality and low maintenance lifestyle were just what our family needed - you have fit in perfectly. However, in a family of dark brown hair, you have made a statement with your blond curly locks - a heart breaker indeed.

You have just begun to play with your brother and sister and I love to see the three of you interact. The older kids love you so much and I know that they are just waiting for you to run through the house with them. You can keep up with them quite well though, and have found ways to make sure you don't get run over. You have 2 play mates for life and I am so thankful that you all have each other. I am already dreading the day we have to send your brother and then sister to school - you are going to miss them so much.

Although you have taken a step here and there, you haven't taken off across a room. I am certain you are days away though. Levi is trying to help you every way he knows how.

Bananas, Yogurt, Buddy Fruit, Applesauce, Teddy Grahams and Veggie Straws are your food of choice. After eating every known baby food under the sun, you have been less than stellar in the table food category. You would think with 8 teeth you would be more into it, but I think it is the texture. The reduced appetite has made you a light weight - at last check you were around 21 pounds.

In your first year, you traveled to Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland and Washington DC. Seven states and the US Capital isn't too shabby and we are looking forward to taking you to a lot more fun places!

Because you have two siblings that say more than enough, you prefer to just sit and stare at them. We've heard "Mama", "Dada", "Dora" (some days I think she is a member of the family) and your most famous word: "Uh-duh". So much so that we call you "Baby Uh-duh". Not sure what you are talking about, but you are passionate about talking about it. You do love to clap, give high fives, play "peek-a-boo" and dance around waving your hands in the air. So cute.

You have been going to "school" three days a week since you were a newborn. It is good for mommy and you and your sister and brother to be apart a few hours a week - you know that our lives can be pretty chaotic in the day to day :).

"Buddy, Buddy", you have been a perfect addition to our family. As my baby, I have a soft spot for everything you do as it will probably be the last time I see one of my kids go through a milestone. I'm going to go ahead and apologize now for calling you "my baby" when you are 18 - it won't ever change. The infant years are now behind us and I am looking forward to watching you as a toddler. I pray that despite our short comings as parents that you will grow to love the Lord as you grow older. You are loved so much and I am thankful for you everyday!

Mommy

PS: I will add pictures later - we just reformatted our computer and they are hard to get to at the moment :).

Hotel Fields

Let's forget for a moment that I have only blogged once in 3 months, I've been sick for 5 days and have 3 kids, age 4 and under. I really should be sleeping since I have absolutely no free time these days, but here I sit about to blog about a random thing that has been floating around in my head the last 24 hours.

Last night, Levi set up an elaborate "hotel" for all of our stuffed animals. If there is one thing our kids are obsessed with, it is stuffed animals. I'm sure we have well over 100, but I've never counted. His sleeping bag is in the middle, because we let him sleep in the "hotel" as well last night.This is the "bunkhouse" portion of the hotel:
Dora and "Happy Turtles" were lucky enough to score the penthouse suite. When Levi & Kara passed out breakfast the next morning, they got a lot of the food."Flopsey" on the other hand was all alone and did not get any breakfast :(.

The reason he set up the "hotel" was because we had been talking about the hotel for our upcoming trip to Disney. I honestly believe he is just as excited about staying in the hotel as he is about going to Disney. For what it is worth, he comes by it honestly - I LOVE hotels. So much so, that I have been known to get a hotel in the very city I live in because everything is just better away from your house (at least in short spurts).

Side note: We recently stayed at a hotel for the first time with 3 kids. Did you know that not all hotels can accommodate 5 people (even when one is a baby?!?). We had to settle for our third choice after the first two didn't work out!

Anyway, I got to thinking...what are some of my favorite hotels and why. Here are a few I came up with:

1. The first hotel I thought of was Henderson's Wharf Hotel in the Fells Point area of Baltimore, MD. My brother had recently moved to College Park and after a visit with him, we drove up to Baltimore to celebrate our 5th Anniversary (and it was a babymoon as Levi was only 2 months from birth). I remember we paid around $200 for the room and I nearly fell over when we checked in. I like a nice place, but I'm also a cheapskate. :) But this place was beautiful - absolutely gorgeous. It was also the first time I had stayed somewhere that provided robes. It was a delightful experience.
2. The second one I thought of was not necessarily a hotel, but an overnight "experience". When G and I went to Europe in 2004, we decided we wanted to stay at every type of hotel possible from a nice place to a serious dump, to a B&B, a hostel to places in between and finally, on a train! We took an overnight train from Paris to Berlin in a four person sleeping car. We shared a room with a single guy (I think he was a college student) and I slept much better than expected.
3. The Opryland Hotel at Christmas. Since Garet's sister lives in Nashville, we have gone to the Opryland Hotel several times at Christmas - gorgeous! Well, in 2008, I was having a particularly stressful time (I believe Garet had been on travel several weeks) and I just wanted to get away. We decided I needed a hotel stay, so we packed the kids up and went to Opryland for the weekend. What a difference staying in the hotel made the experience!
4. The Summerhouse at Litchfield Beach, SC. This is actually where we stayed for part of our honeymoon, but a few years ago, they completely redid it and added a lazy river and crazy water area for kids. We took the kids in 2008 and it could not have been a more perfect place to stay. We loved it - the kids loved it - and Levi still talks about it. We can't wait to go back someday.
5. Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, HI. While I'm not a fan of Honolulu itself, we had a great time at this hotel. Thanks to Garet's Hilton Points (read: free), we stayed here a couple of nights before heading to Kauai. Just a couple of days ago, Levi was talking about the penguins there. Part of the reason I really liked this hotel was that it was low season and they upgraded us to a HUGE corner room, so that helped, but the area was so beautiful and relaxing...until you walked outside to Honolulu :).
6. The West Winds Lodge in Rudioso, NM. I had to include this place, because it was where I spent my absolute favorite vacation of all times. There was nothing amazing about this place - it didn't even have a TV I don't think. It was very simple and it was a great place to lay my head after a great day of skiing. Sometimes simple is the best.

I have a couple of Honorable Mentions: Chad's beach house in FL (great college memories!), Anywhere G and I have camped in our own tent, a house we rented in Asheville, NC in the mountains with my family, our hotel overlooking the St. Louis Arch, and all the houses we have stayed in with our Life Group at the beach.

I am sure there are more that I am forgetting, but those are the ones I can think of for today. On another side note, I also like to collect pens from every hotel I go to. Anyone who has ever been in one of our Life Groups can attest to the ridiculous amount of pens (memories) I own.

Christmas Letter 2009

Merry Christmas!! I just reread our Christmas Letter for 2008 and had to laugh a little at this line I wrote: "we are thankful to be out of the baby stage and looking forward to a (hopefully) less dramatic year in 2009". Wow, little did I know...

In case this is the first you have heard from us since last year, we got the surprise of a lifetime in January - we were pregnant! And let me tell you, we still have no idea how. I'll be honest, at the time, it was very difficult. When we announced it in February, I blogged about some of those feelings here.

Fast forward to 9/16, and we welcomed Garison John into our family and can I tell you that I just love him to pieces! He is exactly what our family needed. I probably baby him way too much and the sheer fact that I have so enjoyed this baby phase with him is a testament to God's grace. He is a BIG boy - he's the first of my three with rolls on the legs and it is so cute!! He couldn't be a better baby and at 3 months now is flashing the cutest smiles around. He takes his brother & sister's rough housing in stride and I can't wait to see the three of them together this next year. I wrote to him on his birth-day and also was able to document the details of that day.

Kara turned two in October and, I know I'm biased, is one beautiful little girl. She is the life of a party (which she refers to as "Happy Turtles"???) and will no doubt be a leader in some capacity. However, Garison's arrival has been a tough one on her and we've had to work through some issues. Garet has always said that she was "born a middle child", so please pray for us as we help her reach her full potential. She is also talking up a storm now and loves, loves, loves Dora and school. (related: Kara at two)

Levi turned four in October and I about had a mid-life crisis when I realized just how big he is getting. The toddler years are long gone and he is a full blown "kid". Sometimes it is hard to believe that though when we have discussions that could easily be between two adults. He is a very smart little guy and has been a huge help to us during this family transition time. His current passions are the Wii and Legos. (related: Levi at four)

We like to lump all major changes in our family into as short a time period as possible, and so in September (one week before Garison was born), Garet said good-bye to his job of 9 years at TSI and went over to work for his former boss at Troy7. Troy7 is a small company and Garet has really enjoyed his new work environment. The biggest perk? Little to no travel! This was the primary reason for the switch - with a third child on the way, Garet decided that he was just gone to much. His travel schedule for the first half of the year was brutal and since September, we have had him home every single night :). I thought I would miss the travel perks, but having Garet home has been just compensation. He still does much of the same things (I think) and it was a seamless transition. We have been very blessed. Garet still enjoys riding his bike(s) and his latest hobby has been model rocketry.
As if a baby and a job change for Garet wasn't enough, I stepped down from my job in September too! Realistically, I knew that working with 3 kids was going to be an extreme challenge for me and I just didn't need to go there. After 3 months as a stay at home mom, I can officially say that it has been one of the best decisions of my life. Working in ministry with two kids was much more difficult than just focusing on three kids at home. My mind is in one place now and I've been surprisingly relaxed. I honestly don't have time for much these days, but I have gotten really into couponing - who knew it could be so much fun! It feeds my desire to stay organized, work with budgets and money and shop! I am also now back at the gym and am hoping to hit some fitness goals next year since I am hopefully done being pregnant!

My pregnancy with Garison went really well (I was worried after my nightmare pregnancy with Kara) except for a little drama in the end. It was tiring with a 1 and 3 year old, but we have some wonderful friends and family that helped out. Because I felt good, we were able to go on a couple of trips this year. Kara and I flew up to Maryland to see my brother and his wife in February and we headed south to the beach in May with Garet's parents. Garet and I also got a weekend away to celebrate our friend Carmen's birthday at the lake. I've long said that vacations are my love language and I feel so full when I travel. Every year, we try to go one place that we have never been to as a family. This year, we headed to Santa Claus, IN and St. Louis, MO (arch, zoo & city museum) in August and had a fabulous time - there is so much to see in this amazing world!

If there is one thing I have learned this year, it is that God will provide - not always how we expect or the way we wish, but he is faithful. Through every surprising and major step we took this year, God provided. As we enter this Christmas season, we are reminded of the provision God gave so many years ago in the form of a baby.

"For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord"

Love,
Alison, Garet, Levi, Kara & Garison

Dear Kara,

{Note: I actually wrote this on Kara's birthday, I just never posted it because I hadn't included pictures - sorry for the delay!}

Today you are two, baby girl - happy birthday! When you were first born, I didn't really know what to do with you. For two years I had lived and breathed "boy" and suddenly I had the most beautiful little girl in my arms. In addition to soccer games, cars, trucks and bloody knees, I was now going to get to go to dance recitals, fix your hair, buy pretty dresses and paint your finger nails - you gave me the best of both worlds!

Your beauty makes me smile on a daily basis. Rarely a day goes by when someone doesn't comment on your big bright blue eyes. The way you cut them to the side and grin just steals your daddy and I's heart. You make getting on to you very difficult sometimes.

You are a very passionate child (read: dramatic :). When you are happy, you are the happiest person in the world, but when you are mad, well, it's not pleasant. You absolutely live life to the fullest and I know that you are going to teach me a lot about embracing each phase of your life.

Tall and thin has been a constant in your life. You stand 34 inches tall and weigh 26 pounds. Unless we are serving macaroni & cheese, rice, popsicles, fruit snacks, peaches or nilla wafers, you just aren't interested in eating. Until last week, you only drank milk and water - you have now decided you will drink apple juice.

Speaking of, your "security blanket" is a sippy cup. I'm not really sure where this came from, but you have to have one in bed with you to go to sleep. It doesn't have to have anything in it, you just need it. However, you still wake up once in the night at least 6 days a week. I don't know what it is, but you just walk into our room and we walk you back to your room. You've been in a "big girl" bed for about 6 months sharing a bunk bed with your brother. Naps are still in the crib since you are a light sleeper, but that will have to change very soon as Garison (and mommy) has his eye on that crib!

Dora, Dora, Dora, Dora, Dora, Dora....we hear you say "Gora" about 500 times a day. You love the show and anything that has that girls picture on it. Your daddy said you need an intervention - I'm afraid he may be right. At least your Spanish is coming along. Books are another favorite as well as cars, kitchen, babies and the work bench.

You go to school five days a week and you love it more than anything. Unlike Levi, you crave attention and school provides that for you since you are now the middle sister flanked by two boys. As a little sister, you enjoy keeping up with your brother and his friends - you don't realize that you are younger one bit. As a big sister, you like to "hold my baby". While you love Garison to pieces, sometimes I'm afraid you are going to drop him into pieces. I've got to keep an eye on you with him at all times - especially since you like to gouge his eye out and say "eye".

We love to travel as a family and this past year you added Hawaii, Florida, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri to your list which means you have 16 states marked on your map. You like new adventures and we look forward to having many more with you in the future.

Unfortunately you have had some jealousy issues with Garison being in the house and you are testing your limits on a daily basis, but we know these days will soon be gone and we thank God for making you uniquely you.

Love you!
Mommy

Related: Kara at One

Dear Levi,

Four years ago today, your daddy and I had no idea what our future looked like. We were just a young married couple trying to live life to the fullest. Little did we know then how much you would change our lives. As our first born, you have reaped the benefits and failures of first time parents in every stage of your short life. Thank you for hanging in there with us.
I honestly feel like I have blinked these past few years and here we are. I am amazed at how "grown up" you are now. You have met every milestone with flying colors and have generally been a very easy preschooler.

You are still a little guy at 35 lbs and 39 inches tall, but I have a feeling you will catch up eventually. What you lack in size, you make up in personality. Your quick wit and matter-of-fact commentaries keep us laughing. Although you are still a little shy whenever you enter a new situation, you quickly let your true self come through.

Your favorite toys are still Cars cars, but you have also added Transformers, Board Games and Lego's to the mix this year. You love to play Mario Kart on the Wii and play outside on the playground. I love to listen to you when you are in your room playing - your imagination amazes me! On the TV, you like to watch Clifford, Curious George, & Transformers. Besides "Cars", you also like the movies Kung Fu Panda & "Animal"gascar. Listening to music has become a new favorite and we are loaded up on kid's CDs these days - you like to have "dinner music" playing while we eat.

You are currently in school five days a week and absolutely love it. I think the structure is really good for you and you have some great friends there (Aaron is still your best buddy). You recognize your letters and numbers and have just recently started to figure out the letters that make up words. You can also write your name. At church, you are now a "Cubbie" in Awana and I love that you are learning new stories in the Bible and memorizing scripture - such a precious thing to hear!

Eating continues to be a battle with you, although you are getting a little better. Your favorite places to eat are McDonalds and Chick-fil-a. It is amazing how those are the two places with playgrounds :). Favorite foods are rice, "handaburgers", chicken nuggets, hot dogs, potatoes, yogurt, popsicles, mac&cheese and you would drink only lemonade if we let you. Dessert is often an incentive for you to eat - you rarely pass chocolate up.

I can't leave out your travels for the year. As a 3-year-old, you added Hawaii, Florida, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri to your list bringing your total to 25 states. I hope that your love to go on vacations never goes away - you share your mommy's excitement whenever we go somewhere new. You have a million questions, but your curiosity is refreshing.

As a big brother, you are the best! This past year, you and Kara ("Koko") have really developed a bond as siblings and it makes my heart happy to watch you all play together. At the same time, you both know how to push each other's buttons. Garison is your "little guy" and you are thrilled that he is here. You have helped mommy tremendously with the new baby and I honestly don't know what I would do without you!

I would be remiss to not mention that the last 2-3 months have been the hardest months that we have had with you. I think that you picked up on the stress we had both before and after Garison was born. We have expected a lot out of you on many occasions - more than a 3-year old should probably be expected to do and I think that has caused you to get frustrated and break-down a little more easily. We are trying to be more purposeful about spending time with you here lately and letting you just be a kid. You are such an important part of our family.

I love you so much and can't wait to see how you will grow this next year!
Mommy

Related: Levi at Three

The first two days with Garison

I'll be honest, Garet and I were kinda looking forward to our hospital stay this go round. We knew what to expect, so the anxiety wasn't there. Levi & Kara were with grandparents and if we needed a break from Garison, the nursery was waiting. I didn't have to worry about meals or cleaning and you have fewer visitors the third time around. I had a book, was looking forward to watching The Office on Thursday night and I actually had time to blog (there is a reason you have only seen one blog post post-hospital :). We enjoyed catching up on sleep and just spending time together meeting Garison.

It didn't take us long to get him in some Orange & Blue - War Eagle!


I'm including a picture of my toes here. The lady at the nail place put a design on them...I wasn't crazy about it, but I thought it would be a good focal point. Due to the short duration of labor, I didn't look at my toes then, but I had plenty of opportunities during those first few feeding sessions :) - not my favorite thing in the world.
I think this was about the first time Garison decided to open his eyes, so we tried to get some pictures. You forget how "puffy" they are those first few days until you look back at the pictures. Levi & Kara both have blue, blue eyes, so we are assuming Garison will follow suit, but you never know.
This was too funny not to include:
Here's his "old man" shot. Poor kid - I'm picking on him already!
These are two of my all-time favorite pictures below. All the people I love the most in one picture!
"What's up, fam - Little-G here"
An attempt at a family photo...notice that not one of us is looking at the camera. I have a feeling this will become a trend.
A little better...
Getting ready to take our handsome little man home:

I'm including this picture because our nurse forgot to cut off Garison's security tag when we left and we set the alarm off. We had to wait until security came and verified everything was OK.
Hanging out in the hallway:
Headed home to see big brother and big sister! The fun is just beginning!