The Great Catch Up.

...

It has been quite season of living. Three months seems like such a small amount of time and yet, look at these fresh faces...

Almost halfway through with 2nd grade, 4th grade and Lucy's last year of preschool. Annie couldn't even walk in this picture and now we can barely keep up with her. Incredible, really.

So. The UPDATE. (and Annie's 15-month post)

The Hubster.

Turns out if you give Kelly about 12 hours and Game of Thrones on audio book , then he can change a crazy-challenging alternator on the van. Who knew, right? Above picture was about 3 hours in. There is no after photo. I went to bed with the one request to please shower before getting anywhere close to our bed. My incredible partner in crime. He works so very hard to provide for our family each and every day. I sure do love him so. This past month we had our dateaversary (which is pretty much what you celebrate only when you started dating someone in high school). 18 years of loving this man. It would seem that our relationship is now old enough to vote. Thank goodness we both liked each other for more than half the years. Relationships are hard work. Who knew?

Me.

Well. It would seem that antidepressants are wonderful. Probably should have explored that as an option years ago. Sorry, family. I started taking Cymbalta a couple months ago for Fibromyalgia and talk about a game changer. Side effects were an initial big kick in the butt but for the decreased joint pain and the ability to not feel like I have an 100 lb weight of anxiety on my chest... I'll take the side effects. I've cut back to PRN at the hospital as an attempt to better balance my work/home life... and really as a way to try and find some time to sleep. Still a work in progress. But I feel happy and loved. That sure feels pretty wonderful.

Molly. 

 My oldest baby is anything but a baby these days. This girl has grown the most incredible, witty sense of humor. Her stories are captivating. Additionally, it would seem she is a black belt in side eye. For such a tiny person, she sure can throw some serious shade. Molly is a bit all over the map... or as my pediatrician described it "a preview to the hormones of puberty." Can I tell you how swell it is that I have three daughters? When not anxious (something she is working on), Molly floats between utter disgust for her family ...

and the most beautiful whimsy. 

 We see you in the horizon middle school... don't think we won't be ready.

Gabe.

When I wake up for the day I never know which Gabe is going to greet me at breakfast. This kid can whip together a mean alter-ego. It is pretty much my favorite.

Second grade started a little rough with missing his best buddy that moved away. I have never been more thankful for our school and their incredible care and communication with the entire family unit. He has come so very far in such a short time. Gabriel started karate this year and he loves it. He is in the practice of the Korean Martial Art, Tang Soo Do. With the focus as a defensive martial art and awareness of your body, it is the perfect study for him.

Lucy.

This kid, guys. I don't even know where to begin with her. I watch Lucy from a distance and stand in awe of the fact that my body was able to grow such a fierce spirit. I love every ounce of her boundless joy but at the same time feel completely terrified what the teenage version of this child will become.

Our resident comedy genius...

working so hard to learn how much is too much. 

She's getting there. The giggles we stifle in the process of her self regulation she will never come to know. Four-years-old is my favorite age.

Annie.

This is our 15-months of sunshine, right here. 

15-month-stats

height: 27.75 inches (>1%)

weight: 18 lb (6th%)

head: 44.8 cm (26th%) 

Her laughter, crazy blonde hair, twinkly eyes... to say we are all smitten is just about the biggest understatement. Our Annie-girl. How lucky are we to have her in our life? 

It is so funny to see her personality growing. She has developed the most intense love of Mommy, dogs, balls and ice cream.

Oh, ice cream. The struggle is real.

This month, Annie was completely discharged from therapy as she is now a full time walker. We are so thankful for Ms. Kara and all the care she had for our little lady,

Additionally, at her last ortho-appointment, Annie's doctor discharged her from wearing her brace 12 hours a day. What an unexpected answer to prayers. We might have celebrated with some fancy hats.

You see. Annie is all things fancy hats these days. 

Don't let that cuteness fool you. You can't take your eyes off her for a second. 

  

Annie, at 15-months-old, has 12-15 words, loves to point, laugh and bark. She is completely convinced that the globe that sits in the front room is a ball that needs to be thrown. Recently, she discovered her reflection and she couldn't stop kissing the window.

We sure are thankful she's ours.