Temple Lights

One of my favorite traditions around Christmas time is to go and see the Christmas lights at temple square. I was so excited this year as Andie is crazy about the lights and Jake is always up for a fun adventure. 

We decided to go one Wednesday night by heading to the dinosaur playground first for our kiddos to burn off some energy. I love the dinosaur playground! We also grabbed something to eat while we all played and then went and got bundled up to walk over to the temple.

At temple square it's always so fun to be able to get the same pictures in each of a traditional spots (red tree anyone?) and compare them to last years. Andie and Jake have changed a lot in a year plus we added a sweet baby girl to the bunch.  

Andie and Jake both loved the lights plus Brooklyn did amazing too, as she cuddled up all snugly in her blankets to keep warm. I love that we can make these traditions as a family and really enjoy this Christmas time. Now for Christmas Day to hurry up ;)

Brooklyn 1 Month

Brooklyn is already a month old and I don't know how I feel about this. Time is flying by with Brooklyn in our lives and it seems each stage is going faster then the next, this makes me want to cry! My little baby is growing far to quickly for this Momma to grasp. Brooklyn Riley at 1 month old...

1. Brooklyn is a good sleeper. I lucked out in the baby department with this sweet girl. She will sleep 4 hour stretches at night before waking up for a feeding and going back to bed. Brooklyn is still sleeping a lot (that's what newborns do) and it's so nice with her being on a schedule.

2. Brooklyn is in newborn clothes and diapers. Brooklyn is staying relatively small even though she is growing like crazy. I did try on a 0-3 month outfit on her but it's still far to big for her petite little frame.

3. Brooklyn fake burps. This girl has a funny side to her already and is quite the entertainer for our family. After her bottles as we are burping her she will fake burp and then look up at you like "I'm done". Um no girl your not! Brooklyn is constantly making her Momma laugh.

4. Brooklyn weighs 8 pounds 9 ounces. When Brooklyn came out of the NICU she had an appointment with the doctor and she weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces (75% height 25% weight). At her two week checkup she was already 7 pounds 9 ounces (5% overall average). Then when we went in for a cord procedure, they placed silver nitrate on her belly button since there is a small stubborn piece of cord inside her belly button that won't go away, and she was 8 pounds 9 ounces (with clothes and a diaper on this time). Brooklyn has no problems with growing that is for sure!

5. Brooklyn switched formulas. I was starting to think Brooklyn would have the same problem as her brother did as she is now on her 3rd formula from switching so much. I have a good feeling about this one though, similac advanced, here we go. We had to switch from the sensitive as that was making things harder on her body then they needed to be. It's always so hard watching your baby struggle. Brooklyn drinks 2-3oz every 3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night. Thank you NICU for this nice schedule ;)

6. Brooklyn is scared of the dark. Okay I don't know if babies can actually be afraid of the dark but put this girl in a dark room and she will fuss and fuss until a little light is on. Poor girl needs a nightlight at a month old and it's he cutest thing.

7. Brooklyn is starting to smile. Brooklyn is not one to smile a lot yet but when she does it is always a little smirk. You know that smirk people do when they are up to no good, yeah that is the one! I love Brooklyn and her trouble making smile :)

8. Brooklyn loves to cuddle. Brooklyn is one that likes to be held and cuddled all nice and warm. I don't mind the extra snuggles from her but her siblings try to get in on the snuggle action too. Brooklyn always looks so worried at her brother and sister as they tried to hold her and live on her, so cute but so scary at the same time. Brooklyn is so loved that is for sure!

9. Brooklyn celebrated her first Thanksgiving. Brooklyn didn't get to eat any yummy turkey or pie but instead slept in her little bouncer seat at Grandpa and Grandmas house and slept. That sounds like a perfect Thanksgiving to me ;)

10. Brooklyn is a pacifier fan. I love having the convince of a pacifier. Brooklyn isn't to addicted to that thing but it's nice the comfort it can bring to her as she is fussing away plus how cute is the giant pacifier in a babies mouth?

Brooklyn Riley you are so loved by all of your family. I have only had you for a month in my arms but the impact you have had on our lives is beyond words. We love you Brooklyn and can't imagine our life without you in it. You are my beautiful girl always and forever!

Andie 3 Years 6 Months

Andie is at her half birthday and I am shocked. Each month I say I am so amazed how quickly Andie is growing up and I will continue to say it each month how shocked I am because it's true. I am a mother to a 3 and a half year old, how is that possible? Andie at 3 years 6 months...

1. Andie got a little sister Brooklyn. Andie is so in love with Brooklyn and helping Mom out the best she knows how to. Andie is very willing to help pick out clothes, make a bottle and even with diaper changes. Andie is turning into quite the little Mommy as now she has a brother and sister to help Mom and Dad with.

2. Andie went to Disney on Ice. Andie LOVED Disney on Ice so much, she watches them on YouTube so to be able to go to this was a dream come true for our little girl. Andie did so good watching the princesses in amazement and asks daily to go back to "Disney skating" and Disneyland.

3. Andie is more independent. Andie has been doing more things for herself, she isn't my little girl anymore. Getting cheese strings or popsicles out of the fridge/freezer to eat (and other foods). Going into closets to pick her own clothes and get herself dressed. Brushing her hair and teeth on her own, even attempting her own makeup at times. Andie loves to do things on her own and doesn't want Mom and Dads help. I knew these days were coming and it's nice but also sad at the same time, growing to quickly!

4. Andie is growing. Andie is so tall for her age that she started to grow out of all her pants. 3T doesn't work anymore for this girl length wise but around the waist is good. I guess I have to buy bigger pants for length and just get some belts. How is my daughter so tall? She didn't get it from her mother that is for sure!

5. Andie celebrated Thanksgiving. Which now brings along her favorite holiday, CHRISTMAS! Andie is so excited about all things Christmas coming up : Santa, tree, lights, treats and presents. We are going to have so much fun with Andie this year as she remembers what Christmas is like.

6. Andie loves to do favors. Andie is mommies little helper from doing dishes or laundry, playing with Jake and Brooklyn or picking out there clothes, helping to give baths or picking up toys. Andie will do a lot of things willingly but for those times we need her to do something and she just won't budge we have a secret. We ask Andie is she will do us a favor and she will then do it. Andie loves doing favors, our secret weapon, and will do them all day. Thank you favors.

7. Andie went to the Instacare. Andie discovered that she shouldn't put things up her nose or they will get stuck and she will have to go to the doctor. Andie did so good at the Instacare as they tried multiple things to get the crayon out of her nose, my brave girl.

8. Andie has a favorite music video. Andie discovered Justin Biebers "Love Yourself" music video. Have you seen it yet? Go watch it. Andie loves to watch this music video and calls it the "Crazy Mommy and Daddy song." Why yes this is a crazy weird video and song!

Andie Noelle you are my joy in life. You make me smile and laugh each and every day. You are so amazing in all you do and especially in your willingness to help your Mom. I love you my Andie and always will.