Another week, another birthday

Trying out his new sleeping bag

 My little guy turned 2 this week!  I cannot believe it!  He quickly came into this world on a Saturday afternoon. Oh I can remember him as a newborn.  What a love bug!  He has brought our family so much joy.  He was a pretty mellow baby, although definitely a mama's boy, and he has turned into a crazy toddler.  Everyday he says more and communicates more.  Very often he knows what he wants and doesn't give up until he gets it.  Lately he has turned into quite the rascal.  It cracks me up. He has quickly figured out how to torment his sister and push her buttons.  It is funny to watch him copy her now too.  He has started fake crying (thanks, Montana) and saying "yewwww" when Aaron and I kiss (thanks, Montana).

Presents!

He is still so sweet.  I can hardly resist when he brings a book to me and shoves it in my face and says "read me" or when he grabs my hand and pulls me toward his toys and says, "play me". Melts my heart just thinking about it. He likes to sit on the counter and help me make breakfast.  There are days when I want to freeze him just as he is and other days I wish he was potty-trained.

His very own carrot cake

For his 2nd birthday we went to story time at the library.  He loves singing the songs and listening to the books. We had his friend Alec (and Alec's parents) over for an early dinner and cake.  It's so funny watching kids this age interact.  It usually takes Alec and Amos an hour or so to realize that the other one is there! Amos got legos and books and a sleeping bag for his birthday. We paused our moving, painting, and cleaning activities to celebrate our little guy.  We are so thankful for him and thrilled to have him in our lives.

We love you loads, Amos Pax!!

'tis the season

Oh my.  Where have the last few months gone?

Well first of all, I got a job. I am working at Trinity Western University at the Bellingham campus and I also taught 1 course (2 sections) at the campus in Canada.  It's been a whirlwind. Teaching was a hard, good, overwhelming experience.  I taught Introduction to Learning to adults returning to school to finish their BA.  I feel grateful for this opportunity, but I was so relieved once I finished grading and turned in all of my grades. Phew. What a load off.

Making gingerbread houses

And I finished up the class just in time....for Thanksgiving, Montana's birthday, Aaron's birthday, Amos' birthday, Christmas decorating and moving (again!). We are moving all the way across co-housing to a bigger unit as well as a permanent rental.  I really hope to not move around the holidays for a very long time!

But one of the most exciting things in the midst of this was Montana's 5th Birthday!!  She was very ready to turn 5.  We had a "tea" party with a few friends.  She was only supposed to invite a couple of friends, but when you live in community, small parties turn into larger ones! She asked for dessert for dinner. We indulged her with ice cream.  I tried to get her to eat soup for "dessert", but that didn't really work. I think she had a fun day.


Montana is so delightful.  She is articulate and smart and loves all things beautiful and sparkly. She has a tendency toward the dramatics, but can easily be distracted. She continues to love dress-up and begs to wear makeup (which she was allowed to do on her birthday).  She is constantly coming up with new scenarios for us to play.  "Pretend we're kitties." "I am a teenager, but a rockstar." She invites us into those games and her dad is so good at going there.  Her latest thing is praying for "everything in the universe, even the aliens." She and her little brother have been playing together more, which is such a delight to see.  They also fight more, which is not so delightful.  Amos pulls her hair, crawls on top of her, hugs her around her waist and doesn't let go, and on and on.  Sometimes I just stand back and laugh because it is so funny watching this little guy harass his big sister.

Montana goes to preschool twice a week.  This year she complains a bit more about going, but likes it when she goes.  Her teacher believes that she is very artistic and musical.  Montana is just a joy.  I can't believe 5 years ago, we were 2 new scared parents driving her home from the hospital. She teaches us so much, and stretches me and makes me face "my stuff". I love her for it.

Montana Faith: Happy 5th Birthday.  You are loved beyond words and Mom and Dad are so proud of you.