HOLDEN at three months...

Holden marked three months on Sunday.  Due to the fact that we had just hauled out Christmas decorations the day before (post to follow), I couldn't resist decking the little guy out in festive attire.  He is such a good boy, putting up with his mother's crazy ideas relatively well...

At three months old...

Holden is a MELLOW addition to the household.  Thank goodness!  Holden lets us know when he is hungry...or tired...but really, that is about it.

Holden is WATCHFUL.  I find myself busy with life (usually his two siblings) and often feel his intent gaze upon me.  He follows the activity in our home with wide-eyes.  There is quite a lot to watch when you are the third child!

Holden is a SLEEPER!  After a few years of the restless sleep of his big brother...we are so grateful that Holden seems to take after his sister in the sleep department.  No he isn't quite sleeping through the night, but close.

Holden is LEARNING.  Every day, those wheels keep turning and it is incredible (for the third time) to watch my child learn and grow.  He has recently discovered his hands and keeps trying to stuff them in his mouth.  Those hands are going to learn to do so many things.  Too early to teach him to knit (Femeke)?

Holden has a SENSE OF HUMOR.  Yes, and shockingly he finds his mother funny.  He smiles and even lets out an occasional giggle these days.  Precious.  Let's hope he still does when he is a teenager and sees that his mother stuffed him in his stocking as an infant. 

Happy THREE months Holden.  Time is going fast...and watching you grow and learn is a gift.  We love you!

Peppermint Candy LOVES YOU!

This past weekend, little dancer Hazel was in her first production.  Whew.  It was quite a production, mommy is still recovering!  Hazel was absolutely delighted to dance her little number in a fancy outfit with a group of fellow dancing peppermints.  The rules for the PRODUCTION were many, and we tried to abide by most.  Therefore, I have limited photos from inside the Hult Center, and no videos.  (The photos were taken during dress rehearsal....so I didn't REALLY break the no photo rule.)

"Mommy, you are pulling my hair too tight."

(While mommy's sweat drips from her furrowed brow.  Getting that wispy Hazel hair up into a bun...hard work!) 

 Henley wouldn't have minded some bobby pins in his curls.  He was eager to take part in his sister's ballerina prep.

 Dress rehearsal on Friday with her sweet friend Naia.

 Darling little Peppermints.

 Before the matinee show on Sunday, we had a brief photo shoot.  It was literally FREEZING outside.  Thankfully, my ballerina is a tough cookie and endured the "brr factor" and showed me some of her moves.

 She didn't mind the little bit of make-up she was allowed to wear.  Shocking!

 Rosey cheeks and frozen nose.

Ever since the show, Hazel can often be found walking with pointy toes, while she spins and twirls all around the house....BIG smile on her face.  (Brother Henley is often skipping along after her, doing his best impression of sister's dance steps.)  

Thanksgiving Holiday

I don't think our kids know how lucky they are to have two sets of adoring grandparents so close!  We all headed up to Nana & Papa's for a family Thanksgiving, the first time Roberta and Bruce have been able to join.  Papa had prepared his Tur-duck-hen again, and Nana a new "jello surprise."  Grandpa Bruce made fantastic stuffed mushrooms and a very tasty smoked salmon spread.  Grandma Roberta was found supervising the fun of grandkids, and maybe a little mischief.  We ate a lot, watched football, ate some more, and chased after some busy little feet - usually attached to HENLEY!  Here are some pictures of our weekend with FAMILY.



 Holden ready for his first drumstick!

 So sorry, no turkey for you Miss Bella Blue.

 Family photo #1

 Family photo #2 

 Happy 1st Thanksgiving Holden.  Thankful for YOU!

 We didn't head to Portland on the MAX train for the super deals of Black Friday.  Instead, Beau was itching to go browse the CITY BLOCK that is Powell's Books.

 Henley was super excited for the TRAIN experience.

 Hazel wondered where her seat belt was.  Well trained.

 Holden woke for a short while and took in the sights.

 Nana and I didn't do much in the way of browsing at the gigantic book store.  It was a challenge to keep up with the "shopping" of Henley in the Children's section.  Thank goodness for the "place books here to be re-shelved" cart.

 While waiting for our return trip on the MAX train, we were able to catch a few plays of the Civil War football game.  (We had it recording at home - Go DUCKS!)

 Yeah, I would say these two look related.  I would say both daddy and daughter need a nap about now!

Peek-a-boo at Mommy (and Holden in the front pack). 

Recognize these SILLY elves?

Happy Birthday Gwen...

Six years ago my Thanksgiving week was the hardest week of my life.  Our Gwen was born silently on November 21st, 2005 and Thanksgiving arrived just three days later.  I wasn't in a very thankful place, but instead one of the deepest grief I could imagine. 

Six years, or two thousand and ninety days later, I find myself approaching Thanksgiving week FULL of thanks for all our gifts.  I am grateful to have the memory of our Gwen to always remind me of the miracles we are given on this journey called life.  This year our family has our newest little miracle, Holden, to snuggle and love.  Six years ago I ached for the opportunity to snuggle and love our Gwen.  It wasn't to be.  Honestly, I know that I would be such a different mother to Hazel, Henley and Holden had I not been given the gift of Gwen.  I appreciate them and their unique personalities, their likes, DISLIKES, and their amazing ability to grow and change and learn. 

Today, as Hazel and I sat and looked through my memory book of Gwen, she noticed the little things.  Gwen's tiny footprints, how small she was in her daddy's arms, and how tiny my writing was to capture all my deepest thoughts.  However, looking through this special book with my daughter was nothing small.  The moment was huge for me, as it means that our Gwen's legacy is not ever going to fade, as my daughter (and eventually my sons) will learn about her and grow up knowing she came first. 

                                                   

Hazel shared with me that she believes baby Gwen is up in heaven wrestling with Great Grandpa! Thanks Hazel for the silly but very sweet sentiment. 

I got the kids all together this morning for some pictures.  Hazel hadn't had an opportunity to give Holden a bottle, so I thought it would be a special treat.  She LOVED playing little mommy and was so very sweet.  Henley joined in on the fun a little, but the pull of the Lego bin was rather strong!

A few times today, I found myself getting frustrated by the little things, as I too often do these days.  Six years ago I would have done ANYTHING to have frustrating mommy times with Gwen.  So, today when my kids...

say "NO"
       I step on another wayward Lego
            juice is spilled
                  clothing stained
                       another time-out is needed...

I will take a deep breath, and be grateful for the OPPORTUNITY to be frustrated by my children!   

Of course I also ADORE the moments of hearing....

  "love you mommy"
          watching Hazel and Henley play school
                  or wedding 
                       Holden's smiles
                            Henley needing one more "high 5"
                                  and one more cuddle
                                         oh and watching Hazel teach her brother to dance. 

I adore being a mother and I give thanks for my children.

I will finish this post with just a few more pictures of Gwen's siblings.  I do wonder how she would have melded into the zoo that is our home these days...

Fabulous Fall Visit with Joanne!

Joanne came for a visit this past weekend.  It was such a treat for the kids to spend time with "Joyann" as Henley called her.  Hazel ADORED watching Joanne get ready with makeup and hairstyling.  Henley loved having a new buddy to watch him do all sorts of fabulous Henley things.  "Look me Joyann!"  And Holden met Joanne for the first time and was rather fond as well.  I completely enjoyed reconnecting with my friend.  Here are some pictures from our time with Joanne, showing her that Oregon in the fall may be cold, but it also is beautiful!



 Some walk for exercise, we walk for an excuse to eat a donut!

 Having Joanne visit gave me the perfect excuse to try out a new path in our area - Clearwater Park Path.  It was beautiful.

 Joanne joked Henley looked like he was a Baby Gap model.  He was just happy to stretch his legs!

 Cutie Hazel-bug.  This was after she was in tears that her legs hurt so bad.  (10 minutes into the walk.)  She obviously started feeling better, as by the end of our walk she was RUNNING as fast as she could.

 Henley insisted on walking along each of the middle lines.  They were here and there, and he found them all!

 A few days later, we all took a walk to the lake by our house.

Love the fall colors.

 My silly crew.

 Had to get a close-up of Holden as he was dwarfed by the stroller.  Sweet boy.

 Hazel still has the "Hazel face" to flash for a photo.

 You can't hide from me little boy, I see you!

 Hazel practiced some dance moves.

 Two sillies.

 Sticking out the tongue helps with the pose, certainly all prima ballerinas do this?

Now for a handful of sibling pics.  They were just too silly and sweet sitting on the blue curb...

 Mr. Brown Eyes.  Hard to resist these eyes of Henley...oh, and he knows it.  TROUBLE, of the best kind.

One final photo.  Thanks for a great visit Joanne.  Hazel's tears after dropping Joanne at the airport were so genuine and sweet.  She seriously thought we had the option of keeping Joanne.  I think a certain Kris, Chloe and Lexi would mind.  :)