Wedding Photos

I hesitated posting these pictures because they didn't seem to capture the true beauty of the day.  The one regret of the day was that I didn't take enough pictures.  However, despite all of this, I am so thankful that there was a professional photographer that captured it all. 

Kyla did great as it was an evening wedding that started right at dinner time and went through bed time.  She left her hair alone during pictures, however pulled it out five minutes before the ceremony was starting.  Her hair might not have been perfect, but her smile and dancing stole the show (dancing video to come).

Mom's Babysitting Swap

Every mom deserves and often desires to have some "her time".  You know, the kind with no kids, and no agenda except for the things you want to do. I have found that when I have time alone, I come back to my family as a happier wife and stronger mom.  

Knowing the above, I came up with a plan to help out.  I got two other mom's on my block to start a Mom's Babysitting Swap.  Each week one of us watches all the kids (4) for three hours.  The other two mom's get a break.  That equals 3 hours of babysitting and 6 hours of personal time (to get things done or pamper yourself).  We do this the first three weeks of each month.

Today was the first day and I volunteered to have the kids at my house. :)  I have to admit, it was a lot easier than I thought.  It helped that there was no rain, and the kids got to bundle up and play outside a little.  Kyla didn't quite know what to do with three other boys (you can tell in the group photo). 

I would highly recommend other stay at home moms to do the same.

Here are some of the pictures of the day.

Love of Family

Last week was spent preparing for my brother's wedding.  From packing, to decorations for the rehearsal dinner, our family spent the time together.  My parents came up a week before the wedding to help with the preparations and to support their son.  A couple days into their stay Kyla came down with a stomach bug that would then wipe out the family, including the groom.  Thankfully we all managed our way through the week and were able to enjoy the wedding day.

Justin is my only brother and only sibling.  We have a close relationship and share life's joys and challenges with one another.  I am sure you are familiar with the movie Father of the Bride and the opening scene where you find the Father sitting in a chair wondering where time had gone, while in awe of the days events encompassing his daughter's wedding.  I can relate to this just being a couple days out from the wedding, not being the father but the sister.  I cannot believe that my younger brother got married.  His wife is amazing and is going to bring so much to our family.  The wedding was gorgeous and time stood still as I watched my brother and now sister-in-law commit their marriage to God and each other.  But as I sat on the couch yesterday, I couldn't figure out why I was a little sad until I saw this picture.

Justin has lived with us the last six months.  We don't know Portland, without Justin. This picture of Justin spinning Kyla on the dance floor at the reception, is a common sight in our home as well.  I paused for a moment realizing the atmosphere in our home will change.  Justin loves his family.  He helped around the house when Jason was gone.  He distracted Kyla when I was cooking dinner or cleaning house.  He has been my friend in a new city and in moments of loneliness.  And made me laugh when I wanted to cry.   

Like the Father in the movie, I find myself looking into my living room with so much joy that I was able to have him live with us, but wonder how life will be like during this next transition...next season of life.  

At the wedding I looked onto the dance floor as my mom and brother were having their dance.  As tears flooded my face, I embraced my daughter and longed to cherish the moment.  I then felt tiny hands grab my face and I was met with laughter.  My father-in-law captured this moment, to which I am very thankful for (I am smiling underneath Kyla's little hands).

I realized that the brother who always can make me laugh, who helped during a tough transition with residency, was still here in my daughter.  For although Justin is not living with us and beginning one of the best times of his life (and has gained a new roommate), I am blessed with being able to see some of Uncle J in Kyla.  

Thank you Justin for loving our family.  We cannot wait for him to come back and visit!!

(More pictures of the wedding to come soon)

All about Hair

Kyla has been blessed with a full head of hair.  Her hair grows fast and has cute little curls in the back.  We had a couple of milestones this last month...yep both involving her hair.  I have to admit, that both times I stood and looked at her and couldn't believe I was looking at a little girl.  Not a baby anymore.  It is amazing that as you change her hair, she grows up.

The first milestone was moving from pig-tales to pony-tales.  Not just having half of her hair pulled up, but all of her hair pulled up.  It took a bit of enticing with cookies, but Kyla was patient and we got a very special hair for Christmas day.

The second milestone was Kyla's FIRST HAIR CUT.  While down in Ashland we had a good family friend who is amazing with kids (and I trusted she wouldn't give Kyla some weird cut with wild bangs).  Kyla's hair was a little crazy and with her first wedding appearance coming at the end of this month, we decided to give it some shape (or at least attempt).  We didn't need to take off much.  

Kyla before the haircut (yes, we used Emmy's teddy graham cookies to help us)

Snip, Snip, Snip we have some bangs

A little off the back, save those curls

All Done!

This One's for Daddy

We are all snowed in and Daddy is at work.  While looking through pictures, Kyla pointed at these picture, smiled, and said "daddy".  Although he is not at home today, he is not forgotten!

Snow Bunny

First snow this season.  Although there was only an inch or so, we still bundled up and went outside.  No pictures in the snow quite yet...we only had street lamps as lighting.

PJ's and new boots...waiting to go outside

Next comes the bibs

Then the gloves, hat, jacket, and boots

The Walking Battle

Convincing Kyla she needs to keep her hat on.

Keeping Kyla out of the street.

Watching Kyla run until she finds something to pick up.

Being patient while Kyla gets distracted and sits down.

Telling Kyla it is time to start walking again.

Picking her up and carrying her to the next house.

Then putting her down and starting all over again!