A Good Night

Brad and the kids have been missing each other this week. He leaves early in the morning before they wake up and comes home at night after they are asleep. It's hard on them. And on him. I know they miss each other.

Last night we were surprised when Brad walked in the door early! The kids all ambushed him. Sam went right for Brad's ID badge (his favorite toy). Lainy grabbed his arm and informed him in great detail of everything he's missed since she saw him last. Leah started twirling and giggling. I smiled at him through the happy chaos and watched their sweet reunion (then I hastily got something ready for him to eat since he is usually too busy to grab lunch and comes home starving).

It's nice to all be together, even if it's just for a few minutes before bed time.

And that is what a good night in our house looks like these days. I sure love this little family of mine.

(Not pictured are most nights when I put the kids to bed and sit on the couch alone with my bowl of ice cream.)

To Samuel on His Birthday

I can't believe I'm sitting down to write this letter so quickly! Time is such a funny thing. It makes the last twelve months feel like a blur, but at the same time it's hard to remember what our family was like without you.

You came into this world a big, strong, healthy boy with a twinkle in your eye. You've added such joy and love to our home. I don't know if there has been a more adored baby. Let's face it, you make it easy with your ready smile and your sweet, contented demeanor.

I'll never forget how amazing you were during the chaos of our move. I'm pretty sure you sat in your bouncy chair for the better part of three weeks, and I'm pretty sure you just smiled at me the whole time.

I love you, my darling boy.

I think you were sent here this year to make me smile and laugh on days that were hard. To squeal in delight when Daddy walks in the room. To give Lainy something warm and fleshy to hug when she needed extra love, and to give Leah a captive audience for her silly songs and voices.

You are something special. We love you so.

So, tear open your gifts, and smash your cake, and bask in the love a family who is very grateful to have you around.

Happy Birthday, sweet baby Sam!

Maine

Massachusetts has this thing called February Break. It's like Spring Break, but in February. I think it's kind of genius because February is always the month (for me) when it feels like winter will last forever. This year the break just happened to begin on Valentine's Day and last through our Anniversary. Perfect.

We went to Maine. Can you believe it's just over an hour from Boston? Everything is so close in New England. I love it.

We stayed in a hotel with a great swimming pool and let the girls swim for two days. Between swimming sessions, we ventured out in the snow and saw a few lighthouses. It was really, really cold, but also beautifully quiet and picturesque. I am convinced that a view of the ocean is always good for the soul (even in the snow). We plan to go back when it's a bit warmer...

 

We came home to a fresh foot of snow. Sigh. Winter will end eventually, right?

Nor'Easter(s)

We've been having a lot of storms here lately. True Nor'Easter storms. In fact, it's snowing right now. I've been trying to figure out exactly what a Nor'Easter is and how it compares to storms in the West. From my limited experience, there isn't much difference. There are just more people here. Lots of people who like to panic and bombard the grocery store to empty all the shelves. It's crazy. I've never seen anything like it. I wish they'd all just calm down. I laugh until I have to run to the store and get stuck in line for 45 minutes (no exaggeration).

With all the storms have come snow days. I was all for snow days until I learned that Lainy's school adds a day to the end of the year for every snow day lost. Since they're already scheduled to middle of June, we're looking at her being in school until July. Yuck!! Oh well, there's not much we can do except take advantage while we can.

We've had a lot of fun sledding on the perfect little hill in our yard, building snowmen and igloos, and making treats inside.

 My kids are so fun.

Mobile

Samuel has been getting himself into some predicaments... usually ending up under a bed:

He is still not crawling, just sort of scooting along on his belly. We've been trying to motivate him. Leah thought Minnie Mouse might be the ticket, but they just ended up having a stare-down.

Minnie won.

I love this boy.