.Alot has happened since we last met.

Several pictures from our holiday season.  What a good time it was, and 10 glorious days to step away from the grind to just be.

I've been in the thick of it.  The words have not flown as easily because it feels like there's not enough space in my brain... it's all taken up by schedules and lists and games and cuddles and obligations, but the energy to put words to paper (so to speak) has been an afterthought at most.  The few minutes I need to take to be mindful of my spiritual and mental health have been so neglected, that I'm multitasking through these activities like I'm some sort of robot on autopilot (like, I'm literally listening to a mindfulness exercise while typing- but I'm sorry, there just aren't enough hours in the day!).  So I will list the things I wish to share with you in no specific order, but in the way my rapid thoughts have dispersed them...

Dylan's vocabulary has exploded.  I mean, big time.  Play school was challenging for me at first; I always felt on guard and protective, but this kid LOVES going.  She talks about it constantly, and I know she's challenged there in the best way possible.  It's great to see other people love your kids besides family, you know?  Dylan is a talking, growing person who loves expressing herself and is so helpful and thoughtful, it makes her mama proud.  And she's more hilarious by the day!  And loves her sister more than I could have hoped and through all the tough challenges of being two, never neglects to show her little sister that affection Mila so thrives on.  Dylan is my shooting star; she amazes and thrills me.

My Mila girl.  She's nearly 7 months and although suffers from many 2nd-child considerations, is always front and center.  She's a good-hearted, joyful child.  She is the balancing act to her persistent and wild sister, and must keep her mama in her sights just to be sure all is well.  Mila is the trickling and calming waters to the flood of my normal days.  She is my warmth; she soothes my needs and shows me truth.

And my passion, my G.  We experienced the typical post-baby phase, but we've been rejuvenated.  Garrett is my core.  I can't find a better way to explain it.  It's all those corny love songs and poems.  I love the struggle and the daily hustle with him.  I love that I don't have to explain myself because he understands me.  I hope that everyone gets that person that enlivens you and wakes that complacency that's so easy to fall into.

What a year of personal and professional growth.  Cliches are the worst, but age and experience does help to melt away(ish) the confusion, insecurity, and growing pains.  Age brings solidarity, confidence, and focus.  So here goes nothing new year.  Last year we were about being proactive; this year's focus will be on gladness and well-being... and ahem... let's add finally learning about some pesky hobbies that have been on my list for ages.  Cheers to that!

.Unless there is love...

As the years go on and the lessons become more real, it's increasingly obvious that nothing matters unless there is love in your life.  In every form its powerful, humbling, it makes life's trials easier to bear.  

Throughout the daily annoyances and frustrations, and the many "why can't things be fair??" life moments, I still have so much to be cheerful for.

Thanksgiving last year, the year before, and when we announced our pregnancy the year before that :)

.Sweets.

Two (and a half-ish) is lighthearted, exhausting, and the most amusing thus far.  Dylan is impossible, Dylan is the best, Dylan makes sure that life is never boring.  Halloween this year was packed with fall festivals, our first time trick-or-treating with friends, a lot of sweets, and an adorable teething shark & chef :)

Even better, we now have loads of candy that's being put to good old-fashioned bribing use (play school is putting the pressure on potty training!).  

P.S. Halloween dress-up last year and the year before.

.I love this day.

This holiday gets sweeter and sweeter as it serves as a time for me to reflect on my girls and their loving father.  This is the kid that I've known since we were 17, and although there are things that have never changed about him, there are times when I look at him and can't believe this is the same high school boy who used to pick me up for dates.  Fatherhood looks great on you G.

And happy Father's Day to my own dad, who still has the capability to make me feel encouraged and supported, and yet also embarrass me terribly when he gets the chance.

P.S. Father's Day last year & the year before.

.Lucky Me.

A day spent eating, reading, dancing, playing, and just laying in the sun made for a pretty terrific Mother's Day.

Lucky me.

* 36 weeks!