She's Crawling!!

 Brother and Sister having fun together. Hallelujah! I'm sure they will bicker and fight as they grow up; most siblings do. But I am grateful that good moments are in the mix as well. It's been a long time coming.

She is pulling up to a stand! (And yes, she is in need of another haircut, too!)

Makenna's favorite toys are Jacob's cars. It doesn't matter what other fun, fabulous, fantastic toys she has laying around, if Jake's cars are out of the toy chest, Makenna is all over them!

The Happy Plant

Meet the Happy Plant. It's real name is Allamanda Cathartica, but I call it the Happy Plant because that's what it produces...bright, yellow, happy trumpet flowers. And it makes me feel happy to see it. I received one as a gift from my mother-in-law when Brian and I were first married, and though I cared for it during the summer, it was left outside over the winter. I quickly learned that tropical plants are not New York winter-hardy. Brian got me another one, which, sadly, I had to leave behind when we moved, entrusted to my dear neighbor who always had beautiful plants and flowers in and around her home.

For my birthday this year, I wanted another Happy Plant. Having been shipped from sunny Florida, my little plant wasn't too happy to arrive in Colorado's early winter climate. It was seriously stressed, and lost all of its leaves. Every last one. I had no idea if it was still alive, but I kept caring for it with the hope that it would show some sign of life. Little by little I saw the beginnings of new leaves. Little by little it has come back to life. And about two weeks ago, it produced its first happy little yellow trumpet flower. Yeah for the Happy Plant! :)

Just Because She's Cute

Side note: Jacob fusses every time that Makenna wears this shirt...he thinks that because it has a Batman symbol on it, it must have been his...and he wants it back!

Jake spelled his name, all by himself! What a smart kid!

Kid Speak

We went to church this morning with some friends in the town north of here, joining them in the celebration of their newborn daughter as she was blessed. During the children's portion of church, Jacob sat with his little friend Brad (the new big brother). As is customary when a visitor is attending, the children sing a welcome song to their new little friend, usually as the newbie is standing at the front of the room.
Jake told us as we were driving home after the meeting that he didn't want to go up in front of the other kids; he only wanted to sit next to Brad.
Mom: That's okay, Jake. It's okay to feel shy. The other kids were just trying to be your friend.
Jake (very matter-of-factly): I know. But it didn't work. Cause I don't like them.

Visit with Great Papa

Makenna and I made a quick trip to Baltimore right after Christmas to visit with family. Though we enjoyed seeing uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents, the only pictures that I have of the trip are of my baby and her great grandfather meeting for the first time. Precious memories. I am so glad that we went.