Roller Skating Field Trip

Xander's class, with 3 other preschools, had a preschool day at the Roller rink! SO FUN! It made me want to go on a date their with Ben another day. Xander & Eliza have never worn skates--they've probably never even seen them. But they both had a blast. I enlisted the help of Uncle Jake since I knew I would not be able to help both kids and keep track of Violet. It was definitely a big help to have extra hands!

A Little Dancer

Violet has been doing this shaky thing for awhile now and I never knew why. It was Ben who realized it was to music. It is the cutest thing, hands down. She even does it while she is nursing when I sing. HILARIOUS!

Intel Winter Ball

Awww, so cute!

Intel reinstated their Winter Ball this year--I guess we got employed just at the right time! It was a formal event down at the Sacramento Convention Center (where I had my high school proms!!). My lovely sister in law, Serena, bravely did my hair, make-up and nails and I felt absolutely beautiful and pampered. I got a new dress too because well, I can't find any of my formals and I don't think I could have fit in them anyways. I was really nervous leaving Violet before bed time but she actually took the bottle from my Mom Webster--thank you Brenda! And the kids were all in bed and happy when we got home so we crashed at Ben's folks' house. They even woke up with the kids in the morning and made us breakfast. It was great!

Ben & I had a blast. The night started out with appetizers & drinks followed by dinner & dancing. Dinner was deliciuos...steak & chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables and divine desserts! We got to sit with 2 couples we knew and 2 couples we didn't and had a grand time. I don't know if Ben and I have ever gone dancing before--it was so much fun! Our only complaint was the lack of slow songs--during the hour and half we stayed there was only one! The hall was so beautifully decorated though and it was so fun to have a night on the town with my one and only!

God Works in Mysterious Ways

It's been quite a whirlwind around here since just before Christmas. The holidays are always crazy but we had a little extra excitement when we had a positive pregnancy test the week before! Yes, that is right! We are expecting...again. We had an ultrasound last week and heard the little heartbeat and saw our little lima bean. It still all seems so unreal--the nausea and the exhaustion are real but the fact that I could already be pregnant again just seems SO crazy. It's been a little difficult to believe too and I wish I could say that I've handled it well but honestly, I haven't. Don't get me wrong...I feel so blessed to be able to bear children but am very overwhelmed with the idea of having two children 15 months apart. I don't even usually get back to normal from having a baby until around the baby is 18 months old--and at that time, I will have two little ones that are completely dependent on me. In fact, I was actually just admitting to myself that I was having some serious postpartum depression and had seen a counselor and then two weeks later, I found out I was pregnant.

I know that the Lord has a plan. I know that He needs this baby to come to our family at this time. I just wish I had more faith in myself and in Him. The kids are ecstatic! They don't like me being so sick and tired but they are so excited to add another little one to the family. After all, Xander has been praying for a baby boy since Violet was born. :) So anyways, now the whole world knows and I won't have to worry about who does and doesn't know. I'm still nursing Violet and the doctor says that I can as long as I'm ok and she's gaining weight. If you think you are hungry pregnant or nursing--just imagine being both! I'm ferocious! (When something sounds god, hahaha). Our EDD is August 18--so we will have had one child in each season of the year (November-fall; January-winter; May-Spring; August-Summer) And yes we will find out the gender as soon as the ultrasound can find it!

I hope that you are all well and I'm still planning on sending our Christmas letter as soon as our family pictures get to me...we had a little mix-up with the photographer but should have them soon. I'll blog again soon but know that we are healthy and alive here in California!

Happy Birthday Eliza!

3 YEARS AGO...JANUARY 6, 2011...



ELIZA JOY! We can't believe you are 3. What a great day we had though. You got your french toast casserole for breakfast, yogurt for lunch and hamburgers for dinner. You got to have your friends & family over throughout the week and you finally got your princess Snow White cake!

I forgot to schedule your well-check appointment (we still don't have one) but you are growing quickly! You amaze us! You are definitely on your way to being a big girl. You are way more girly than your mom--you are so good about wearing skirts, packing purses and doing your hair it is hilarious! Some of your favorite things right now: baby dolls, purses, ballet & Music Makers, the zoo and Strawberry Shortcake. Food, well, you still love to eat everything but yogurt & smoothies are definite favorites. You are a good helper most of the time but try to be all of the time. You want to help cook, change diapers & clothes, clean, dress your dad or I. You crack us up as we have tried to teach you about privacy--as you run around nude saying you need your privacy. :) You'll figure it out. Well, we love you Monkey and are so glad that you are part of our family! Happy Birthday!