Merry Christmas 2013

Each year my company hosts a Santa Party for the kids of our employees. Santa comes in bringing gifts for the kids. One of the many reasons I love working for this company. Its very family oriented and welcoming. Malia was not to sure about Santa when she first met him but before long she wanted to take his hand and have him sit by her. Forget about all the other kids she was determined to have his full attention at all times. Needless to say, this was a bit of a struggle trying to focus her energies on something other than Santa.

Look Whoo turns two

Malia's Owl Themed Birthday Party

Malia is two!

Dear Malia,
Another year has passed blessing us with more time and memories with you. I watch you grow everyday with amazement, sometimes frustration but always love. Your personality has blossomed with verbal words and imagination. You continue to push your independence and display curiosity with the world around you. Every stage of you life is a gift to us. Your father and I are your biggest fans.  We take pride in all your accomplishments whether it be learning a new word, counting a number higher or developing a new motor skill. Everything you do is a big deal to us and we are so fortunate to share these things with you.
My favorite part of the day is walking through the door hearing your little voice yell with excitement "mommy" as you run to me with open arms. My favorite times with you are watching you dance to songs you hear or even trying to sing along. I enjoy every kiss and hug you so willing share. I enjoy the quiet times with our late night cuddles in bed. Hearing the words I love you each morning and night. How different life is with you in it. I had no idea what I was missing out on till you came into my life. Even the times you show your frustration and get in to trouble I cant help but love you even more. You're a wonderful daughter and I'm so very blessed to be your mother.
I look forward to this year with you. I know it will be a year of great transition with a new sibling but I also know you are going to make a wonderful big sister with your caring nature and sweet spirit. I love you Malia nothing will ever change that. Happy Birthday baby girl.

Love,
Mommy

Halloween 2013

Malia was an owl for Halloween and she looked utterly adorable in her costume. Her excitement grew this year as she watched silly cartoons about Trick or Treating and mommy and daddy explained she would receive candy! Candy... oh boy. That stuff is almost non existent in our home. By Halloween morning sickness was in full affect but I couldn't miss this chance to see my little owl experience Halloween. At first, Malia seemed skittish with the idea of walking up to strangers homes especially strangers dressed in witch hats and capes. It took a few houses before she realized these strangers were passing out candy to all the kids. Its ironic... we teach our kids not to take candy from strangers but then encourage it on this one day a year.
By 8:30 the streets had died down to a few middle school stragglers and with that we headed in for the night with a sugar high and chocolate covered face.  Below is a picture of Malia at the pumpkin patch with her cousin Brenden. Allison took her on an aunty and cousin date.

We're expecting baby #2

Mommy found out she was expecting baby # 2 on the 28th of September 2013. We started trying for a baby after Puerto Vallarta so I had and indication that I might be pregnant but wasn't sure. I had taken five early pregnancy tests over the coarse of the week and all had came up negative until I tested on the actual day of my missed period. I finally saw that faint line and was delighted to tell Brad the news. Brad was out surfing so I wrote on a chalk board and left it in the bathroom for him to see. It took him a couple a moments to realize what he read.