Puzzle Party

Liam wanted a puzzle party for his birthday.

And a Hulk Puzzle cake. Thanks Immie and Bunny!

 The kids worked on big floor puzzles. They played a puzzle game to get a superhero mask to wear.

 

They made their own puzzles and used puzzle stickers. And Liam got a lot of new puzzles along with a puzzle table. 

It was a fun, great day!

Cousin Time

We got to enjoy our nephew and nieces last weekend.

Such a blessing to see the girls together. 

Pretty sure Haddie was held for 36 hours straight.

The kids enjoyed playing together. Exercising together. Watching movies together.

I'm probably a little partial, but they are all so beautiful! All seven of them.         

Old Man Nichols (Again)

C now drinks hot cocoa.

Like an old man. He sits at the table, cups the mug, and sips. 

Then he gets up and run to play.

Then back again to enjoy his cocoa.

I can imagine he and I in 20 years, sitting at the table and talking over coffee.

Half a Year

Can't believe it's been half a year already with Little Miss Button.

She's still usually happy. And when she's not it's because more pesky teeth are trying to break through. H is definitely my hardest teether. The boys' teething was a breeze compared to hers.

Button can do yoga now.

And sit up.

She plays now with her toys and loves her bouncer. And looks like she is just buying her time until she can get mobile and chase after her brothers. Those boys have no idea what's about to change!

Button's New Year's Day

With some help, Button likes to sit up and play.

She concentrates while playing her piano.

 A bad cold is making its run through the family. Everyone has had it except C so far. L Child got it first and made a trip to Urgent Care on Christmas Eve. H is on the mend so she played much more today. Josh and I laid around a lot today on the other hand. Hopefully, we are on the mend soon!

Finishing up 2013

Trampoline-Jumping

and Trampoline-Karate

Brother Time

Uncle Time

Jordan and Chris brought Haddie a Japanese kimono to wear.

 And more brother time.

Liam's Birthday Lunch of His Choice: McDonalds and Icecream at Braum's

Haddie has about figured out how to get out of her bumbo seat.

Josh and I celebrated 13 years at Cheesecake Factory and White Christmas on the big screen.

We welcomed the New Year with a low-key evening with friends (so low-key, there's no pictures!). It's been a great year!

Happy Birthday L Child

When I was carrying you in my womb, Liam, I was pretty sure I would love you as much as I loved your brother when he was born.  

Pretty sure. 

I already loved you, but I wondered if it would be the same feeling it was when I had C.

It was. The love I had in my heart multiplied when you were born. 

I couldn't believe that I got to have two sons.

With a two-year-old and a newborn, I was pretty tired. I have to confess: the first year or so of your life, L Child, is a blur. Yet, there's a few things that I remember quite vividly:

Right after you were born and you were on my chest, you stopped crying, stared at me, and smiled.

Even during your colic months, you still would smile. You were one smiley newborn!

You and I would take a morning nap together on the couch every day of my maternity leave. When I went back to work, we continued the traditions many times on Saturdays. Cuddle time must have stuck with you because you still take out time to just come sit or lay next to me. I know that will change as you get older, but hopefully you will still take time out to talk to me - even when life is busy.

I remember when you found your Daddy's voice in the hospital and looked at him. Hours after you were born, you held your head up to stare at your twin (Daddy).

                                  

 

You are your Daddy's son. Not just in looks but in your ability to make others laugh. You have that gift of knowing how far you can take something in order to make others laugh but not get into trouble (well, or too much trouble).

I think C and you have loved each other since the time you were born. C was so young when you were born, there wasn't much jealousy. He couldn't remember life without you. I enjoy watching you two play, laugh, and scheme together. I hope that you two are always close friends.

 

 I worried about you adjusting when Button was born. When I was pregnant with her, it didn't seem like you were too keen on the idea of a baby in the house.

I think it was love at first sight when you got to hold your baby sister for the first time.

And your adjustment to a baby in the house was a breeze. 

Time is passing too quickly, L Child. I can't believe you are already four, my middle child. 

Happy Birthday!

The Kids' Christmas: Miscellaneous Glimpses

C slept in the tent tunnel Christmas Eve. He woke me up at 3 AM telling me needed to go to his bed.

Guess who woke up first?

We had to wake L Child up.

Christmas morning: Santa drank all of the tea C left him.
The other kids leave him milk, but not in the Nichols' home!

Button got baby dolls.

And tried to eat them gave them kisses.

Dad refurbished Mom and my old baby doll crib. We of course had to sit all the dolls in it.

Liam got superheroes among other things.

Button in one of her Christmas outfits for the day.

C did his own hair with his new hair gel.

L Child is doing karate. As usual.