Happy Birthday Reese!

Today, March 7th, is Reese's 2nd Birthday! My how time flies. I know everyone says that, but honestly, these last two years have gone by so fast. I remember her birth just like it was yesterday. We did not know we were having a girl, and I always thought I was having a boy, my whole pregnancy. Then as we were driving to the hospital I just knew I would have a baby girl. Not sure why I changed my mind.....a few hours later I was holding our sweet Reese in my arms. I am tearing up right now just thinking about it and how special it was. She has brought so much joy to our lives and it is so neat to see Julia grow into such an amazing big sister. Reese is goofy, funny, sensitive, smart and determined as all get out. She is not talking a whole lot yet, she is starting to use her words a whole lot more and she understands everything! She is really good at charades, since she doesn't say much she acts everything out to get her point across, and we always understand what she wants. Julia is always doing the talking for her so why would Reese have to, right? Reese is almost fully potty trained, crazy that she is two today and has been wearing underwear for a few weeks. Can't say underwear but she is in them ;-).

We had her gymnastics party on Saturday, below are a few pictures from the fun day. We love you more than you ever could know Reese....love Julia, Mommy and Daddy!

Frosting cupcakes

Sprinkles

Happy Birthday Sweet Reese!

Everyone bouncing and having fun!

Balance Beam

Matthew

Look at those curls bounce!

Luke

Andrew

Singing time (yes, I am licking frosting off my hands, caught in the act!)

In cupcake heaven

Snow day(s)!!!!!

Last week we got about 11 inches of snow! The only downside to that is Jim still had to go to work leaving me to take both kids sledding by myself. Sounds easy enough, right? No way! The big hill is about 1/3 mile away; which of course I had to pull both kids on the sled to. Trying to pull 75 pounds through 11 inches of snow is no easy task (keep in mind Julia kept letting her feet drag on the ground thus creating more resistance). Then we get to the hill and Julia needed help getting up it each time after she went down the hill; while all this time Reese is now crying and screaming "home" as she is freezing cold! I promise Reese we will go home after a few more runs. I did not get them all geared up and trek that far to go home right away. I was going to stick it out and damn it we were going to have fun sledding ;-)! Finally get back home after pulling both kids again back in the 11 inches of snow...phew I was tired! Jim came home a bit early that day also, so in the late afternoon it was much easier with one extra adult. I was going to stay back home with Reese since she hated it so much that morning, but oh no, that was all forgotten and she wanted to go back out. At least this time I put her on my back in the ergo and Jim (and Lucy, see below) pulled Julia. Reese and I made it to the sledding hill and she told me she wanted to go home. Ugh! At least Jim was there and he a Julia had a blast!

for some reason Julia really wanted her picture with this chunk of ice

Round 2, no pictures were taken on round 1

Our sled dog, worked for a bit! Then not so much

Ready for the big run

Let 'er rip

going fast down the hill

Vashon Island

Last President's weekend we and the Sutherland's went to my parents place at Vashon Island for one night. The "big" girls had a blast hanging out together and combing the beach. We got lucky with the weather in that there was no rain, but it was cold! The kids only lasted outside for short bits at a time.

March 1, 2009

Today I am very emotional. Two years ago today as all of you know Shannon went into cardiac arrest. It was the worst day of my life, and one of the best as we got so lucky that Shannon survived, as almost most don't. I think of those who saved her life every day and thank God every day that we still have our beautiful Shannon. Most of the time I never go into "what if" but on March 1st sometimes I do and for that it is a hard day but at the same time a very joyous one. I remember the day so vividly, literally like it was yesterday, the call in the middle of the night, the ER room, the horrified faces of our entire family. We are all so fortunate to have her and we all know it!

PS - if you take anything for this, PLEASE learn CPR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just Hanging Out

Just a few pic's of the girls and a typical day in our house.......

Reading books together

Mom, you are so embarrassing....

Doggie Reesie

We were about to go to swimming lessons, hence the suits

Super Bowl Sunday

Jim and some buddies from the Ridge got their game on Sunday morning.....I think all these thirty somethings are sore today! The girls and I went to watch for about 20 minutes until Reese was too miserable (cold and rain is not a good mix for a 1 year old). At least we got to see one of his touchdowns ;-).

Jim is in the grey sweatshirt and pants....

Cheerleaders!

Reese LOVES to dance

Pretty much any time we are home Reese is in one of her dance outfits and the music is on. I hope she gets better rhythm than Jim or I have!!!