So much is changing so fast

I can't believe how fast things are changing with Zoe. I have been watching her close these past few weeks and it seems that every day she is learning something new, whether it is a new word or action. She is really starting to talk. I almost felt like she was in a little talking rut. She just didn't want to talk at all there for a while. She knew words and what they meant but wasn't using them, she would whine or grunt when she wanted something. It was getting quite frustrating. All of the sudden, this week, she has started to ask for help and say please on her own without me having to help initiate it. I'm so excited!! She is telling people bye-bye without my help. She is truly starting to understand. I feel a bit emotional. I'm not sure why. Maybe it is because I am able to witness all the changes or steps & I feel so lucky to not miss out of her firsts.

I know that Ty has been having a hard time not being able to spend as much time with the kids as he wants. Finals are next week and he has been studying 5-6 hours a night and sometimes doesn't see the kids or I for days. It's hard, I know it will be worth it, but it's hard. I think Zoe is starting to understand that she isn't seeing her daddy as much. When she sees him leave she starts to cry almost uncontrollably and wants him to come back. She's young and doesn't understand that Ty would so much rather be home than in that classroom. Hopefully she is young enough that she wont remember these 2 years.

On a happy note, once finals are over, Ty gets 3 weeks off for Christmas. Hallelujah!! I'm so excited and I know the kids will love having their dad around for a few weeks. We will definitely be doing a lot as a family to make the time count. I love Christmastime. It is truly my favorite time of the year. Although I don't like the cold much, I love the atmosphere all around, the malls, decorated houses, the smells, everything. People just seem to be happier and more willing to help others. I hope that I have the opportunity to help someone this Christmas season. We don't have a lot of money right now, but maybe my talents could come in handy.

Buddies

Zoe & Ronan are starting to play together. Zoe loves teaching him little things & I find Ronan starting to copy things that she does. The play peek-a-boo (he loves that), & he just giggles so loud. I love watching them play, it is the sweetest thing.

Ronan is starting to stand up on everything & thinks he can one hand it all the time. He's a little daredevil already. I don't think it'll be long before he starts taking some steps.

One of Zoe's favorite things to do is sneak into our room and play with the computer & mouse. The mouse is wireless and small so it fits right in her hand. Little stinker!

"Whatcha doin?"

They both love their bath!! I turn the water on and they both haul for the bathroom.

This is my life! Two babies all over me almost all the time. They love to snuggle & watch tv. We spent last night watching America's Funniest Home Videos. Zoe is really starting to understand what she is watching. She reacts when someone falls and giggles or says "oh no!" and covers her mouth. It's pretty amazing to watch her learn and mimic Ty & I. Oh, I love my babies!

Traci's Baby Shower

I threw a baby shower for a new friend here. She is the sweetest person & has been so helpful and kind since we've moved here. She has a daughter Zoe's age. We just love their little family. We had a good time; we played games, ate cake & giggled...a lot! What fun!

A few ladies from her work, she's a nurse at St. Lukes.

Her good friend Alisha & her baby.

Chugging the apple juice! Can the baby take it home?!!

The gal in the middle won! Nice job.

The special guest, Traci Gluch. One of her husbands friends made this adorable cake. We all loved it!

And there is me! Alisha tried to snap a picture of me, this was all she got. hahaha

No Thanksgiving for us this year!

This will definitely be a Thanksgiving I will never forget. The day before Thanksgiving, Zoe woke up screaming, I ran into her room and there was throw up everywhere. The flu spread from Zoe to me, then to Ronan and Ty finished it off. So, you could say most of our week/weekend plans were a bust. We were supposed to be spending Thanksgiving in Yakima, WA with some friends & then Friday were going to travel to Blackfoot, ID for my nephew's baby blessing. We did not make either. :( We weren't all sick at the same time, which was a blessing. At least we were able to take turns taking care of each other. I sure hope that we will be happy and healthy for Christmas & New Years. I can't wait. Ty gets 3 whole weeks off from school. I know that he is so excited too. Well, we are all starting to feel better; the kids are in bed and Ty is finishing up some last minute homework for school tomorrow. I will probably be working on a scrapbook project I was asked to do by Ty's mom. I've been loving putting it all together. It's so fun to give sentimental gifts to others. I can't wait for everyone to see it. I hope they love it as much as I do. This post was a bit negative, sorry! It was just a rough week and I needed to get out a bit of my frustration.

I love my family and am so blessed they are in my life. I am thankful for the little bit of time we all get to spend together. I am thankful for Ty and the hard worker he is. He amazes me everyday with his determination and drive to succeed in PA school. I'm so proud of him. I am thankful for my 2 babies. They are what I live for. They make me laugh all day. The both have such character and personality already. I am thankful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know with all my heart that the principles I read about everyday are true. I love my Savior, and am amazed at his love for all of us. I am so lucky to have been raised by wonderful parents. They have always been so willing to teach & help make whatever situation we are in, better. I love them so much. I am also so thankful for my in-laws. Lamar & Joette are always there for us, whenever we need them. We are so blessed to have so much support around us. Thank you, all of you! We love you with all our heart!

Family Photos 2011

We spent Saturday morning in Kuna taking family pictures. We haven't had a family photo since Ronan's blessing and that was just a quick snapshot. He is already 8 months, so we figured we better get these done. I am so thankful for Tori & her awesome photography skills! Thanks cuz. I love the pictures. Hopefully I'll get these out for Christmas cards, if not, enjoy because this is all ya get...

Ouch!

So, Zoe is a bit on the clumsy side. I have no idea where she gets it from. haha. If anyone knows me at all, they know that she gets it from me! I am always running into things, tripping, and finding bruises all over & I can never remember where they came from. Zoe was running from the kitchen to the living room and I hear a thudd & then a scream. She tripped where the ceramic tile meets the carpet and I run over thinking I'm just gonna find a bump on her head. I wish that would have been all I had found. She had bit her lip so hard there was blood all over in her mouth. I almost thought she was going to need stitches. Thank goodness Ty was home to help me. Whenever Zoe freaks out, Ronan thinks he needs to freak out and cry too. It was a crazy 30 minutes. We got her cleaned up and pulled off the skin she bit through & she was all smiles. She was having fun sticking her lips out. It was kind of funny. She is a character for sure.

Ronan loving on his daddy!