This month is such a special one...

...it's birthday time for you.

Every day this month Elena has been asking if her birthday is 'tomorrow'.  I've tried to explain in terms she could relate to when her birthday would be.  "We go to church 3 more times and it's the day after that."  "We wake up 5 more times and then it's your birthday." But in her little soon to be 4 year old mind my explanations held little substance and such breakdowns were followed by "that is such a long time." 

Upon finding out that my due date was February 2nd, when I was pregnant with Elena, I felt sure that she would be born in January.  We all know how eternal the last month of pregnancy is and an early delivery (within reason) is always welcomed.   When January came I waited--hoping every day would bring her arrival.  Days came and went with no sign.  She made me wait nearly the entire month before making her entrance into this world 5 minutes before midnight, the last day of the month. 

Now she too must wait virtually the whole month.

She requested to go to IKEA for her birthday, because she loves the ball pit in the kids' zone.  Yes, a definite sign that we don't get out much.  So to IKEA we went.

Unfortunately, once there, we found out that the ball pit was closed for cleaning.  We went to a near by alternative with the reassurance that we'd bring her back when the pit is open.

Elena made the wish. Gracie blew the candles.

Unlike her sisters, Elena often doesn't display much emotion, she can be happy but her face may not show it.  We got a bigger response from the other 2 as she opened her presents.

Nevertheless when it comes to the ones she loves, you don't have to wonder because she has a way of making sure you know it.

Happy Birthday Elena!

You were definitely worth the wait.

I'm so glad...

...when Mike (a.k.a. daddy) comes home.

Mike has been doing 12 hours shifts in the ER this month. Last week they switched him over to nights. There have been days when he is getting home and into bed just as I am getting up to go to work.

During the days, we've attempted to keep the girls quiet so that he can get some shut eye, but if you have ever tried to do this..it is almost impossible. Within a few hours--without fail--there is a loud thud, cry, slam, or stomp. And despite his earplugs--it is over. He has a difficult time getting back into dreamland once awake. So at the expense of his sleep, we have enjoyed having him home during the day.

And here are some of the results:

Duplo Block Wonderland. 

End of 2010

There was 21 people plus a dog in a 1500 sq ft home.  It was crowded, loud, and crazy, but everyone--especially the kids/cousins--had a great time.

After the dust settled and our house went back to its pre-Christmas state,

we ended the year by celebrating Gracie's 2nd Birthday on the 30th.

She knew it was her "Ah-ba-Ba-too" (Happy Birthday)
And relished on the fact that her sisters were all about her presents.

  Looking at her little baby pictures today, I realized how naive I was back then, as to how much spunk this little person was going to have.  She definitely thinks she rules the place, and lets us know it.  She loves to snuggle.  She talks a ton, though only half of what she says is understandable, this doesn't stop her.  And she LOVES to sing.  At the top of her lungs.  Particularly at night when her sister are trying to sleep, earning herself several shhhsh's from their part.  She has the best belly laugh.  She is very compassionate, always concerned when others get hurt.  When reprimanded she quickly tries to make amends and almost immediately requests a hug to assure things are still ok.  We love and are thrilled to have this little lady as part of our family.