Active Parenting

Instead of a ball pit, I (without Mike) took the girls to Pump It Up this past week.  Mike is usually the one that gets right in and plays with the girls as I document from the side, but due to his absence it became my duty to slide down the slides with Gracie, joust with Raquel, and race-jump with Elena.  And you know what? I had a blast!  I need to do more of that.

February Beach

This weekend we met up for dinner with some of Mike's childhood friends in Costa Mesa.  Given the proximity of the beach, we headed out early and spent the afternoon at the beach prior to eating.  I dressed the girls semi-warm, expecting windy and mid 60s weather.  In retrospect I should have heeded their pleas to bring swimsuits.  It couldn't have been more perfect.  Little to no wind, mid 70s, and slightly overcast.  Plus the best parking spot we've ever had at the beach, literally steps from our feet touching the sand.

   

   

  

They chased seagulls, collected sea shells, caught crabs. and pursued the tide. 

I took pictures.

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.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

The lights, the sounds, the warmth, the joy.

I love this time of year.

I love the anticipation and excitement in my kids' eyes.

And I love celebrating the birth of Christ.

Christmas 2010

Ward Christmas Party 2010

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Mike's family this year.

Almost all the siblings will be here with their respective families.

We wish we could spend this time of year with all of our family and friends.

For those that will not be able to join us,

We hope you have a very Merry Christmas!


With love, The Miller Family.

Toddler Sleep

As soon as toddlers make the transition from sleeping on a crib to sleeping on a bed the won't-stay-in-bed-and-get-up-50-times switch is activated.  All of a sudden, getting them to bed is a piece of cake when compared to getting them to stay in bed.  Gracie, in particular, has honed down on this skill.  We have retaliated by swapping the lock on the girls room to the outside.  After making a couple of attempts at opening the door (and then cursing us in baby talk), she finds something else to keep her busy until she gets bored and goes to bed on her own.  Once the noise has settled down, we go back in to sort out bodies with assigned beds and blankets.  A few nights ago when  I went back in to do this, I took a look at Gracie's face and noticed something dark.  Worried that it might be blood I turned on the light.

If you decide to try this technique with your wandering toddler make sure to keep all markers (or other destructive paraphernalia) out of reach. 

But despite some downsides, toddler sleeping habits aren't all bad. 

Gracie on the bench of our kitchen table

I love that these little people can fall asleep almost anywhere, doing just about anything.