Another Year Has Gone By...

December is coming to a close and I have, once again, begun to reflect on my goals for 2016. In some ways, New Year's Resolutions seem futile and frustrating. Finding that at the end of the year I have fallen short or not completed each one. But I continue to press on because I would rather have created these goals and made baby-step progress than deciding that change is worthless and too hard. 

A couple of things I'm using as visual motivation--

First, I have recently started reading posts on this website: The Chic Site. It has been helpful and encouraging and motivating. Particularly the post I linked you to (above). I was reading about her bracelets one day and really hit home with the concept of a visual reminder. I, too, have considered a tattoo on my wrist (not necessarily with what's on this bracelet, something else; but the concept of having it available to see everyday) So Jeremiah surprised me with this for Christmas: 

I like it so much! I'm excited to have this visual reminder throughout the year as I work on my goals. 

Also I found this quote and it had quite an impact on me. Sometimes I try to do everything on my own instead of asking for God's help to change. Change IS hard and I need to rely on Him on the tough days, well even the easy days too!

Some of my goals for 2016 seem far off and even impossible. But what if this year I rely on God and big things happen? What if at the end of 2016 I'm a different, better version of myself? Why not me? Why not right now? 

What goals are you going to chase after in 2016? 

2 Years Old!

Levi, you are 2 years old today! Here are some of the things you can/are doing:

- You count to 10 easily, sometimes a little further.

You have quite a sense of fashion

- You wear size 6 diapers, mostly 2T clothes, although I'm starting to get out a few 3T things for you. 

- You love being around people. If you're not by Zeke's side, you're following me around like a shadow. A noisy shadow though :)

You were following me everywhere this day

- We refer to you as our "bull in a china shop"; somehow you can run in to just about everything, even if it's across the room ;) 

- You are pretty gentle with your little sister. You don't have the most control of all your body parts yet, so I have to keep a good eye on you so you don't accidentally hurt her. But you love her so much and are always making sure she's around and doing ok.
 

- You enjoy reading, all kinds of books and magazines.
 

- You seem to really enjoy music-- dancing, singing, playing the piano, drums, and harmonica.
 

- You are enjoying the snow a lot this winter! And you can get around a lot easier in your snow pants.

Your new under armour

-Your vocabulary has really taken off in the past month! You repeat nearly everything and are beginning to grasp concepts and sentences. You are pretty polite and remember to say "thank you" most of the time. I'm working on getting you to say "please" instead of "now" when you ask for things.

On the day of your party you came up from your nap, saw the cake, climbed up like this and stuck your hand in a cupcake. That became your snack. :)

Party shirt and deco! 12/12/15

Ready to blow out your candle.

First selfie

You really missed me when I was in the hospital this summer. One day you took a nap with my picture. 

Special time with Mommy and Daddy

Balloon Festival, September 2015

 
Birthday Interview: 12/13/15
Favorite Food: "How about... eggs!"
Song: "About... Clap Their Hands!" (The Trees of the Field)
Color: "That one!" Pointing to the blue pennant on his birthday banner.
Drink: Makes drinking sound... "water"
Movie: "How about... George!" (He keeps asking to watch "Bolt.")
Things to Do: "How about... George!" Anything else? "Snip, snip, snip." (Cutting with scissors, he really doesn't do this, but has been practicing.)

18 month photo -- much has changed since then!

- Like Mommy, you are very interested in stuffed animals. In the past few months you have wanted them sleeping with you. You take great effort in arranging them just so and putting them under blankets. Your imagination is growing and you say some funny and surprising things!

Eating butter -- like father, like son!

Levi Olin, you are our strong-willed, stubborn, sweet and crazy son. You have an exuberance for life and do everything "all-in!" You are tender and kind and strong and lovable. You have created your own place in this family and I cannot remember life without you! You love to eat and play and have fun. You notice the airplanes in the sky and changes we make around the house. Our personalities are quite similar and that makes me both crazy and proud. I cannot wait to see the boy you become; the things you'll do with your life. We love you beyond words and hope this next year is filled with more growing and learning and loving! Love, Mommy and Daddy 

Busy Season

Headed to town for Zoë's 4 month check up this morning! This weekend it's supposed to snow, we're having Levi's birthday party, and I think we're going to try to make some Christmas popcorn! Should be busy, but also lots of fun! Hope you have a great weekend! 

Our Christmas Tree 

Enjoying some melted chocolate 

...from the Christmas candy we made! 

A festive mustached-snowman Orange white chocolate mocha from Misty's!!

Saturday Snapshots, Siblings, & Snow

"Hold her?" 

Sometimes there are moments like this:

My beautiful dreamer 

Looks like it might snow today. We are currently watching Octonauts on the couch and I'm treating it like we're watching Saturday morning cartoons. It's been a week of adjusting to Daddy's work schedule, but I think we're going to make it! Happy Weekend!