It happens...

What is it with moms?

And by moms I mean me..

I don't exactly know how many moms do it

But

I think I'm a little too overprotective of Eliana.

Is it because she is my first child?

I think at times I feel like I need to be like my mom.

I don't hear of many times of things that happened to me.
So I expect my kids to be safe from harm at all times.
Or that I can at least prevent it all.

I would say I have been a little of a freak with introducing solids to Eliana.

I'm always trying to be careful that she doesn't get hurt.

You know the whole stressing myself out.

Today I think I learned something.

While I layed Liam down in the playpen I believed Eliana to be perfectly fine sitting playing with the monitor on the couch.

I promise I made sure of it.

It was only seconds that I turned my eyes away.

When I turned back around Eliana was on her way to hitting the floor.

It was as if it was slow motion.

Happened faster than I wish it did.
She was trying to reach for something that had fallen off the couch.

I almost wanted to dive like in volleyball or slide like I learned to do in softball.

Instead I yelled "NO"

It scared Eliana and she took her hands out of her way, hitting the floor with her face.

Poor child.

I think it would have been better if I just let it happen.

There it is.

Just let it happen.

Somethings you just can't do anything about.

I think I have told Eliana a million times not to get on the arm of the couch.

She's a baby I know.

She's little, I know.

That's why I want to protect her.

But I learned that it is just not possible to keep your eyes on your child every second.

And even if I could I can't always protect her.

After she finally quieted down, she took a nap.

When she woke up she kept crying and crying and complaining about her arm.

We called the after hours clinic and they asked us to come in.

They checked her but she was so frustrated that people kept touching her.

The Dr. said she was fine but if she kept giving attention to that arm for a couple days to come back to get x-rays.

I sure hope it's nothing that bad.

I'm hoping it's just that her arm is sore. 

My poor little girl. 

I'm just glad I have a husband that makes me feel better when I feel like such a terrible mom.

He's right.

I do have two kids that I have to keep up with, something was bound to happen.

After the Dr. was done he tried giving Eliana a sucker.

She had never really seen one before much less know what to do with it.

She began to cry.

When we finally told her what it was she licked the wrapper and said "mmmm"

We had to help her a little more.

She then enjoyed that sucker and even used the arm she was complaining about. 

Yep. The hand that is holding the sucker is the one that hurts. A miracle right?

No after a while it was hurting once again.

Especially after she threw a fit and tried picking up her sippy cup then throwing it she cried from the pain.

Wish I could make it all feel better.

May I just add that every time she cried Liam thought it was funny and would get this big smile on his face.

No idea why.

Every time.

Don't mind the "Thank Heaven for Little Boys" bib. We only carry Liams bibs. lol

Fun in the snow like little kids.

Casey and I are more in love than when we got married...

But with a 1 year old, new baby, housework, and school

It's so hard to go on dates.

When we first move to these apartments I had an idea

 but never spoke of it.

So last night I invited Casey to sneak out with me.

When the babies fell asleep we snuck out to the porch.

We plugged the monitor to an outlet we have by our door and we played with the snow.

It was probably one of the funnest times I have had in a while with just Casey.

Sure we have left our kids with our parents and went out 

but I was never at ease.

Last night was different.

My kids were close and we had the monitor to hear and watch them.

So it was fun and relaxing.

Casey built an awesome snow man. 

It was probably 9 inches tall.

well...the snow wasn't how we would have liked it to make a my size snow man.

But hey 

I tried making one and it just ended up being an ant hill. It also began to snow some more while we were out there so some of the pics are blurry because it would focus on the snow flakes instead. Anyways we had lots of fun and can't wait to come up with other fun things to do to spend time with each other.

I thought I could also share a picture of Liam where I finally caught him with a HUGE smile. It's so adorable.

I can get him to smile huge now. 

He is also wearing a size 3 mths here. As you can tell his feet don't quite fit right and his legs are bent most of the time. This has been the first and only time he has worn this outfit and probably the last.

And little miss Eliana has begun pretend playing. From the time that she was 10 months she would take Casey or my phone and put it to her ear and pretend that she was hearing someone.

Now she picks up the phone, puts it to her ear, and actually begins to speak jibberish, pausing at times as if someone is answering back. She also plays with her stuff animals like they are saying things. She also has mega blocks. We recently bought them two mega block trucks and she really likes playing with those as well. She just cracks me up everyday. She has so many facial expressions and I would have to say that my favorite is when she is about to do something she is not suppose to. Her eyes widen, brighten, and her smile is one of a kind. We just know.
Eliana learned her toes, arms, and "open your mouth" within 2 days. Just from watching a video. She's a smarty pants. So now she knows Head, hair, nose, eyes, mouth, arms, and toes. I believe. She also likes to wear some of mamas stuff and tries to put it on herself. She also knows how to take off her jacket. Just needs a little help at the very end when her hands are caught. She also helps when I'm taking off her shirt. She can get it off once her arms are out. And well she's been a pro at kicking her feet out of her pants when I'm trying to change her diaper for a long time now. Trying to grow up so fast. Slow down baby girl.

How they like to play...

The days are starting to become a little more interesting.

Liam is more awake than ever, and gets very upset after hours of being awake.

So now I try to show him toys and put him on the play mats. 

He (at times) enjoys tummy time and kicks away like he's trying to crawl.

He has never really liked being on his back for some reason so those times don't last long

But when he is and he is on the play mat he likes looking at himself in the toy mirror.

He begins to goo and gaa at himself.

And he smiles Oh So BIG!

I just love his smile.

So I have caught him trying to reach for things. 

While on the mat he will reach for the mirror. Like the pic.

I have seen him trying to reach for the monkeys and elephant on the bouncer.

Eliana is getting better with having Liam on the floor.

We obviously still have to keep watching or she will sit on him.

Eliana has become a little obsessed with trying to fit herself into things.

When she was younger, before she could even walk, she would climb into her toy box.

At times she would take everything out and sit in it, or even with toys inside she'd sit in it.

Now she will find any basket and try to fit herself right in.

Her favorite is a green basket that I always put toys in. 

A lot of the times she sits she will fall backwards right after sitting in there.

She's a crazy girl.

When she figured out how to pull the drawers in the dinning area she began pulling them out, taking

everything out, and sitting in them.

Today was probably the funniest one we have seen.

She climbed onto the ottoman, hopped onto the glider, and grabbed Casey's lunchbox.

It was on the couch.

After a while of complaining that the top part of the lunchbox didn't come off she did her usual.

She fit herself right into it.

And thanks to my dad who found out that Eliana loves soup and called me earlier this week to ask if I was giving her soup. To which I replied no...oops... I bought her to "make" her soup and voila. She was so happy. 

Look at her enjoying that soup with some oyster crackers. mmmm

Oh these kids. And lots more to come.

This year I am excited about Valentine's I can't really say what I am doing for Casey because he just might read it. I will write about it when it's all over though. I just hope that Casey knows how much I love him and how much he means to me. Oh how blessed I am.

Funday Monday

Yesterday we were invited to have dinner with Aunt Katherine.

As soon as we walked in Eliana was so happy to see her.

She was just full of "HIs" and hugs.

We had yummy baked potato, meat, veggies and salad.

Eliana couldn't have enough dessert though.

She just kept saying "cookies"

There were cupcakes and cookies.

After dinner we played Yahtzee.

Eliana grabbed a die and put it in her mouth.

SO Aunt Katherine took some toys out.

This is where she surprised me.

She had farm animals and cars.

She saw the car and said

" OH VROOM VROOM!"

Um what?

"Casey did you teach Eliana what car is?"

No..me either.

Hm

Wonder where she learned it.

I may have said it once but that was a while while back.

So this morning when I woke up to feed Liam, Eliana was in our bed.

Casey says he didn't get her and I don't remember bringing her.

Since she knows how to get on and off of most furniture, 

We came to the conclusion that she crawled onto our bed.

When I brought Liam to bed and latched him on 

I found myself not tired.

I looked at the time.

Then it hit me.

Liam slept 8 hours.

It was 6:18am.

First night that we slept for so long.

Amazing.

It is around the time Eliana began sleeping through the night.

Now we can only hope it stays that way.

I am excited for this and because we may get "Your baby can read" today.

Last night Casey and I had a conversation over if we were doing the right thing in getting it.

We find it important our kids learn to read 

But will this mean that we are pushing our kids to learn too early.

Maybe we should actually let them learn when they feel like it.

Then it hit me.

Eliana loves books and reading.

She has been learning so many words.

Besides, I want to home school them.

Maybe she will enjoy it and see it as a fun game.

We also had a Lord of the Rings Marathon.

Casey got if for Christmas.

Sunday night Casey said

"So for tomorrows marathon would you like to watch Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter?"

The only thing about it is that I wished we already had the Hobbit.

I know Casey is going to want to get it, but I haven't watched it.

So I've been trying to workout and it seems like the kids are only letting me get 20 minutes of workout in.

So I have to find something that works really well that takes little time as 20 minutes a day. Great!

Liam is liking his tummy time. Today he lasted about 10 minutes on his tummy. Good job little man!

2 month 15 month Dr. Visit

About a week  ago Mr Liam turned 2 months.

The day was freezing cold outside. 

We didn't go out.

We had beautiful snow

but we spent the day nice and cozy inside. 

Different from the first month he is more awake.

His first month and a half was spent sleeping, eating, and dirtying diapers.

Oh the life of a baby.

From the start he rolled over from his belly to his back both ways.

So we never leave him on the edge for that reason.

He is a roller from the start.

He also liked to hold his head up from the day he was born.

Don't know who he thinks he is, but he is pretty great at it.

The past couple of weeks he tries to goo ga coo and ca.

It's quite cute!

such a sweet picture

From the day he was born he has smiled.

His smile is just so cute and I don't ever get tired of it.

This past month he smiles whenever he is spoken to.

He just loves it.

He loves to see his sissy speak to him, and stares at Casey and I at times.

I can't help but to stop and stare back and wait for a smile.

The one thing I am glad is that he does not scratch his face like Eliana did. 

Poor girl we had to put socks on her hands because mittens never fit.

This tells how diff they are

He on the other hand doesn't really scratch himself so we stop making him wear them.

They make his hands stinky.

He is getting better at sitting in one place for a while before he starts whining that he wants to be picked up.

He loves the bouncer and were working on the swing. 

He doesn't really enjoy it. 

When it comes to napping he is getting better at falling asleep on his own.

Liam has been sleeping so great over night.

He will wake up once or twice and all I do is bring him to bed with me and latch him right on.

It's great!

Today Eliana turned 15 months.

Unbelievable.

This month I've been trying to get Eliana to eat with her fork and spoon

but she still finds it easier to eat with her fingers, although at times she will use her fork or spoon.

She likes to drink from a cup now by herself 

but I have to give her little by little or she will pour it over herself or drink with her nose as well.

She likes when 'Choo Choo Soul' comes on she will sing along and dance along.

Her new favorite fruits are strawberry and grapes.

She likes bran flakes.

We still can't figure out how to feed Eliana whole milk other than a bottle.

But she no longer has been drinking milk period.

It's a good thing she loves yogurt and cheese.

She loves meat too.

She loves to watch movies with us, especially action.

And she loves to climb.

Literally fell asleep to her brothers cry.

Over Christmas we had to be careful because she wanted to climb onto the chimney at Casey's parents house.

Here at home, she climbs onto the ottoman and the glider. She likes to just sit or stand on them.

She tries climbing the couch but that is still a little too tall for her. Once she's on she likes to climb higher.

The last couple of weeks she has not wanted to take a nap until later in the day and they can last up to 4 hours.

It's a good thing she still sleeps through the night just fine.

She still loves to sing and dance.

Her favorite shows are Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einstein, and Sesame Street which she calls "Elmo".

But I'm not sure that they really qualify as favorite since any show will catch her attention when there is music. And usually that's the only thing that she pays attention to. Once music is over she carries on with something else.

Her most said words are "no" "cheez" (please) "thank you" "yea" oh weeyee" (oh really) "Uh yea" "hey" "tid"(sit)

If she can't say it, she will figure out a way to make herself understood.  

I just love her curiosity (at times)

She repeats just about everything we say. Even if she doesn't know what it is. So we have to choose our words carefully.
Yesterday she began to say phrases.
"Audun" (All done)
"Tid cheez" (sit please)
"I Know"

The one that coughs the most at home is Casey.

So when Eliana coughs she covers her mouth with her arm like daddy. Good girl.

She has a total of 12 teeth and don't ask me exactly when the last 4 came in because I was too busy trying to have a baby lol

She loves to be outside but sadly with this weather it is hard. It's a good thing we have windows.

And just when we thought she couldn't reach anything she opened the snacks drawer and took some cookies out. Great! Need to look for a new spot now. She also took the drawer out after emptying it and sat in it. Then she pulled down the drawers. Casey looked at her and she said "I know."

On Friday the 18th we had their Dr. visit.

We didn't know exactly how the visit would go.

You know with both of them getting shots.

I cannot stand watching them get shots.

Such a terrible feeling.

I am just glad Casey doesn't want to miss it.

We know it won't always be that way but that is why he is taking advantage of the opportunity.

Everything was great until the shots.

It's a good thing that was the end.

In the rooms they have the walls full of "Winnie the Pooh" characters.

As soon as we walked in Eliana kept saying "Pooh...Pooh....POOH"

I loved how we were in and out of there.

They were both weight, measured, and had their shots back to back.

Eliana:   Height: 30 in    37.5%

          Weight: 19 lbs 4 oz  6%

          Head: 46 cm    54%

Dr said Eliana is doing good and that she is actually more verbal than most children are at her age, so that's good.

Liam: Height:23.5in 25%

      Weight:11Lbs 8oz 50%

      Head:39cm 55%
Well for Liam there isn't much to say but he is doing great for his age. He holds his head up when on his tummy. (He doesn't enjoy it but he doesn't fuss like Eliana did.) He watches us and responds well when we talk to him. He always gives us those Oh So Cute Smiles. He's starting to coo and such things like that.

It's so wonderful to know that Casey and I created these two beings and amazing how much we love them and the love that we get from them. We are excited to watch them grow (we don't want it to happen so quickly but we look forward to every step they take). 

I have two younger brothers and I know how it is to get in fights but I love them very much. Even though they are 5.5 and 12 years younger than I am, I can honestly say that they were my best friends. Every time I say that Eliana loves her brother someone says "Yea that's because they are still young." Well Eliana has her jealous times but she still loves him very much and that's the side I love to see. I'm not going to go around saying "Oh yea Eliana is very jealous of her brother." She's not perfect and there are times that she is going to want my attention when I am breastfeeding Liam but that doesn't mean her love will fade away. She will always love him. That being said, I am excited to watch them grow and become best friends and I know that they will be as close or closer than I am with my brothers. Gotta love them!

After the Dr we made a stop at the grocery store.

On our way towards the exit Eliana spotted the back of Elmo's head.

She immediately began yelling "Ehmo" "Ehmo"

We began looking for change.

We didn't have cash.

But we were glad Eliana was happy just by sitting on the ride.

She's not old enough to know exactly what it was suppose to do. Saved. 

Last night the bed was a success! Eliana slept the entire night! mmm

Audun!

In the words of Eliana...AUDUN!!

Today Eliana began to say "all done"..when she is done...or just because.

She actually said it after she woke up from a nap. Lol

Let me begin with saying that I have an incredible husband.

In the Latin world we have what is called "machismo"

The women are in charge of the cleaning, the cooking, the kids

And the men just work, come home, and eat.

It's their masculine pride.

I don't believe in that.

"Drawing" while I cleaned

Husband and Wife should be by each other

Not one in front of the other.

It helps keeping the relationship strong.

Casey is such an amazing husband.

At times I think "Man how did I get so lucky."

I have had no time to organize the apartment.

Until today.

Casey was a great help.

It helped that Liam is such a calm baby and Eliana was such a good girl.

I was finally able to clean every single room and vacuum. 

Pack some things that we won't be using for a while.

Got rid of A LOT of trash.

Filed papers.

It was a loooooong day.

But I am finally done.

Kids in bed.

Now some me time.

Eliana has been sleeping with us for a while now.

Judge me.

We couldn't figure out why Eliana was not sleeping in her crib.

Last night we gave her a pillow and phew.

She slept without waking up until 9 am this morning.

So..

Today Casey helped convert the crib into a bed.

She gets on and off on her own.

She was pretty excited that she now has her bed more accessible.

She's growing up so fast.

Please slow down a bit.

But I love it.

For some reason 

she began hugging random 

things today and says

"awww" and pats it.

Example.

After dinner, Eliana began asking for the spoon

we dished up with.

I gave it to her after a while.

This is what she did with it.

Silly girl.

For the past couple of weeks Eliana 

has tried putting her bibs on herself.

She doesn't quite do it right.

While Casey was folding laundry

(because he loves me)

Eliana stole her bibs.

She tried putting it on again.

Since it wouldn't stay on she held it with her chin.

Wish I had a picture of that.

Casey took the bibs so she stole a shirt

and did the same thing.

 I'm impressed that she could run at the same time.

I can say after a long day of hard work,

I am exhausted but so relaxed with a clean apartment.

Now we can enjoy and have a wonderful sabbath.

Failure...

So I am now 8 weeks postpartum.
If there is something that I have been looking forward to for the last almost 2 years
Is working out.
Before Casey and I started dating
All I did was workout.
I was running 5 miles a day
and spent most of the day at a gym.
Once Casey and I started dating I said goodbye to that.
I became more busy with something much better.

It's been 2 years and a half and I miss it so much.
I began working out with a boot camp routine last year and became really dizzy.
That's when I found out I was pregnant once again.

Today I began to workout again.
That was a failure.
Why?
Babies.
It's like they just know.
They know when you are in a great mood to do something.
I think I lasted 20 min.
I'm waiting on my Insanity dvds
Casey and I plan on doing them after the kids fall asleep.
If only it wasn't snowing here.
I would have loved to go jogging with them.
Oh well I guess some things just have to wait. lol
But just so you can get an idea...this is me at the time....

Blah

Man things have been chaotic since we arrived from Texas.
I have this tendency of rearranging furniture and things.
A couple of days before we left for Texas,
I asked Casey to switch the bed once again to the other room.
So now all four of us sleep in one bedroom.
I've decided to use the other room almost like a storage.
If there is one thing I don't like is stressing last minute of packing things.
So I have been packing some things that we haven't been using.
That way we have very little to pack before the move.

So when we arrived to our little apartment the place was a bit of a mess.
I usually make sure I leave the place clean so that we come home and just unpack.
This time I didn't quite have time.

Then I rearranged our kitchen
then our dining area
and now the place is a mess once again.
Oh well

Then I forgot that our vacuum was broken.
Casey was able to fix it today and replace the band that was broken.
Early this week our toilet wasn't working.
The chain that helps to flush broke.
Casey found a way for us to flush it with a metal hanger.
After several days the owner came by and replaced the part.
Casey is so amazing at trying to fix things as soon as possible or try his best.
He's a very handy man, even if he thinks he doesn't know many things.
I just love him for that.

Anyways now I can finally vacuum.
Which trust me this carpet is in desperate need of it.
Especially since (the one thing I don't like about the apartment besides the small kitchen) there
is carpet in the dining room, and when you have a toddler that throws food.
It gets nasty.
I just hope these kids will let me.

The joys of motherhood

In my over a year experience as a mother I have learned a lot.

As a mother I've learned how close I want to be with my Heavenly Father in this journey of motherhood.
I have learned how patient and loving I can be with others even when communication is hard between babies and I.
I have learned to be more understanding.
And most of all I have learned that parenthood is between 3.
Casey and I and our
Heavenly Father.

I have learned how different two children can be.
Not only because Eliana and Liam are from different genders but their personality and needs are different.
By the time Eliana was two months we knew she was going to have a little attitude.
We knew she would be little miss independent.
Liam on the other hand is such a sweet little guy.
(Not that Eliana isn't sweet)
He loves to cuddle and wants to be held most of the time.
He is plenty shy but smiles a lot when being talked to.
We also think he's going to be a lefty like his daddy.

When Eliana was in my belly I knew just how she was going to be.
My mom always said hopefully I'd be blessed with someone like me.
So I just knew.
I had dreamt of having a girl that would wear dresses cute bows and loved dolls.
(Even though I was a spider-man, batman, superman, x-men, ninja turtles, power rangers loving, hot wheels playing kind of girl.)
I soon learned kids don't come exactly how you want them.
Eliana is a lot like her mommy.
She doesn't like dresses.
She pulls her bows and hairbands out.
She prefers toy cars.
She likes to have a mess opposed to rooms being tidy.
She's shy but hit the wrong button and she can be feisty.
Don't get too close or she will claw your eyes.
Mess w her brother and she will tell you how it is.
Some say she's a fighter but she's just trying to defend herself and I'm OK with it.
Just as much as she can be feisty she can be caring, loving, and cuddly.
She's wiped the tears off my eyes and hugged me when I was watching a sad movie lol
But the biggest lesson I have learned is to keep my eyes on her.
Once the home is quiet it means something is up.
From eating paper to getting a hold of dirty diapers.
Throwing socks into a diaper pail.
Playing w a push pin.
Biting on DVD cases.
I also learned to keep pants on her from the time she was 9 months.
This is when she learned how to take her diapers off.
I would find her running around naked or sitting w her diaper next to her.
 Who can blame her, they were dirty.

O the joy of being a mother. Life is going to get more fun in several more months once Liam does more.

But the one thing that makes my heart melt is when Eliana cries, I tell her to look at Liam and she is all better.

Mall trip

Last night I let Casey know that today

I wanted to go out.

Jeez it was cold at the end of the day

But it was a great day.

Rachel had her shower today and I took Eliana with me.

She was great until she spotted the food.

Then she just kept fussing.

I was able to see why.

She ate 3 meatballs 

(which were yummy)

6 strawberries

a piece of broccoli

1 chocolate covered cake pop

and a rice crispy.

Can you tell she couldn't stop looking.

Doesn't she look adorable even as a mess lol

Afterwards I picked Casey up and we headed to the mall.

There we just walked around and every now and then went into a store.

 I just needed to get out of the apartment 

and so did Eliana.

I'm glad we went.

Eliana got to play in the little play area they have there.

At first she was afraid to touch the turtle. 

She stood about 2 ft away and reached for the turtle and took tiny steps.

Then finally slapped it.

Then she played for I'd say an hour.

Hopefully I'll get her in there someday.

She was so tired afterwards that as soon as I put her in her car seat

she passed out.

Oh how wonderful this girl is.

I love watching her play. 

Christmas Break!

This year we were so excited that Casey was able to get about

3 weeks of a break from school.

He needed it.

But we were more excited because 

we got to go to 

Texas!!!

Yea baby

We were going home!

The Monday before we left I had my checkup and we were set to go.

We left the 19th.

We struggled enough with a child traveling on a plane.

We feared the worst.

The plane ride was actually great.

Until the last 5 minutes.

My mother-in-law traveled with us

and she was carrying Eliana the last 5 minutes.

Elianas tummy did not like it aaaand....

well lets just say her just that had been consumed earlier was now on her onesie.

Poor baby girl.

Luckily I had packed an extra pair of clothes and changed her fast.

She was fine after that.

For the first few days we stayed at Casey's parents house.

My parents and brothers were sick.

Eliana had a blast being around her cousins, Tanner and Brooke, who were also staying there.

On Sunday the 23rd Liam was blessed in the Rowlett 2nd Ward.

For Elianas blessing we were up at 7 am.

Eliana did not want to cooperate so were late.

Embarrassing.

This time we hope it would be better.

Was it?

Nope.

Eliana and Liam decided to sleep in and Caseys alarm did not go off. 

Once again we were late.

Anyways it was a beautiful blessing and he looked handsome in his too big for him suit.

We had brunch after the blessing at Casey's parents house 

and the dinner at my parents house.

For the time we were there we were trying to find a day and time that we could do Christmas for Casey's side of the family. When everyone would be able to get together. In the end not everyone could get together but most of us did on Christmas Eve Morning. 

Eliana had a great time with all the cousins. 

She had never been around so many kids. 

Liam of course chilled most of the time.

 For the kids there was a book exchange and well

Eliana LOVES books.

She can't focus on just one.

So new books for her is great!

She of course enjoyed Liams books as well since he can just yet.

For the adults we did a "white elephant" gift exchange.

We had fun with it.

Casey ended up with some coasters Melinda made

and I ended up with Withering Heights movie and bath salts.

Then we said our goodbyes to April, Anthony, Tanner and Little Miss Brooke.

We then went to my parents house for Christmas Eve party.

It can get a little crowded and crazy at times.

It was so great to be able to spend this time with our families and have them meet Mr. Liam

and see how much Eliana has grown. 

We had tamales and all the Mexican tradition stuff.

Just this year was not as traditional as we usually do.

This year was more of just socializing.

And because Casey and I are soooo old and have two kids we hit

the sack as soon as they did.

Christmas morning we gave Eliana the gift we gave them

It was Finding Nemo.

We then headed to Casey's parents house and spent some time with the Callison Clan. 

Austin and Michael had a great time messing with Eliana by tickling the back of her legs and fleeing the scene before she turned around.

She just kept yelling "HEY"

It is quite cute how she yells it, for now.

We stayed the rest of that week with Casey's parents so that Casey could spend time with Austin and Kenneth (his brothers) before they headed back to Houston.

After that we were back to my parents.

One of the nights we were staying there Eliana woke me up in the middle of the night with a fever. My poor girl.

Teething didn't help.

She's got 8 teeth and the molars.

She had never been sick before so she was just miserable.

When I told her she looked miserable she responded, "I knooooow."

She says things so cute.

But the fever only lasted about an hour. 

I rubbed doterra oils all over her.

Love them!

Peppermint, Lemon, Frankincense, On Guard, and a couple of other ones.

She fell back to sleep but woke up with a cough, runny nose, hoarse voice, and warm

but I kept checking and she didn't have a fever.

It just worried me that she lost her appetite.

Shortly after Liam began coughing, had a hoarse cry and runny nose. 

The good thing he didn't catch a fever. 

I think the fact that I breastfed (since my pump broke) the entire time he got sick, helped.

By New Years they were better and ready to party again.

Everyone (except us) got together at my uncles house and we were too tired. 

We slept early.

Again.

I actually wanted to be awake but wasn't.

I woke up and asked Casey what time it was he said 1:20 and then I passed out lol

Because the kids were sick Casey and I decided to postpone our Anniversary to the 4th and 5th.

Oh how wonderful it was.

We were able to leave the kids with my parents.

We went to the Dallas, Texas Temple where we were sealed 2 years ago.

It was so wonderful to be able to go after so long.

The temple is such a beautiful place where I can seek the Lords advice and it is so peaceful.

We took pictures and we had a great experience.

Afterwards we went to eat.

We then picked up the kids and went to Doug & Emily's wedding reception.

Then we headed to the hotel 

where Eliana enjoyed sleeping in her own bed.

It was the first night we all slept so peacefully.

The next morning we had a great breakfast! 

Eliana loved it!

We loved getting stared at bc we had two babies and carried our trays while pushing two strollers!

That's right! It takes talent!

We then went to Movie Studio Grill where we watched 

Les Miserables!

Why yes I do love musicals where no one talks at all.

I wish there were a lot more movies like that.

Then we got to eat where Casey and I had our last date before we were married.

Eliana loved the food.

Since Eliana has learned that we pray before we eat,

she thought that by saying "Amen" her food would be ready.

Which is why she kept saying "Amen" and turning to see if someone was bringing her meal.

O that girl.

Well when she finally got it she ate her heart out.

She can eat!

We were then off to my uncles house where my cousin was having her baby shower. 

Since it was a shower that both men and women could attend with their children we were all able to go from there.

Casey participated in a poop eating contest.

As you can see only two participated lol

When they counted to three they were to open the diaper and eat the ice cream inside. 

Casey won!

Of course he did.

The other guys were too grossed out.

My dad said it was because Casey was the only one changing diapers at the time.

It's true.

Then we both participated in a contest where I was to sit on his lap and he was to feed me apple sauce while he was blind-folded. 

(Wish I had a pic)

He started with the spoon upside down. 

And he got it on me of course but it was lots of fun.

Texas is our home because that is where the family is but after it all we were ready to be in our real home in Utah.

The night before we left we packed everything and headed to my uncles house one last time to say good bye to everyone.

Our Christmas break was so fun but it's so nice to be home finally.

P.S. Here are some other pics of great times 

  Eliana fell asleep on daddy's lap while watching sports news with him. Notice the xbox control on her hands.

She's a gamer.

Can't blame her.

Both parents are.

This is what my parents do with our children.

They dance.

And the kids love it!

Christmas Morning. 

Eliana telling a joke 

and giving Liam too much love for his liking lol

At the end of the day I can't help

but to love life

I have an amazing husband who loves me and takes care of me

and our kids

and kids who make me smile every second!