How Do We Love Thee....

...Let Me Count the Ways...

Brynn's vocabulary is starting to grow by leaps and bounds, and she is starting to "say" more names of members of our family instead of just pointing at their pictures on the fridge.  She has a few favorite she likes to say including Da-ey (Daddy), Mama, Mol (Molly), Bapa, Nana, and Bull (uncle Bill:)). 

The last two nights, when putting Brynn to bed, it occurred to me how brilliant little people truly are- even at the tiny age of 19 months.  After I layed her in her bed, I leaned over the side of her crib for a few minutes to watch her sleepy eyes and smile for a few last minutes.  I told her that it was time to go "night-night".  She began going through the list of all of our family (at least the names she could say) and I would tell her that they were going "night-night" too.  After she finished her list, I went through the rest of the names of her aunts, uncles, and cousins and she agreed with her "Yuh" that they were also going to sleep. 

Her eyes slowly began to shut as we went through the list,  but her smile continued to get bigger as I listed all of the names.  I love that at her young age, she already knows all of the people in her life that love her so much!

Picked a Few Good "Ones"...

A few recent "treasures" to share...!

At the Waterpark during our Landherr Valentine's Weekend Get-a-Way in the Dells

(be assured that Brynn's "treasures" did not end up in the pool!)

Molly spent her hours in the 85 degree waterpark hanging out watching the people in her stroller or laying on a lounge chair...she was such a trooper! 

A recent picture of sleeping-Molly in her swing.  I love that although almost 5 months old, she still has some "newborn" faces and sleeping positions (although I know those days are sadly coming to an end).

We recently got to spend a snow-day at home together.  We took Brynn and Ben outside while Molly napped for some snow-time.  She wasn't too impressed!

Although she's starting to show more of a desire to "test" us lately with her "NO!'s" and her "limp noodle" effect when she isn't getting her way, once she flashes her bright smile, we can't help but be reminded of the big-hearted sweetheart she is!

I love 'em, can't get enough of 'em......

Reminder...

Tonight I got a extraordinary reminder in a very ordinary place...
A few hours after I had given Brynn her bath, I went back into the bathroom and saw her little footprints still imprinted in the bathroom rug from her earlier-wet toes.  By this time, I had already forgotten about our 3 hour ride home from Dells with a not-so-happy, sleep-deprived 19-month old and also about the 2 hours I laid awake with her in a hotel room from 3-5am this morning! 
The extraordinary-ness of this reminder I got from the bathroom rug was just how amazing life is being a parent.

  There are no words to describe the joy these two little people bring to our lives!

Fast Friends!

It has been so fun to see the increase in interactions between Brynn and Molly lately.  Not only is Molly starting to be so much more aware of her big sister, watching her every move (and there are many!), and smiling everytime she sees her, but Brynn is also being more observant of Molly.  She'll bring her a blanket, wipe her face or give her her binky without me asking her to do it! 
The other day while having a little tummy time, Molly was quickly joined by Brynn who gave her a few lessons on how to play with one of her toys!

My favorite...

How lucky I am to be a mommy of sisters.....fast & forever friends!

It is puzzling to me how the timing and events of life can sometimes be so confusing and heartbreaking for what seems like no good reason.  It is hard to understand life during trying times and to not feel frustrated with God's plan.  It is hard to understand how trials that we experience will someday make us stronger and more thankful, appreciative people.....
.....We are spending our recent days praying for health-restoring miracles for babies Hope and Hailey (Brynn and Molly's newest second-cousins). 

After becoming a parent myself, it is amazing to me how hearing sad news about another parent's child can totally break my heart.  Perhaps it is the common thread of unconditional love for your child that is shared.
Thinking about that, I can't help but wonder how I became such a lucky person to have two wonderfully, healthy little girls.  I also know that I have NOTHING to complain about...

The small and insignificant challenges of everyday are SO meaningless in the big picture.  What is, however, meaningful are the small and significant blessings we need to be thankful for everyday. 



Small, but SO significant!