Brooke's First Birthday!

We had a wonderful time celebrating Brooke's birthday this weekend. She turned 1 on the 29th. I know that everyone always says that "time flies", but this was a bit surreal. In some ways, it does feel like it has been a year since I was laying in the hospital waiting for her to be born. But, in other ways, it feels like just yesterday that she made her dramatic entry into our lives.
She was an amazing baby during the party. She had only napped for about 45 min before the party, so I was not sure how she would do... I had nothing to worry about. She went to people with no problem and was a very good sport.
My sister helped to put together her 1 year video that we make for all the kids. I will try and figure out how to post it. It turned out amazing... Thanks, Ya-Ya.
Be sure to click on "The Girls' Website" under "Some Links" to see more pictures...

Census 2010

We received our Census 2010 in the mail this week. Normally this would not be a big deal... You get the form in  the mail, fill it out and mail it back. Right? Well, I opened it and cried. Silly? Yes, I suppose it was. It asks you to report each person living in your home on April 1, 2010.  For a brief moment, I was overwhealmed with crazy emotions. I was reminded of one year ago right now... I was in the hospital. My water had broken. I was on strict bedrest trying not to go into labor. I missed my girls and husband terribly. I had been in bed for almost 5 months. I was not certain that the baby would make it.
I get to fill out my Census 2010.  I get to report that all 5 of us are living in our home on April 1, 2010. I get to report that the baby is alive and well.
What a difference a year makes...

Ainsley waiting for her favorite animals to notice her outfit!

Brynn and her favorite animal!

Dreaming...

Ainsley woke up this morning and said, " Mommy, I had a dream last night that we went to the beach. I really wish it was the season when we got to go to the beach."
She has been talking about having her 5th birthday party at the beach. She wants a Hawaiian themed party complete with coconut tops and grass skirts. She decided it would be much more effective if we actually had the party in Hawaii.  Wouldn't that be great!?!?!
We have had a rough year and a half... Some of the things are resolving and some are still in the works. It is wearing on all of us. A trip to the beach sounds like a wonderful break from all of this. We will see what comes next for us, but until then we will keep dreaming of the beach...