Here's to 2010!

  While the end of 2010 wasn't the best I am thankful for a lot of things that happened to us this year. We saw a lot of change and we were most definitely blessed. Not only did we welcome another member into our family, but a business was started, our first family car was bought, we got our first family pet, Leif's job switched from contractor to federal employee and we were able to celebrate another birthday with our daughter.

I see even greater things happening in 2011:)  

Life with kids.

    Recently I thought about why I wanted kids. I remember not wanting them in highschool and in college. Then I met Leif and I suddenly wanted 5 of them! I wanted to have a family with this person I fell in love with and wanted to marry.  I happened to be on twitter and saw that babble.com had posted a link to a blog post about "Why Do You Want Kids". The blog post talked about how most answers that parents come up with aren't good enough for those who aren't parents.  It also brought up that article that was in the New York magazine about how sure, you love your children but you hate your life. Pft!

  I don't really want to go into the articles... I realized that I tend to be careful about what I say about being a parent. I have a lot of friends that don't want to have children, or thinking they have time to put it off. I know they read these articles and believe them.  I listen to them tell me what life is like with children, even though they have none. I listen while they tell me how you never get time with your spouse/significant other. I listen when they tell me about how hard it is to go out on dates or travel. I listen and nod. Sometimes I say things like, "no its not like that" but it gets ignored. This isn't to say that I think that everyone should go out and get pregnant. I don't think this. But I get tired of hearing things from friends who aren't parents, about what life will be like. Especially when I'm sitting there, as a parent.  Never have I judged friends who don't want kids, but its hard knowing that some of them judge me and my choices.

  It bothers me that my friends believe that deep down Leif and I are unhappy. Or almost feel bad for us. I can't tell you how many times friends have apologized to me for the fact that I got pregnant at 20. It always catches me off guard. I don't feel sorry for myself so why should they? I love my children, AND I love my life. Leif and I have to plan out our dates and some weeks we both work so much that we don't get to actually talk to each other until we're going to bed.  Most of our vacations are spent visiting our families, but what's wrong with that? We have to start setting money aside for Riley to do ballet or gymnastics. Because of this I probably won't get my gym membership as soon as I'd like. It could be worse.  There are other new costs that come with having a toddler, almost two. But, while that means that we sacrifice going to the movies every month and having cable, we use our saved money on other things that Leif and I enjoy. Now that the kids are getting bigger, we're excited that we can now start planning for a small family trip and next Fall we're hoping and praying that going to France will work out for the two of us.  We can't just pick up and take a weekend trip the way we used to be able to, we just have to work at it. We just have to try now. It doesn't bother us, and it doesn't make us bitter towards life.

  I sound almost defensive... I just want to share that yes, our lives have become a bit more complicated but we love every moment. Leif and I feel so blessed that we have been able to have children, that we were given such wonderful gifts.  I don't think parenting is for everyone, but it is for some and that should be respected.

Whats Next

      We're experiencing a lot of change around here.  Beck is slowly leaving the baby behind and getting closer to becoming a toddler.  I feel as if his journey to toddlerhood marks the end of a chapter for Leif and I. Riley's little brother is now more of a playmate and best friend.  My diaper bag is becoming lighter, and the bottles are now gone.  I get excited when I think of life without a baby. Not that toddlers are so much easier, but its different. To the married couple who aren't parents, this isn't that big of a milestone but it is for us.  We've had babies for the last two years and I don't even remember life without always holding, rocking and feeding a baby. Riley had about three months as a toddler without Beck but I don't recall it that well...

    I think this new part of life we're about to enter has made me want a baby a bit. But then I remember that I need to enjoy now. I feel as if I missed parts of Riley's growing up because I was pregnant or had to watch a newborn. If we're meant to have another baby it'll happen when its time.  For now we are about to be parents to two toddlers. Lots more potty training and funny stories ahead for us!

  I'm going through a personal journey at the moment as well. I think the reason I haven't been blogging is because I wasn't ready to talk about this. I'm ready now. When I said I felt forgotten here in Monterey, I didn't mean by friends, I simply meant by God. I am sorting out what I believe. I grew up a certain way, and was taught a certain way. What to believe, who to be believe in. Even when I was at Biola and they challenged us to question our beliefs I was too afraid to. I remember once, while at a Buddhist temple, I thought maybe what I've grown up on is wrong? And that scared me so I never thought about it again.  But now I think about it often. I talk about it. God says to love Him with your heart and your mind.  For me it has always been mostly my heart. I'm an emotional person. I love with everything I am. I'm impulsive. This is why Leif is perfect for me. He's the opposite when it comes to things like this. He approaches everything from an academic standpoint and doesn't base things off of feelings.

    I am struggling. Really struggling. I believe in a God of love and grace. I believe He has made us equal, as in, we are all created in His image.  Yet, the church has told me that homosexuals aren't equal. They don't deserve what the heterosexuals deserve.  To me that goes against God's nature. I've seen the church use politics and take advantage of people. Men aren't perfect, they are human. But its hard to watch someone lead a congregation and have a staff that is corrupt because, at the end of the day they're just like you and I. They'd have you think otherwise though.  I defend the church. I say every church is different, make excuses for them, but more and more I think I'm wrong.  I want to have hope, because I'm a hopeful person, but I think this process is needed. If anything I'll just learn more about God and myself. Send me some prayers or positive vibes or whatever:)

This Season of our Lives

       The past few months have been trying on Leif and I.  I'm not even sure where to start. We've broken down a lot in the last few weeks.  We've been frustrated and angry.  There have been tears and lots of questions. "Why are we in Monterey?!" "Why are our kids growing up so far from their grandparents?" I know personally I've been upset with God and impatient with Him.  I know there is a reason we are here, I know its important for something but we aren't seeing answers.  That's hard on us.  We haven't been happy, content yes, but not happy. We're tired and worn out.  We feel as if we have no control and we have to just sit here and watch what unfolds. Isn't that how it is though? From work to not being able to go out alone to the kids sleeping in our bed instead of their own.  Things around the house keep breaking and we think we're ahead but then a doctor bill comes. We don't want to use credit cards but somehow we end up using them.  Nothing seems to go the way we planned. We've been in situations where nothing went according to plan but for some reason this time of our lives is especially hard.

    We were driving down to Southern California for Thanksgiving and Rileys birthday (I have to post about our now 2-year old!) and Leif and I talked about how this is just a season.  It'll pass. Before we know it we won't be in Monterey, and we will be living near family and having to adjust to that. Our kids are going to be sleeping in their own beds for the rest of their lives so why worry about them wanting to be close to us now? There will come a time when Leif and I can go on dates as much as we want, we should take advantage of the family time now. Work will have its stressful moments but thankfully Leif has a job and my business has been growing. We can pay our bills and buy food and put gas in our car.

    Its hard living when you feel as if you can't stay above the water or find your footing. It really breaks a person when you constantly feel discouraged.  I've never experienced this before so I'm really overwhelmed and unsure of what to do or how to handle everything. Normally I feel so prepared and know how to handle what life throws at me. But not this time. Dare I say it? I feel as if we have been forgotten here. I know this isn't true, but thats how it feels.  I'm comforted though when I remember that this is a season. Be it long or short, its a season.  And we will get through it.

  I must say the kids have been a constant reminder of goodness and joy for Leif and I.  We are so blessed, even in times where it seems like nothing is going right.  I know that I speak for both of us when I say that our babies have been the best things that have happened to us:)

   On to brighter and better things! I've been posting more frequently on my photo blog, photos of the kids and other things. Check it out! Just posted a new post about making changes in 2011! Photo blog!

Living.

      Everyday Riley wakes me up by pulling back the covers and saying "Morning mommy!" very loudly. It drives me nuts but I love it at the same time. I love that she is so eager to start the day. She's more than excited to simply... start living another day. Beck always wakes up smiling and laughing. I try to take notes from my children. Try to imitate their joy over the simplest of things.  I find that when I do that, I feel so much better. As if I'm truly living life to the fullest. And really, that's the only way to live. 

  I am grateful for what God has given me. I find joy in the life He has given me to lead. Sometimes things are tough but He has always provided. And will continue to do so. I'm learning that I don't have time to waste on petty arguments, wanting things I don't have, being upset, gossiping, concerning myself with things that don't pertain to me, people that bring me down, complaining... My time is limited. I'd rather make sure that most of it (cause lets be realistic, I'm not perfect, ha!) is used to uplift, encourage, love, live, breath, celebrate, dance, praise, be happy, eat! And the list could go on. 

  I am all about living right here and now. 

November

    October was not my month. November, on the other hand, is! I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to wake up on Monday knowing it was November 1st. I was relieved and ready for some change. I know it seems odd that I would be that anxious to change months, but its made the biggest difference! My attitude is different and things are going much more smoothly. Granted, it is only the first week of November but I have a wonderful feeling about this month!

   I'm also really excited that its November because that means my baby girl will be celebrating her 2nd birthday on Thanksgiving! Eek! I think we're going to throw her a birthday party here in Monterey and in L.A. I'm excited:) She keeps saying "Happy Birthday Riley!" It always blows my mind that I'm Riley's mom. That two years ago she was still in my tummy and Leif and I would talk about what we thought she'd be like. Its weird that there was a time when she wasn't here, wasn't part of our family. I can't imagine life without her. She's the perfect mix of Leif and I.  She's loud like me, but cautious like Leif. She observes a lot like Leif and loves people the way I do. She's very nurturing, wanting to take care of everyone. When someone hurts she hurts as well, ready to comfort. While shes caring she's independent and likes to do her own thing. She'll watch something you do once and repeat it perfectly. Many times she wants nothing to do with other kids but would rather sit with the adults "talking" and doing what they do. She would rather hang out with Beck though... Anytime she sits anywhere, eats anything, takes a bath, etc she asks for Beck or to share with Beck. I hope this continues!

  Leif and I are in constant amazement of Riley. She picks things up fast and puts so many sentences together but we have no idea that she knew half of the words she says. I love watching her personality develop as she gets older. Its weird because its like she was always like this. From the beginning. Its just much more obvious now. So amazing!

Enter this!

   Okay so I usually don't blog about others giveaways... Mostly because I read about them AFTER the fact:) But a friend of mine, who happens to be SO creative and talented, is about to launch her new website this week! In honor of that she's doing a giveaway of the headband above. Beautiful right? I think so! Soo head on over to her blog: Tasteful Tatters Blog and enter the giveaway:) I know I have a few followers so I'd like to see all of you that take the time to read my blog, to hit up her blog! Plus I'd like to see one of you win! Let me know if you enter!

Other ways you can check out Tasteful Tatters:

Etsy.

Facebook page.

Website.

{p.s. I got to shoot all the photos that will be in her new lookbook! I'm so excited about it!}

{p.s.s. Yes, I took the above photo. Beautiful model right?!}

                                      {Blessings}

       My mom called me the other day after I sent her a video of the kids playing together. She sounded  so sad and said she was really missing the kids :( It made me so sad. This is something I struggle with daily. Being apart from the kids grandparents. I'm constantly telling Leif how I hate that they're missing out on the kids growing up. To me it just doesn't seem fair and why must plane tickets be so expensive?! I am grateful for skype and for camera phones. I try to send a few photos and videos to both sets of parents on a daily basis. Hopefully that helps and they can get an idea of how the kids are growing. I've been praying about it a lot, praying that doors would open that would make traveling to grandparents easier... That there would be opportunities for us to visit with grandparents in Oregon and in L.A.  I've been stressing out because we aren't suppose to be visiting Oregon until maybe the spring of next year and I hate the idea of that much time passing before my in-laws see Beck and Riley. Beck will be one and Riley will be going on two and a half! I want them to see Beck before he's a toddler :( He's such a sweet baby and the baby stage only lasts for so long.

  God's good though. If we have to wait until spring we have to wait until spring. He has a plan and I need to remember to trust that. Grandparents, know that your grandchildren love you all so much!

23 months old!

      
    Today dear girl you turn 23 months old! Daddy and I couldn't believe it when we realized the date. Only a few more weeks until you are a 2 year old! AH! I love asking you how old you're going to be because you always say "TWO!".  I hope that I pull my self together to plan out your birthday party. I think you deserve to be celebrated.

   Thank you for waking us up every morning with a "Hi daddy! Hi mommy!". It makes getting up so much more pleasant:) Thank you for doing everything and saying everything with such joy and enthusiasm. I definitely have two of the happiest children. Thank you for that. Thank you for sharing your snacks with your brother and taking such good care of Charlie. You are such a caring and gentle soul. You take it upon yourself to make sure everyone is taken care of. I love that about you. I also love that you are a mini version of your father. Lately you've been reading his art books and getting so excited over the paintings. You flip through, and tell me how pretty the paintings are.

  Somedays I get bummed because your grandparents, aunts and uncles aren't here to watch you grow. You've been changing so much and I hate that they have to miss out on it. I want them to see you wash dishes with me, and listen to you put sentences together. I want them to know how much you love baby Beck and love cuddling with daddy. I think theres only so much a photo and some words can translate. Know that you are so loved, and not just by family. But our friends as well. So many people love you and care so much about you!

  I wish you weren't napping (kind of) so I could give you a hug and kiss, and tell you how much I love you. My favorite is when you say "I love you too!" Or when you hear daddy come home and you rush to the door shouting "Daddy! Daddy!". I know it makes his day:) I think its cute that ever since you were a baby you have looked forward to daddy coming home from work. I hope you always will. He loves it. And he loves you so much.

  We all do. Beck thinks you're the best sister in the world and admires you so much. If he could he'd cuddle with you all day, and share snacks with you. Thank you for being such a great example to him already. I'm happy that he has you to look up to for the rest of his life!

  When you wake up we'll celebrate this day with cookies and apple juice. &lots of hugs and kisses!

    

&I celebrate.

      Here is to text messages that simply read: I love you. To the friends that got married today {congrats!}To husbands that change plans to help out. To knowing a best friend called. To long letters from good friends that no matter how little you talk, you will forever be close. To friends who are in love and moving forward in relationships. Here is to clean houses and dinners with friends. To weekends spent together, be it cooking, cleaning, lounging... together. Here is to skyping and chatting with siblings. To working out with friends, sweating and laughing together. To emails from friends far away. To baking and enjoying. Here is to growing. To staying positive amidst trials and tough places. To those that build you up, and encourage. Here is to my family and my friends. How blessed is a person to have relationships with those that will love them unconditionally.

  I celebrate tonight. Celebrate the little victories (really they're the most important, and big steps. I am thankful for today and excited for tomorrow:)!

Disconnected.

       I'm not sure what I'd like to say... Maybe that I'm really tired and I miss my best friends. I don't remember the last time I talked to my mom or my sister. Let alone, my dad.  I realized the other day that I'm working hard at something because I think thats what I'm suppose to do but not necessarily what I'd like to do.  I thought a talk I was going to have yesterday with someone would encourage and help me, but it just further confused me. I hate being disappointed : /

    I do know that I'm thankful for the people who I never expected to be close friends. Those are the people that build me up the most and support me no matter what. I am happy for this last week because I've had a lot of clarity when it comes to my photography (Did you guys know I changed blogs?) I know what direction I want to go with it, and I'm so happy about that. I'm still feeling disconnected from things and I'm not sure why. No matter what my house is never all the way clean, there are always dishes in my sink, always laundry to be washed or folded (or both), one of the kids or Leif needs me, there are always meals to be cooked, always photos to be edited, always lots of emails to return, always errands that need to be run, always people I need to see and call... Always. I'm never on top of everything, no matter how hard I try. Its discouraging. I try to accept it but I hate that sometimes I drop the ball. Well drop it often.

   Leif and the kids still love me though, despite how messy things get around here:) I am happy to be loved by them.

Yea Beck!

Yesterday Beck turned 8 months old:)

I can't believe it.

He's crawling around, trying to eat everything and he just pulled himself up to stand

on the walker...

Whoa!

Its all happening even faster than it did with Riley.

At least thats how it seems. 

Beck has started to say "uh-oh". And its probably the cutest thing ever.

He still loves snuggling and can still fall asleep anywhere.

He can also sleep through anything.

Now thats he's older and able to follow her around,

Riley has definitely been enjoying having a playmate.

I think one of my favorite things in the world is watching them play together:)!

Whoa!

Riley is sorry. from Margaret Jacobsen on Vimeo.

So its been forever since I last posted. Things have been hectic!

I do miss blogging and my mom keeps asking why she hasn't gotten any new photos :)

Well here's a cute video of Riley 

and a video of Beck crawling.

Beck's about to hit 8 months and Riley is going to be turning 23 months...

Which means Leif and I will be celebrating her 2nd birthday soon.

We're really shocked at how fast it came but we're excited to celebrate!

Crawling Beck. from Margaret Jacobsen on Vimeo.

21 Months!

        Riley girl!  How did we get here so fast?! Please tell me why you'll be turning two in just 3 months? You blow our minds!  Daddy and I don't know how you catch on to things so fast, constantly doing new things we had no idea you were capable of doing. You're too funny, and you know this. You make Beck laugh constantly, and you take such good care of him. Thank you baby girl:)  I'm impressed by your counting abilities and abc's reciting abilities. Everyday you make me play your letters dvd so you can go over them. You can point out some letters and its cute because you believe you're reading to us. I think one of the cutest things you do is say "I sawwwy" after you've been in time out or when you know you've done something wrong. Its hard for us to stay mad at you, especially when you follow it with a kiss and hug. You are always making us proud and theres nothing better than coming home from working and having you run to the door shouting "Mama mama!" or "Daddy!Daddy!". Thank you for always making all of us feel loved, for telling us all the time how you love us, for giving out lots of kisses and hugs. You mean the world to us! 

       Lately I've been really amazed at the fact that I am a mother of two wonderful children.  I keep thinking over and over: I am so blessed!  Having children and being a mommy is not something I take for granted. I am so grateful that God has given me children to love and raise.  I go back and forth between putting Riley and Beck in daycare of some sort. Somedays, when I have a lot on my plate I wish I had taken the opportunity to sign them up for at least hourly care! But most days I love having them home with me. I love making lunch for Riley and eating it with her on the floor. I love making Beck laugh by making silly noises. I love that I haven't missed out on any of Rileys milestones. There will come a time eventually, when my kids will have to go off to school and leave me, but until then I am going to enjoy every minute they're at home. Even the trying momentes:) 

Thank You Leif!

Kayaking a few weeks ago!

   Leif, tomorrow we'll celebrate us, celebrate what we started over three years ago.  There are so many things that I could thank you for, but I want to specifically thank you for being such a supportive and understanding husband to me.  I know these past few months have been crazy around here with the start up of my photography business, but you have not once complained. You have come straight home from work, taken over dinner and gladly watched the kids so I'm able to go out and shoot or meet deadlines.  You've given up most of your weekends to stay at home with the babies while I have sessions and meetings.  And you always try to have dinner ready for me when I get back:) You have worked around my schedule, making sure that what I need to get done gets done. Thank you for always getting up with the kids at night if need be and letting me sleep and for doing the dishes before you go to bed! You have sacrificed so much these past few months and I hope you know how grateful I am. It doesn't go unnoticed. I wouldn't have been able to do all of this if it wasn't for you! Sometimes things are difficult without the help of family but you handle it all so well.

   Thank you Leif. I love you. I'm blessed to be married to you and have you as my main support system.  Thank you for thinking I can do anything and for encouraging me to just go ahead and do things! I love that you believe in me. It makes it easier for me to believe in myself. Basically, thanks for being my biggest fan, for always rooting for me, and for always pushing me to do my best.

Riley & Beck

     I had to take a picture of this because Beck looks huge! And it feels like yesterday when he could fit his whole body on my chest.  I always wanted to point out how different my children are.  This is an example of Becks easy going-ness(?) He can fall asleep anywhere and be content. He can also sleep through almost anything.  Riley on the other hand, once she was about 5 months old refused to sleep anywhere other than her crib for the most part. Sure she fell asleep in the carseat but would always wake up when I brought her in.  There was even a period of time where I couldn't shower while she napped because she'd wake up.  She is a lot more picky and particular with things, while Beck just goes with the flow.  I like how different my children are. Riley is more independent and can fall asleep on her own no problem. Beck is clingy and hates being alone, so I had to start training him to fall asleep on his own really early on. I wish that Riley would fall asleep on me, but I am grateful that she likes to wrap her arms around my neck while she sleeps. Such a big improvement from when she was a baby:) I'm also happy that my son appreciates me enough to cuddle up to me all the time.

  And how fun is that our children have such different personalities?

Happy 6 Months to Beck!

   Beck is 6 months old! These pictures were taken of him yesterday:) Riley decided to feed him for me. He was so happy when she started to feed him! He kept laughing and smiling, and the food kept falling out of his mouth cause he was so excited.  I can't believe how big he's getting! Sitting up, rolling around,  getting around slowly. He's definitely been trying to keep up with Riley and has been getting frustrated because its not really happening, haha. Its cute though the way he admires her. And she'd do anything to make him happy.

   Little man, I can't believe its already been 6 months! Time has flown!  Everyday you become a bit more independent. Thankfully not as fast as your sister. You still let me rock you, snuggle with you, hold you.  Thank you.  Thank you for being my baby, you're so sweet and I never get tired of hearing you coo and giggle. It makes my heart so happy! I believe it when they saw that moms and sons have a special  relationship. Its so true.  I cried the other day when I was at a wedding and I watched the son dancing with his mother. I can't believe you'll ever be that big! Until then though, we'll keep snuggling and laughing together.  You're such a good boy, thank you.  I've never met such a laid back baby who simply laughs when his sister sits on him or when you get poked in the eye. When Riley got her shots, I never cried because she never cried. You on the other hand break my heart when you get your shots... I dread taking you because the look you give me after kills me!  You're so sensitive sometimes and its hard for me to handle because you have the most pitiful saddest cry.  Yet even then you try so hard to smile at us.  You are by far one of the most joyful people I know. Thank you for that, everyday. I love you so much mr.!

   Although this post is mostly for Beck I had to include two cute pictures of Riley washing her dishes:)

New Hobby: DJ'ing

Introducing my new hobby!

I'm learning to DJ!

I'm so excited to finally have a chance to do this.

It's something I've always wanted to do, but I never had any idea how I'd go about learning :)

I met Nikki a few weeks ago and she told me her husband was a DJ.

When I told her I'd always wanted to learn, she told me her husband (Ro) would be more than happy to teach me!

YES!

I had Leif take pictures because this was so important to me :)

Ro was really patient with me and didn't mind my (probably ridiculous) questions.

I'm already checking craigslist daily for affordable turntables to practice and learn on.

Learning to DJ is on my dream list.

Happy I'm able to check that off

&

that my dreams are coming true!

New Hair.

I cut the fro!

I had some bad dreads so it had to be done. 

I realized though halfway through cutting it the front looked awesome

&

why ruin something so good?

I kept it.

Realizing later I totally channeled Elly Jackson of La Roux

and Janelle Monae. 

I'm in love with it and change is good. 

I still have the goal of growing my hair big but until then

I will enjoy this fresh start. 

I've been having a hard past two weeks so this 

has felt good. 

I am embracing it and hoping for

exciting things to happen!

The kids in photos.

   I haven't really taken pictures of the kids as often as I'd like. I took so many of Riley but now that I'm taking pictures of so many other people pictures of the kids kind of come last. I hate that and so I'm attempting to snap a few each day. Here are some I took yesterday:

     My room seems to have the best lighting so the kids and I just hung around on the bed while I snapped a few photos.  Look how beautiful my children are! Definitely gifts from God. I wish that Leif had been home so I could have gotten him in a few photos. I'm trying to take more pictures of him as well.... and myself. These moments as a young family are fleeting and I'd like to document as much of it as possible.  Nothing fancy, just us in the everyday. I'm learning more about myself and learning that those types of photos are my favorite. The photos of people living life. How wonderful and perfect! 

Another life update.

Life lately has been good. I think its been more than good, its been wonderful, perfect and an adventure. How it should be right? Despite not having any sun around here for awhile, I feel as if our spirits are still pretty high:) Today it got to me a bit but I chose not to dwell on those feelings, rather be greatful for the company that I got to spend time with today.

I recently had to say goodbye to my best friend Summer this past weekend. It wasn't the goodbye I would have liked to end our time in Monterey on. I think its because we both assumed we'd be seeing each other the next morning but things didn't work out so the sucky goodbye had to do. In a way it was good because it was like our other goodbyes... like an "Okay I'll see you tomorrow" kind of goodbye. I know I'm going to see her again, hopefully next summer, but either way, we'll see each other again!

Besides seeing another friend go (oh I must write a post about the military life here...), I've been growing. I think Leif has been too. We've learned to be grateful where we are, to embrace what life has to offer us here. It's good for us and we might almost be back to the outlook we originally had when we first moved here. We'll see... For now we're taking it a day at a time, enjoying what God's blessed us with and looking forward.

The kids are also growing. Literally of course. Our baby girl is not really a baby any longer. Her talking is blowing us away, counting and saying abc's. She is mostly potty trained. She caught on really fast and has adjusted well to it. We haven't tried using the potty at night yet, so we'll see how that goes. I do know that I love only having to change one child's diapers! We started giving Riley time outs when she disobeys, just a minute in the corner and that's worked out. She understands it and always comes to us after and says "I sawwwy. I loveeee you" Of course you feel terrible for putting such a perfect child in timeout ;) For awhile Riley was fighting bedtimes but has gone back to her wonderful old ways. And the cutest part about her going to bed is, she'll grab a book and read it in her bed before she lays down and falls asleep. I think it's so adorable! Sometimes she comes to our room early in the morning to sleep with us, but you can get her back into her bed which is a relief to me... Beck is still sleeping part of the night with us so the bed gets crowded!

Beck, my sweet little boy, I could snuggle with you all day! Look how adorable my son is! And he just gets cuter everyday. Beck really is such a sweet baby. He falls in love with everyone and will make you think you're the center of his world. He has tons of smiles to offer and he is so happy just being surrounded by people. Just recently he started rolling around and somehow moving towards things. He takes his time and just enjoys everything. He is in no rush. We started him on solids and he is loving it. He cries when Riley has food and can't give it to him. The other day I walked into the living room and caught Riley feeding Beck her yogurt. He was in heaven. I think my favorite thing is when they sleep next to each other in our bed and cuddle. Oh, and when they "talk" to each other in the car. I love my babies together! Beck is still an excellent sleeper. Finally figured out his schedule and it works out that him and Riley take their afternoon nap together. 2 hours of me time! Thank you children!

All in all things are going well. We haven't really seen the sun around these parts in awhile, but we're hoping that summer will finally start sometime soon here in Monterey!