Mom, how old are I?

Today you are 3, but this year you have been 4, 14 and whatever number comes out of your mouth! For some reason you can't remember how old you are going to be or how old you really are. This is a trait you got from me! Here's to another great year with Julia...it's hard to believe how tiny you were just 4 years ago.

In 2014 you...

ate the bait instead of using it to catch fish

took 2-4 hour naps in the afternoon and instead of giving your mi-mi to the baby you kept it for yourself

requested to get a picture with the panther instead of running away shy

went on great adventures to new cities and enjoyed your horse and carriage rides

got to go to our public pool

 rode on your first horse

 requested to wear jeans on a regular basis

 took your first selfie

applied tattoos all by yourself

saw your first live musical, "The Sound of Music" and wondered where the actors went after each act

got a big girl bed

 went up on Mt.Washington for the first time

 went to your first Pirates and Penguins game...I think

saw the Rocky Mountains "I see Mountains!"

Loved to wear twirly dresses in the summer and occasionally wore cute sandals to go with 

Had friends over but didn't really play with them unless your brother was involved 

Made lots of faces that made us smile

went to your first concert and airshow

took Dramamine on 30+ minute car ride because "your belly was sick"...but you could jump on the "bouncy thing"?

requested trips to the zoo when visiting St. Louis

and were always up for a carousel ride

wanted to be Buddy Holly for Halloween, but after seeing your cousin perform in the play, Pinochio and reading a book, you requested to be The Blue Fairy

went trick or treating in Iowa before the cold swept in and headed to Florida for Halloween...got candy at the stores and gas stations along the way without even dressing up!

 

 

one step behind your brother and didn't miss anything!

requested a pony thing for Christmas and got 3 of them

wanted a horse cake for your birthday

Family time

Sometimes as parents we are a little slow to try new things out or sometimes just lazy and content with the home life. Hopefully this year we will start getting out and about as a family and doing things that promote a healthy lifestyle and Family fun!

We have done a pretty good job, but we could always do better! 

I hope this year is filled...

-with more bike rides

- family gym time 

- exercise time for mom while Julia gets time away from me at her "school"

- babysitters on Friday afternoons

-walks without a stroller

-good health and healthy eaters

-excitement for learning

-improved organization and follow through

-children chores and helping out

-just plain happiness and appreciation for the things we have and not what we wish we had

My little snow angel

Julia, we sure are lucky to have you! Your brother was quite the task to bring into this world...and if things didn't work out like they did, well it's hard to believe that we might not have had the chance to meet you! 

What a sweet effortless surprise you were! You may take a little effort these days, but you bring so much joy in doing so. You provide me with a challenge that usually makes me smile, your kind heart is a great demonstration of what love is, (especially to your brother), your quick sense of humor is what will keep others near you, and your independence will take you on grand adventures. I love everything about you and can't imagine our family without you!

Julia and Jacobisms of 2014

It's hard to believe that Julia was only saying a few words at the start of the 2014. She was probably saying more than I remember, but I'm pretty sure she wasn't talking in complete sentences like she is now! There are some lines you guys use over and over and I hope these are the ones I will remember forever! I'm pretty sure I have caught them on video...but the question is where is each and every ones of those files?
Here are some of our favorites:

"Tomorrow and a different morrow...after breakfast."-Jacob

You can come over, this day or another day.- Jacob

I love the wind that blows in my eyes, and my arms and my belly.-Jacob

My body tickles because you are pushing me high! -Julia 

I don't like it, but I want it.-Jacob

I think E.T. Is God- Jacob 11/26/14

Are we in the world of St. Louis- Jacob 12/23/14

For the bare Stephanie's- Jacob

"Jungle Book" - Bare Necessities 12/23/14

Early this summer Julia would reply to every question, "I don't know, _______" followed by the correct answer.
Me: Julia, what's your favorite color?
Julia: I don't know, pink.
Me: Julia, who is the person sitting next to you?
Julia: I don't know....Pa.

 There are tons more, but I did not write them all down. One of my goals for 2015...making sure I take it all in, but do a better job of writing it down and in addition to taking a 2 minute video clip each week so I can travel back in time.