THURS - 12.31

Kenna is quite the Houdini when it comes to her swaddle. These things have been bittersweet for us. They were a huge help when we first brought Kenna home from the hospital because they helped all of us get some sleep. Lately though she is able to work her way out of them which then wakes us up. I know we'll have to stop swaddling her soon so maybe it is for the best. 

WED - 12.30

SUPER DADDY!!!

TUES - 12.29

 Daddy and Mara spent some time tonight coloring the Frozen purse that she got for Christmas. When I asked her to smile for the camera I quickly learned that we have entered the stage of cheesy smiles. Still love her! 

 In other news, look who is 3 month old already! I cannot believe it!!! She is very smiley and I think we are starting to figure her out. Things are settling into a groove a little bit here. All of this is going to change in less than a week though when I head back to work...

Look at how much she has changed already!!!

MON - 12.28

We gave the bumbo a try for the first time today. Just like when Mara tried it for the first time, Makenna was not the biggest fan. 

SUN - 12.27

Today we had Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa Woodard and the Oosting clan. I am quickly realizing, after looking through recent photos, that I am not as good about getting photos of everyone as I used to be. Even though not everyone is pictured, we all had a great and relaxing morning. 

SAT - 12.26

Kenna seemed to really enjoy playing with this laptop tonight. I would even swear that she figured out how to work it a little. She is so smart! 

FRI - 12.25

Christmas morning was a success! Mara loves her new owl suitcase that has her name on it. She quickly pointed out that it is just like her owl backpack and just had to wear the two of them together. Kenna, though still not a fan of tummy time, enjoyed playing on her new tummy time pillow for a minute. I am in love with their matching pajamas and am quickly realizing that I am becoming "that mom" that dresses their kids in matching clothing...

THURS - 12.24

Merry Christmas Eve! Grandma and Grandpa joined us for the day and at church with the Oosting clan! I think I almost love Christmas Eve even more than Christmas day! I have fond memories of snuggling up by a warm fire and candlelight church services. I am hoping to pass similar memories down to our girls. Daddy also wanted to start a tradition of opening a present on Christmas Eve. The girls got matching snowmen pajamas, a Blues Clues movie, and a bag of popcorn for a family movie night. Mara absolutely loved her new movie! Blues Clues just may be her new obsession! 

Grandma added to our fun family night by making peanut butter play dough with Mara. She loved it (especially when you consider the fact that Mom doesn't really allow the real stuff in the house!). Thanks Grandma!

WED - 12.23

Today is the ten year anniversary of when this man asked me to marry him. We celebrated by having our first night out just the two of us since becoming a family of four. We were hoping the time away might give Kenna the opportunity to take a bottle but Grandma Gayle did not have any luck. I am hoping this girls figures this bottle thing out soon!

TUES - 12.22

Today we had a meeting with a financial adviser at Daddy's work. Mara loved feeling so official drawing on a pad of Dad's paper and Kenna again slept for most of the time. 

MON - 12.21

I'm finally getting the chance to finish up some of the craft projects I had hanging over my head. Kenna's shadow box is now on display right outside her room just like Mara's. Here is a photo of the pair of them side-by-side. I just love how they turned out! 

I am also quite proud of myself for making a crib sheet for the nursery. It really was one of the easiest things I have ever sewn but I am still impressed with myself! The fabric could not be more perfect for her room! 

SUN - 12.20

Mara and Daddy are testing out the pots and pans she got as a birthday present. She absolutely loves sitting on the kitchen island and cooking with us! 

SAT - 12.19

I am just loving the way these tulips are opening! They are so beautiful!

Also, the whole family spent a few hours at Mom's school today in preparation for when she returns to work right after the first of the year. Mara watched videos, Kenna mostly slept, and Daddy bound review books for the students. I feel much better about returning in less than two weeks but I know it is going to be so hard! 

FRI - 12.18

All smiles and thumbs-up from the three of us because we each put on and zipped up our jackets all by ourselves this morning! She is such and big and independent girl!

THURS - 12.17

Excellence in Teaching Award 2015

It was such an honor to receive this award again this year. This year was made even more special because I was able to share this honor with two other middle school teachers at Vanguard. This speaks to just how awesome Vanguard is when three of the top fifteen middle school teachers for all of NHA work in the same building!!! Way to go MJ and Pam! I'll say it again...our students are some of the hardest working students out there! 

WED - 12.16

The button name craft is done!!! Now on to her shadow box...

TUES - 12.15

Mara was beaming with pride for this picture! Daddy gave her the cookie cutters from the dishwasher and the container that they needed to fit into. She was also given the instructions that it may take her a few tries but that, if she worked really hard, she would be able to figure the puzzle out. She worked really hard on it and didn't give up. We are so proud of our smart and hard working girl!!!

MON - 12.14

Mara is showing off her skills with the kid-friendly knife that Daddy got her for her birthday. Kenna is taking notes in the background!

SUN - 12.13

Tonight we ventured out to a local church to tour through their live nativity scene. Mara was so excited to see baby Jesus and some live animals! It is such a cool thing to help children experience the Christmas season. 

SAT - 12.12

We had the best time today! We got to be with family to celebrate Emily's birthday, decorate Christmas cookies with aunts, uncles, and cousins, AND WE GOT A BRAND NEW FAMILY MEMBER!!! We were so happy to have to make a surprise trip to the hospital to meet Olivia Cassing on her BIRTHday! (And on Mara's due date...oh what fun!)

FRI - 12.11

We finally have someone who will sleep during the day! And in her own crib! What a big girl! 

THURS - 12.10

My maternity leave will be up in a couple weeks and I have yet to finish Makenna's button letters for her name. Thankfully I have a little helper this time around! Only a couple of letters left!

WED - 12.9

One of my favorite items to decorate with each Christmas is this nativity scene. This year I splurged on the final couple of pieces to complete the set and I couldn't be more thrilled! Merry Christmas!!!

TUES - 12.8

Mara loves her bubble baths! 

MON - 12.7

Bath time is family time. We all pitched in to help clean little Miss Makenna tonight. There is nothing like the smell of a clean baby! 

SUN - 12.6

Snug as a bug in a rug! 

SAT - 12.5

The Brunners came over tonight and we couldn't pass up the chance to take a picture of these little cuties in their matching pajamas. 

FRI - 12.4

Both girls had a doctors appointment today. Mara had her first big girl check up and loved all of the new things she got to experience! She is growing right on track (still on the petite side) and has great eye-sight. Kenna is growing like a weed! Her weight is right at the 50 percentile mark and her height is in the 75th percentile. Mama and Kenna didn't handle her shots so well but Daddy made sure he was able to stick around to help me cope. Mara, in perfect Big Sister style, held Makenna's hand to help her be brave. I feel so blessed to have such a loving family that pulls together to comfort and support each other! 

THURS - 12.3

I just love this. Without any prompting, Mara went over and started reading to Makenna tonight. It was soooooo cute. Ten Apples Up on Top has become her newest obsession. 

WED - 12.2

YAY! More smiles and coos! 

TUES - 12.1

Just a Daddy hanging out with his girls. This is becoming our new normal. Things are starting to settle into a routine around here. Kenna is starting to sleep longer through the night and she is starting to fall asleep without many tears (from any of us!). Mom is finally starting to feel a bit rested and evenings are becoming more relaxing. Being a family of four is tough but I wouldn't change it for the world!