This and that

The last month has been a mish-mash of things here and there.

Marin had her first experience with the stomach flu... at one point, both she and her mother were hurling into the same toilet at the same time... the heating pad on her stomach made her feel better though :) She konked right out.

Maddie started walking last month ~ finally!! It's only taken her 17 months of trying, 5 months of physical therapy and lots of encouragement from her big sister. But of course, as soon as the camera comes out she gets wacky. So these pictures are kind of ridiculous, but they'll do.

Kyle brought home a special treat for the girls: new tools! Marin in particular is getting more interested every day in having tools like her Dad, so he just spoiled them JUST THIS ONCE for no reason at all.

Another milestone: Maddie's first haircut! Although the mullet look was cute in its own way, it just had to go. We found a cute "salon" nearby that specializes in kids so it was a perfect way to initiate Mad into the world of haircuts.

Before:

During:

After:

More arranging from Marin. All I can say is it took her a LONG time to break the little playdough into pieces and arrange them evenly around the placement. She was very proud.

I found the girls hysterically laughing, sitting in the blanket cupboard just apparently amused with themselves that they both fit in there. It is beyond fun to see them play together and have their little inside jokes.

We had a nice visit to Renton to visit Nana & Grandpa and the Kirkland Corrigan's new baby Annalise (no pictures, dang what happened there?!?!). Here is just one of the snuggly moments shared during our trip.

I love having two girls. Pink toes for everyone! Marin asked me if we could paint Dad's toes when he gets home. I told her she'll have to ask him herself :) Stay tuned, if he says yes (doubtful) there will definitely be a picture.

Another wonderful reason to love the number 3

We are so excited to finally share that we are expecting baby #3 in our family! I am 12 weeks along, and expect our little one to arrive in August (sharing a birthday month with Maddie). I've been super sick, so it's been a rough couple of months. Here's to hoping the next several months are pregnant bliss! Ha! We are so thankful to God for this precious gift.



Here's a shot of me and my prego sister :) She's due 3 months before me!




Big sister Madeline!

A reason to celebrate 3

My baby Marin turned 3 this month, and she is changing by leaps and bounds every week. Man, I can't believe I've been a mom for three whole years, that we've lived in Portland that long and been in our house that long. Time flies when you are living your dream :)

Kyle made her a "princess cake" by request, and she was fully spoiled by all the people who made her feel special on her big day/week.













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And here's Marin using her new camera, to capture her arranging skills. This is what happens when two engineers breed children!!

Holiday news

We were snowed in for Christmas this year! What a treat, this meant lots more time together as a family. Marin and Maddie got some special gifts too, including a train set, red play kitchen and did I mention the snow?

Happy belated New Year to you all!

Man, after the holidays, I'm pooped!! I just crumpled in a lump right on the couch.

Chocolate Bliss

I got the girls a treat the other day. Those chocolate chip cookies from McD's didn't look this messy in the cookie case. Oh well, at least I have black carseats. Viva la delish messies!

Fa La La La La

We got our Christmas tree this year at Furrow Farms in Hillsboro. I forgot we went there 2 years ago, and my friend Leah suggested it this year so we ventured over. I forgot all about it - it's a neat place, complete with tractor hay rides, free hot chocolate & cider, a cute little shop, and nice trees. Too bad we forgot any sort of cutting tools for the rope, so we spent the majority of our time cutting the twine with miniature nail clippers. Wow. At least we had the clippers or I guess I would have been using my teeth.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, every morning Marin says to me "Mommy, what should we make today?" I'm always scrambling to think of something to have her mix, stir, roll or fold. She is quite the kitchen diva! She is muey proud of her gingerbread house. Except I let her eat a bunch of the leftover candy, not realizing the ball candy was actually gum. Too bad she's never experienced gum, hence not aware that you don't swallow it. So we have about 37 pounds of gum in her tummy. Needless to say she has had a tummy ache for the past few days, a bout of the runs, and yet STILL look at the smile on her face posing with her apron and her creation. True love for the kitchen! She takes after her Daddy, once again :)

Thanksgiving in Renton

Thanksgiving this year was spent with the Newell family, complete with delish turkey dinner with Nana, Grandpa, Great-Nana, Papa, Auntie Jessica (who has officially announced her pregnancy, due in May!!) and Uncle Geoff. Other fun activities over the weekend was a family wedding in Seattle, Black Friday shopping, Snowflake Lane Christmas parade, ginger-bread house construction and other general merriment. Let the holiday season begin!