Back at it in 2010!

Yes, yes, I know that I have been a terrible blogger. If you are still checking this site, you are quite a faithful and devoted follower. Oh my, I will try to update a little more often than every 5 months from here on out! I'm going to blame it all on pregnancy. (I only have a few more weeks to use that excuse, so might as well!:)

Yep, only a few more weeks. Baby sis, whom we've come to refer to in the family as "Rosebud" thanks to Anika's insistence that she have some sort reference to a rose in her name, is due April 23rd. She is already so loved! Anika likes to snuggle up close to my tummy and see if sister will kick her right in the face. She acts a little offended and quite thrilled when it actually happens. Before I leave anywhere, I get a kiss and so does my belly, along with a few tender words from Big Sis. Eben on the other hand, shows his love for his sister by blowing on the biggest, roundest tummy he has ever been in contact with. Many, many times. He feels quite comfortable lifting my shirt up anytime, anywhere to make sure his sis gets a big, loud blow. I think he's going to be quite disappointed when that is deflated in a few weeks, but he'll have a new playmate to make up for it! No silly anecdotes about Ed and my tum (sorry!:), but we are both thinking of this new little life daily, and filled with thankfulness for the blessing of another precious child.

So...other events/news since my last entry in November...

Tap, Toe, and Tumble Performance:

Anika had her first dance performance in December and she did GREAT! I think she was a little shocked (as was I) at how many people were in the audience. I absolutely love the pic below; her expression captures the intensity of this new experience for her. The two other girls are buddies from our church whom she was thrilled to take the class with.

December Fun:

Anika and I got to watch the fantastic Nutcracker ballet with Auntie Malena and cousins Eva and Naomi. The performance filled Kans with so much joy and inspiration she was literally dancing in her seat. We have been watching her lengthy performances to the soundtrack ever since. :)

Ed and his mini me playing in the snow on a trip to the cabin.

Christmas fun with the family...looking a little more fresh on Christmas Eve vs. morning, below.:)


February Happenings:

Birthday Fun: Anika turned 5, and she celebrated with a little family party! Has it really been five years since this little firecracker burst onto the scene? Oh Anika, we treasure each stage of those five sweet years with you.

Blowing out the big 5, surrounded by cousins.


Getting a little nutty as the night wore on...:)

Welcoming Baby: Our dear friends, Mairead and Jason, delivered a beautiful baby boy in February. What a joy to see the Shutts become a family, and to hold this precious new life in his first few days here! Welcome, Truman!

March:

Gym Class: Ebbs and Kans have been hitting the gym lately. Watch out! (Ebbs has to have a tag-along parent for his class, but he does his best to ditch us--as well as the rest of the class--to do his own thing.) He absolutely loves the bars and the foam pit. It makes me laugh just thinking about our Thursday morning adventures.

Anika can do a bridge now, and she enjoys the challenges of gym in general. She is also a super cheerleader for Eben during his class.

So, that's about it for now. Life for us is busy and changing, full of lessons and blessings.