So many new things...

Well, it has been a very long time since I have updated you on my family! 

First of all, Joe and I are have started our weight loss journey.  As of now, Joe has lost over 40 pounds and I have lost 25 pounds since we started this journey in July.  It is slow going, but we are seeing our progress and are very excited to continue this journey.  

Sophia is turning into a beautiful, smart little girl.  She is still going to her sitter Julie's everyday we have school.  She loves it there and misses it when she does not go.  Her friends are great there.  She is also learning her alphabet and numbers and has become very interested in doing puzzles and using technology.  She definitely follows in her daddy's footsteps.  She is looking forward to Christmas and can't wait until we get the Christmas trees up next weekend.  I love her curiosity and her love for her sister!

Claire has changed the most.  She is sitting up unassisted (when she wants to that is.)  A couple weeks ago we started giving her rice cereal once a day.  She really likes it.  We tried some sweet potatoes and that didn't go over as well with her tummy so we are holding off for a week or two to try fruits and veggies again.  She has been rolling for quite a few months so she has been able to get around very well.  As if that wasn't enough, she has now began to do a modified crawl that looks more like she is a worm.  She has the idea, she just doesn't know what to do with her hands/arms.  She will be 6 months on Friday and according to all the emails I get about her development, she "shouldn't" be crawling until 7-10 months! It is way too early! Claire is getting so big.  I am excited to see how she has grown on Friday at her doctor's appointment. I am not excited about the shots, but so far she has done very well with them.  

The two of them together are amazing.  They can get each other laughing so hard and I have no idea why they are laughing.  Sophia is such a big helper and wants to play with her a lot.  She is also becoming very responsible for her big girl toys and making sure they are getting picked up so Claire doesn't get into them.  

I imagine there will be another update very soon with Claire's specs. from her doctor's appointment on Friday. Until next time...

13 things I am thankful for

I am thankful for...

13. The people that read this blog. 

12. My wonderful friends, old and new. 

11. My home. 

10. My job.

9. My students that both challenge me and make me laugh everyday.

8. My fantastic in-laws that have accepted me as one of their own children/siblings.

7. My wonderful mom who is always there for me, even when I am not being the best daughter in the world.  

6. My dad (more to come.)

5. My amazing brothers, who would drop everything to come to the rescue of their little sister. I am truly lucky to have them.

4. My beautiful daughter, Sophia, who has taught me what unconditional love is. My life without her would be incomplete.

3. My beautiful daughter, Claire, who has completed our family (for the time being at least) and amazes me every single day.  

2. My fantastic and amazingly handsome husband.  Over 9 years ago we began working together and became friends.  Over 8 years ago we started dating.  Now being married over 6 years, everyday I realize how lucky I am and don't know what I would do without him. 

and...

1. Most of all, I am thankful for my dad's health.  I was lucky and privileged to spend Thanksgiving day with him (and the rest of my family).  Although the events of this summer were extremely stressful and treacherous for everyone involved (mostly Dad), I learned many very important things.  The most important thing I learned from it was not to take your loved ones for granted.  You never know when something very unfortunate could happen where they could be taken from you. I am thankful to be able to pick up the phone and be able to talk to him whenever I want.  My baby girls get to grow up knowing their grandpa and that makes me smile.  

I am extremely lucky and thankful to have all these people and things in my life. Without them, I would not be the person I am today. Thank you for reading...