I love you

I have waited so long to hear those three little words from Isabelle.  I longed for her to run to me and say "I love you Mommy" but it just wasn't happening.  I knew it would- just like all the other milestones that I have had to wait longer than other Moms to see.  I knew Izzy loved me, she would show me with her actions every day but I still wanted to hear those words come out of her mouth.  Then a few days ago, I heard them.  I Love You!  I didn't realize that Nana and Papa had been working with her and adding in some hand motions but the work paid off.  She still doesn't say those words unprompted but she says them.  It was so worth the wait!  Mommy's heart is full and happy!

My little's aren't so little anymore...

Ethan is almost as tall as me now.  I don't think I like looking him square in the eyes just yet.  Along with height comes the pre-teen meltdowns and drama.  Girls, attitude, fighting with siblings- just to name a few.  Oh and I can't wait til summer because I can't keep these kids out of high waters.  I feel like I am buying a new pair of pants every week.  

Izzy has changed so much over the past few months.  She is running and jumping, talking in 3-4 words combinations.  She is counting and saying her ABCs, can tell you what color and shapes are.  Sister is smart! We are still working on the potty training but she definitely lets you know when she is wet- just a little too late to catch her.  We are ready so we are going to conquer this thing hard core soon.

Izzy is into trying new things and loves talking to everyone.  She will say "Hi" until she hears one in return. She doesn't like to be ignored.

Here she is on a swing at The Track.  She started off a little hesitate but then threw her hands in the air and let the wind blow through her hair.  Good times!!

Aiden is still the best big brother.  He dotes on Izzy and their bond is like no other- except when she gets into his stuff.  Then he likes to try and discipline.  This is always fun to watch...

Big brothers are fighting none stop.  When does this change?!?  It is over EVERYTHING!!  I think I found a few new gray hairs over the last few months due to this behavior.
Izzy loves to people watch and sometimes she is surprised but what people decide to leave the house in.  But it is all good... we all have our own style.

Recently, we went to the mountains with Nana and Papa.  We tried out Izzy's new #Buddytag.  She has become a runner and she doesn't like to hold hands.  For some reason, if you try to hold her hand her legs become like limp noodles.  Not sure what's up with that.  So now, she has a new tracking bracelet and an elephant backpack/leash.  Yep, I was one of those parents that said I would never put my kid on a leash. Well... I lied.
The #Buddytag is awesome.  I have an app on my phone that will start an alarm when she gets too far from me.  Plus, she can't get the bracelet off and no one else can get it off (at least easily) either. Bonus!! As you can see... she isn't a big fan though.

 These two... make my heart melt.

and this one... poor thing got his Mommy's eyes.  I was blind as a bat before my Lasik surgery.  We found out Ethan can't see very well even with his glasses on.  Might need to get in for an exam ASAP.

Well... I am pretty upset my Little's aren't very little anymore.  They need to stop growing up so fast.  I guess time flies when you are having fun or just extremely busy.