Leap Year Baby

When I went into labor 4 years ago today I was nervous for obvious reasons, worried that he was 4 weeks early and frustrated at the fact that my child would be born on a day that only occurs every 4 years. 

I called my Mom and cried that it was February 29th. (In case you were wondering, my water broke at 11:30pm on the 28th so there was no "holding him in" until March 1st). She assured me that he would be special and unique and it is fun to have that type of birthday. Really, what else could she say to a lady in labor?  

Of course, over the past 4 years we have made each birthday special and at his young age he really has no idea what date his birthday actually falls on. 

But, this year it was different. 

He has a birthday that's actually on the calendar so we celebrated, big time. 

It started Sunday morning with a big breakfast and a friend party at a local bounce house. This was Eli's first friend party and it was fun to see him soak in all the attention and know the party was all about him. He ran until he no longer could and ate so many sweets. 

Today we went to the movies to see Kung fu Panda 3. (Something we have been talking about for at least a month). Eli loves the other 2 movies so it worked out perfect that it was still in the theatre a month after release. He had never experienced the movie theatre before, so it was fun to see his face as the movie began. 

We were pleasantly surprised to have the entire theatre to ourselves. Keith told Eli that's probably his first and last private viewing, but it was great. It even allowed us to dance in front of the screen during the credits. 

We ended the day with Chinese food (Eli's favorite & the theme of the weekend) and family presents. 

While it was so fun to celebrate our big boy, it is sad to Keith and I ,as parents, that this day only comes once every 4 years. 

I pray that Eli will always know how special he is with or without the date on the calendar. And, as Keith said when he was born, maybe it will save us $$ in the long run 😀. 

Eli,

Happy Birthday BIG boy. You are so loved and it was amazing to celebrate you today. I look forward to seeing how you being a leap year baby will shape your character and define you in the years to come. We promise to celebrate your birthday every year and make every 4th year extra special. 

I love you so much,

Mama

Trudging along through Winter

Even though winter didn't officially start until after Christmas this year (remember it being 70 degrees that day?) it still seems long. 

Since early fall Eli has been enrolled in gymnastics and I think all of his effort is paying off. He really likes it and practices all the time. He rolls, sets up things around the house to jump over and is getting more daring with climbing and jumping off things.

We've also started going to an open gym at a nearby facility once a week. This is fun for the 3 of us, including Hannah. She loves to be bounced on the trampolines, "jump" in the foam pit and of course roll all over the place. I think it's just as helpful for her as it is for Eli. 

Over the past few weeks she has gotten a lot more brave. She is now pulling up and cruising the furniture. She still wants to move like Eli does, but she's just not there yet. 

I've always said she's my risky one and this past week she proved it. She lunged forward onto her water bottle and chipped her front tooth. Yes, bad mama moment, but it seems like no nerve is exposed and she's not bothered by it. In 6 months the dentist will either file it down or fill it in. 

     Yes, neither of our finest moments. 

Even though her progression seems slow, to me, it is good for me to look over the last month and see how far she's come. (The slowness is probably why I haven't felt there was anything to "update" on the blog). But, it gives me hope and helps me to see why all these therapies we participate in weekly are worth it. 

Here are a few more pictures of fun happenings over the past few weeks. 

Keith's birthday on February 13th. 

    A fun (and fancy) Valentine's Day ❤️

And some more sweet pics of the kiddos

So as we trudge along, we have hope. Hope for warmer weather days and times when both of my children will run around the backyard. 

All in due time.