Nakita Grinie

1. He is an amazing dad to our kids.









2. These two seem to really love and appreciate each other (51% of the time, anyway)






3. Truman's love for books and learning (as much as a 3 year old can love those things, anyway)




4. Her sweet curls pulled into 'big girl' pony tails. Also? Backlighting.




5. Hairbows made by my mom.


6. Fall weather that's beautiful, but not cold enough for winter jackets. (last week, anyway)








7. Her facial expressions








8. Picturing him playing sports someday. Proud of him already, somehow.






9. Fall beer, changing leaves, and new plants in our yard


10. Dressing my doll baby girl each day. Oh, there could be so many more pictures than just one here but I'll refrain. Note the six hair clips she picked out all by herself.


11. Another home project (nearly) complete. Full post to come soon, but for now a sneak peak.


Lots of reasons to be happy right now! I'll try to forget all of the complaints and stick with the positives for this post at least ;)

To the boy that made me a mother four years ago:

I love you so much, buddy!! Can't remember a time without you and wouldn't want to, really. I vividly remember the day you were born (for many reasons) and it seems strange that it was ONLY four years ago. You are the best. You keep us on our toes. We love watching you grow up and can't wait to see what's in store for us with this next year of your life.

I will do an official 'what you are up to' post soon. But for today, on your actual birthday (and the day of your party!), I just wanted to say that I LOVE YOU.

Here is your slideshow I made from the past year of 'real' pictures. I wasn't sure I had taken enough of you to do one this year but sure enough, it's 5 minutes long.

Truman 4 year slideshow from Julia H. on Vimeo.

And here is your four year old interview. It was a bit of a fiasco to get you to focus for this many questions (NINE!) and we did have to start and stop one time when you were randomly touching your sister's face in a menacing way. Oh, my Truman. You are one of a kind.

Truman 4 year interview from Julia H. on Vimeo.

Love you, big man!
xo Mommy