I Love Christmas Time

Happy Halloween

Life Lately

Wow, it has been awhile since I last posted. Of course, I could give a million reasons as to why . . .

Since the last post Avery has  officially become a walker. She started taking steps at 14 months, but since it wasn't her quickest mode of transportation, she still chose to crawl. But soon after turning 15 months, she decided one day she was only going to walk and has not turned back since.

She is still all emotions. When we are out in social settings, she smiles and waves to all that pass, but when she is not getting her way, she has quit a temper. She only has two emotions - it is all or nothing with her (sounds like someone else I know). All smiles and laughs or all tears and screams.  I do love my little pistol and wouldn't change anything about her.

Madelyn continues to march to her own beat. She knows what she wants and will go at whatever measures to get it. She is shy when in new situations, but she can be outgoing and silly when around friends and family. She is a really great kid. I honestly could not ask for a more easy going, resilient three-year-old. Don't get me wrong, she definitely has her moments, but those are few and far between compared to her sister.

We spent the past weekend at Berry College visiting Uncle Mike. The campus is beautiful and the weather was amazing. Eric and I got up early to hike to the House of Dreams while Nana and Granddad watched the girls. It was a special day - the campus means a lot to us - it's where we got engaged, got married, worked and have spent countless hours outside.

All in all, we're loving this time of year!

Pattycake

We have been talking about having a third child, but a couple of weeks ago both of the girls were sick and I told myself I was done. Then I watch something like this, and it makes me want to have four more, or at least just one more . . .

Madelyn is Three!

My "little" girl is now three and what a great year we had with her. We were able to see a whole new side of Madelyn once Avery joined our family. From the start she had an innate need to care for her little sister. She gets such a joy at making Avery happy (and, yes, even making her mad sometimes).

Earlier in the year she started to potty training herself, which was the perfect expression of her personality. She is very independent and knows what she is going to do and when she is going to do it. Her favorite phrase seems to be "I do it by myself!" From getting dressed, to getting in her car seat, to brushing her teeth -- this girl wants to do everything on her own terms.

I always know what I am going to get with her - she is always content with life and very even-keel. She doesn't give up easily and always follows through once she puts her mind to something. Never getting mad or frustrated, she just keeps on until she has success.

This girl definitely marches to her own beat. She is my adventurous little tomboy and I love her more than she will ever know.

Happy third Birthday, my sweet girl!

Avery Kate is ONE Year!

Wow, it's amazing to look back one year ago today. I was driving Madelyn and myself to the hospital six centimeters dilated, and we welcomed Avery less than two hours later.

Avery is so completely different from her sister, and it was apparent from the moment she was born. She is such a curious and adventurous baby. She is full of emotion and is most content being outside observing her surroundings. Hmmm, sounds like someone else I know . . .
.

I love you, Avery Kate Molletta - you are my sweetest baby!

Good Company

We are lucky enough to have grandparents who are healthy and willing to travel, which means Madelyn and Avery get to see their great grandparents on occasion.

Grandma Rita and Grandpa Joe made the trip from southern California recently, and we enjoyed every minute that we were able to spend with them. We're so thankful they came out - we only wish they lived closer!