I hope everyone is doing well and is spending all their free time outside! Man, we are getting spoiled this week! The kids are both really enjoying the spring weather and the activities that come with the season. Some super big family news this month - WE ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW HOUSE!! Ryan and I are finally ready to purchase our dream home and we all couldn't be more excited! We have definitely been spoiled by our current house (Thank you Marciel and Marvin!) and we will dearly miss our friends living so close. The time has come to find something that is perfect for us and we are pretty set on the Maple Valley area. Sad leaving our Auburn friends, but excited to be closer to our new Maple Valley friends! Stay tuned!!
I usually don't talk about heavy, deep things on this blog but I wanted to take a moment and share the incredible losses we have faced in the month of May. On May 4th, my beloved Great Aunt Mellie passed away. She has been struggling most of the year after experiencing multiple strokes. She was one of the strongest, most independent women I have ever met in my life. She taught me how to have will power, wit, intelligence and compassion. In her 94 years, she had many struggles, but handled every single one with grace and zero self pity. Up until the day she passed away, she was always concerned with my Grammie's wellbeing and happiness. She looked after all her nieces and nephews and provided them with memories and support when my Grammie couldn't. Aunt Mellie was the family historian and remembered EVERY family party, vacation, birthday and anniversary with ease. I will miss her so much - I love you Aunt Mellie.
Unfortunately, shortly after my Aunt Mellie's funeral, my sweet Grammie passed away in her sleep. Her passing was completely unexpected and shocking. My Grammie was the most loving woman I have ever known. She dazzled the entire family with her cooking, dancing and love for all of us. She and my Gramps made my childhood so much fun and I never understood how some kids didn't have what I had. Grammie taught me how to cook and ignited a passion for food in me. She loved to show us how much she loved us by her cooking and special meals. Once of my favorite memories of her was when I spent the night. She would wake up before everyone and have an amazing breakfast set up when we woke. She even let us have coffee (decaf of course - but we never knew that). Grammie had 11 grandchildren and we all felt like the only one. We were all spoiled by her and Gramps, not by materialist things, but by attention, affection and support. I love her and miss her so much. I just envision her dancing again with Gramps.
With all of this loss lately, Cameron has been asking a lot about what happens after we pass. Ryan and I don't have all the answers for him and struggle to come up with an appropriate explanation. I won't go into details because this is very personal : ) Other than the questions, Cameron has expressed his sadness and tries his best to understand what is going on. Natalie does her best to make everyone smile (Don't be sad, be happy - while touching my face). My Grammie's funeral will be their first experience with major grief from everyone that cares about them. I'm hoping they do well but I will understand if it becomes too scary or overwhelming for them. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support during this difficult time. You know who you are : )
As June approaches, Cameron's days are numbered at his first year of preschool! He has had such a great experience at school and really loves Ms Melissa and Ms Dana - and has made several really good friends. I know this kind of sounds selfish but I'm really happy with this experience because I found 4 really amazing friends! They all show me support on many different levels, give me an opportunity to have fun mommy time and raise our children in a great, fun environment. I love you ladies!! Cameron's last day of preschool is June 16th - after that, we will have to set up weekly playdates and dinners with his friends (and mine!). Thank you Ms Melissa for an amazing transition into school!
Cameron is still enjoying Tball and so is Coach Ryan! Cam has made a bunch of new friends on the team and was fortunate enough to play with some friends from last year too. Jackson, Cameron's bestie is on the team too - he thinks it is the best! The kids decided on the name "The Baseball Avengers" and their colors are blue and white. Cam has practice every Wednesday night and games every Saturday. It is quite the time commitment, but it is so worth it!
Natalie is doing amazing as usual! She has entered a really weird, but refreshingly pleasant phase - being super polite! She overly says "Please" "Thank you" "Bless you" "Of course" and more. I LOVE THIS and honestly cannot get enough of it! She is such a sweetie and goes out of her way to make you smile. Oh man, this little girl can snuggle too! Nattie constantly wants her back, arms, tummy, legs and neck scratched!
Nattie isn't currently enrolled in any fun activities right now - which makes me feel bad. We are so busy with Cameron's Tball that she has to be pulled around with us to practices and games. Fortunately, she loves to be with us and is a great listener. I hope she is enjoying this time and I try to do special things with her while brother is at school. I have to say, it is so nice to have one on one time with her. She is so special to me.
Both kids got a bit of a reality check this week (Kellie and Malin!) Nat and Cam are both extremely picky when it comes to eating. They both request different meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily! This week, I broke down and decided that this MUST end! I am preparing them the same breakfast and lunch and they have to eat it or nothing. Dinner, I have prepared one family meal and they have to eat it or nothing. So far, its been just ok. They have both tried everything that has been put on their plates - which is great - but they haven't been excited about it. I know it's a process and I'm not willing to back down! The kids deserve to experience lots of different, yummy food! Stay tuned on this ordeal! HA!
Both kids had big milestones this month too - Cameron is officially done with pullups at night! We couldn't be more proud of him and I know he is very excited to wear undies to bed. My big boy!! Natalie is officially potty trained and wears undies all day without accidents! We are also super proud of her and can't believe we have no cribs or diapers in our house anymore. Nattie is VERY proud of herself and it's amazing seeing her rock being a big girl!
Overall, we are doing great. We can't wait to find the perfect house of our little family. Until then, we will continue to have fun and enjoy this weather! I hope everyone has a great June - can't wait to see everyone!
HUGS!!
