I can’t believe April is almost over! I only flipped my calendar to April halfway through the month and added a few things, but most of the days remain blank. It’s wonderful to have so many open days — I’m enjoying this slower season when my schedule isn’t packed and my hands are full in other ways.
With a new baby in the house, I fell behind on my monthly recap posts, so I’m catching up now. I love these highlight posts because they let me watch the kids change month to month, remember how we spent our time, and point readers to posts from the month. Here’s a peek at our February highlights.
There was a short week when the kids held hands while walking. It didn’t last long — Zoe isn’t always a fan — but it was incredibly sweet. Hunter loves holding his sister’s hand.
We spent a morning at the kids’ club. These two adore a good dance party and big slides. Rock on, Hunter!
Zoe the explorer: undies, a backpack, and binoculars borrowed from Hunter.
Hunter practicing his knife skills — he was using an Ikea kid’s table knife, which is pretty dull and safe for little hands.
I shared a quick 2-minute tuna avocado salad recipe this month.
Cat hat. Enough said.
The plank house at the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge is one of our favorite walking spots — it’s a beautiful building and the surrounding trails are lovely for an outing.
The walking bridge that leads to the plank house crosses over railroad tracks. One evening we caught a gorgeous sunset from there.
I always think the car-shaped shopping carts will make grocery runs easier. They don’t. Thankfully a kind woman gave the kids balloons, which kept them entertained and helped keep their hands to themselves.
I sewed matching dotted dresses for Zoe and her baby doll — so sweet.
We celebrated Zoe’s 2nd birthday with a pom-pom party. It was such a fun and colorful celebration for our little one.
The kids got an impromptu tour of a small downtown fire station — stickers and a look inside a fire truck made their day.
He doesn’t nap often, but when he does, one of us usually lies down with him. Those quiet snuggles are a welcome reason to slow down.
I posted about adding raw liver to my diet and shared a smoothie recipe that includes it.
Anything involving dirt and digging captures their attention. We cleaned up and prepped the garden for spring planting, and they loved the digging area beside it.
This month we started working on scissor skills. Hunter was so excited and did really well practicing.
I looked away for half a second and Zoe managed a face plant off a bench onto the rough floor. Fortunately it looked worse than it was and she recovered quickly.
An impromptu ice cream date and a stroll around town with my girl felt like a perfect little afternoon.
Hunter woke up sick one weekend, so Zoe and I went to church together. I missed Hunter, but I also relished the one-on-one time with Zoe.
Near the end of my pregnancy I shared what I packed in my hospital bag. Preparing felt calming and practical as the due date approached.
Sunshine and dandelions — I love watching these three together in the yard.
Bath time experiments: we tried out a baby tub and a little spa treatment for the newborn.
I taught my final BodyPump class of this pregnancy at 39 weeks. Teaching helped motivate me to stay strong and active right up to the end.
Without any prompting, Hunter built little dumbbells and gave me a solo workout demo. Like mother, like son.
I also wrote about helping kids become real-food lovers by giving them choices while grocery shopping — it’s an easy way to involve them and encourage healthy preferences.
Two years with Zoe has been such an amazing journey. I wrote a letter to her reflecting on year two and what she’s brought to our lives.
At Zoe’s two-year checkup — happy birthday, Zoe! Parenting moments like missed smiles or a quick vaccination are all part of it.
We celebrated with a steamed milk treat for my favorite littles.
My youngest brother visited during his Air Force leave and spent a morning with us. The kids had a blast with him.
We spent a morning worm-hunting around the neighborhood — little did I know that by evening our newest family member would arrive.
That same evening, Nova Sienna arrived — our beautiful baby girl. Meeting her was unforgettable.
Zoe meeting her baby sister was the sweetest moment. All she wanted to do was hold her, and that affection continues to this day.
By the end of February we were back home with our sweet baby girl. It was an exciting, full month — one I’ll never forget.
— Heather
Want more highlights? Check out previous months:
- August 2015
- September 2015
- October 2015
- November 2015
- December 2015
- January 2016