christmas cookies

twinsbaking

 

Our Christmas day was a blur of happiness (as it should be), but many of my favorite moments happened while we were baking as a family. Having never baked together before, I knew the kids would love it, and it was the perfect opportunity for the kids to don aprons for the first time. Little people, wearing little aprons, and using little baking tools? Yes please!

 

stirring

henrysmiling

flourmess

 

That smile on Henry melts my mommy heart, and he flashed that quite a few times during our baking session. He loves to be in the kitchen, just like his daddy. This was our first time baking, and he really loved every minute of it. He was especially fascinated with the mixer and how it functioned of course, but was focused + interested the entire time (which is saying a lot for a two-year-old). Marie is my mini-me, and true to form, enjoyed the cutting + decorating the most.

 

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pumpkins + punkins

pumpkinpicking

kids-pumpkin-patch

pumpkin-patch

 

As you can see, I’m pretty happy this time of year. The combination of crisp weather + pumpkin picking + cider + sweater weather + MY FAMILY = pure bliss. I still can’t believe this was only a year ago. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day to head to our local orchard…and we got there early enough to beat the crowds. We had the whole patch to ourselves! I’ll spare you pumpkin shots for days…this pretty much sums it up. What do you love most about the fall?

running on fumes

I’m exhausted. The “terrible twos” (x2) are upon us, and I feel it applies to my second year of motherhood as well. Not that terrible, but very trying. I hesitate to write about this topic, as I really can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said. As much as I feel settled and content as a mother, I’m struggling to maintain my own identity (and sanity, ha), as so many women do. Being a mother is both my greatest struggle and reward in my life (thus far). Pretty sure it always will be.

Motherhood isn’t glamorous (as most of us know). I’m a maid, a referee, a chauffeur, a teacher, and a chef. Most days, I live in yoga pants, keep my hair in a messy top knot, and am lucky to get a shower lasting longer than two minutes. I’ve resigned to the fact that a clean and orderly home is simply not possible with twin toddlers (or any young children for that matter), and am doing my best to accept the mess (not easy for a type A personality). Without any help right now, I get my work done during nap time + in the evenings, which isn’t ideal, as I need time for myself, and my husband. Date nights are a rarity–something we hope to remedy soon. I need (and want) more time for my marriage.

Our days are a whirlwind of activity, and even though I’ve grown accustomed to the chaos, it doesn’t make it any easier. I’m usually exhausted by lunchtime, and I get through the the rest of the day with sheer adrenaline + willpower. I’m usually counting the minutes until my husband is home to help with dinner, bath, and bedtime. As grateful as I am for the opportunity to be with them 24/7, I need a break, and am not sure how to get one (without feeling riddled with guilt). I know I’m not alone, and welcome your thoughts. I’m so thankful for this outlet and community.

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”A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.”

So…this happened this week, and I’m so thankful to have captured it. They were playing in our closet, trying on shoes, and I sat down on the floor to join in their silliness. Marie asked me to take a few photos of her (she does that now, ha!) and Henry wandered over to join in. He started wrestling with her, giggles ensued, and then this kiss. A most passionate, innocent kiss…pure love on display. Witnessing their love is such a beautiful gift that I am grateful for every day.

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