Then and now

I think it's time for another "Then and Now" : )


Daddy holding Zari for the first time


Daddy holding Zari now


Teanna and Zari in May


Teanna and Zari now

They are growing and changing every single day right before our eyes. It has been such a joy watching them develop into their own little people!

Zari's 1st Birthday

Dear Zari,

Having you in my life has been an amazing blessing. You make me and Daddy laugh every single day. You are such a little cuddler and you even try to give kisses (always very slobbery, but we love them anyway). You spend your days crawling after people. You follow Teanna around and try to take whatever she is playing with. You crawl after me and Daddy and tug on our pants to be picked up. You also like to stand up at the toybox and then scream because you can't get back down. You still have the same sweet and goofy personality, but you have learned to assert yourself by throwing little tantrums. You are so small to be throwing a tantrum so it's really funny and cute to watch.

As time has passed and you've gotten so chubby and healthy, it's easy to forget how scared we were when we first brought you home. When we think about all you have endured and how perfect you are now, we know you are a true miracle. You have a quality that brings joy to everyone around you and perhaps that is the reason you are here.

I love you with all my heart, today and always.

Love,
Mommy

Here are some pictures from the party!

Move-ember

The big news of this month is Zari is on the move! We weren't sure it would ever happen, and then one day he figured out how to drag himself across the floor in search of a toy and there was no turning back.


"HERE I COME!!!!"


Trouble times two


Zari after eating a biter biscuit


Clean boy!


Teanna playing with her "baby dolly"


Stuffing his face on his 1st Thanksgiving!


Teanna wore one of my old dresses on turkey day!

This year we have so much to be thankful for! The joy of taking care of these little ones, the support from our awesome families, and fun times with friends top our long list of blessings in 2010.

Cousins and Costumes

Some pics from Zari's cousin playdate, and Halloween!


Cousin Jack and Zari


AJ and Zari


3 boy cousins!


Out for a stroll


Zari in his skin-tight Halloween long johns


Teanna the ladybug


Zari makes a very intimidating tiger


Trick or Treat at Grandpa Cance's


Lions and Tigers and... Ladybugs, oh my!


As usual, I'm the only one looking at the camera


Happy little trick-or-treaters

Pumpkins, leaves, and apples, OH MY!

October has been full of fun outdoor activities! Between visiting three different pumpkin patches, hiking, and apple picking, we are definitely making the most of the season.

Teanna has been talking up a storm lately. Her favorite topics include Baby AJ, the rides she went on at the Apple Fest, and her potty books. She has lots of books memorized now so when she sits down and recites them, it really seems like she is reading!

Zari has been a bear for most the of month, and his excuse finally reared its head yesterday- a tooth!

Some pictures from this month:


Zari looks like he swallowed a pumpkin


John and Teanna on Talcott Mountain


Teanna apple picking


Zari apple eating


T, Z, and an apple tree


Zari and Laila pick the same pumpkin


Farmer Teanna and her tractor


Zari crashes Teanna's class field trip


Still thinking about crawling


Cool dude


Riding the cars at the Apple Fest


Trying to get a picture of these three together is hilarious


Pajama party!

Fall fun!

Family hike


This kid pukes on himself and passes out in strange places... I think he has a drinking problem


So cool to see them starting to play together


Now when Teanna sees me take out the camera she automatically holds Zari's hand


Z-man looking like he is on his way to a soccer game


T has a bold sense of style


Me and the giggle muffin


Cousin Jack and Zari playing together