Who knew they would be different? Oh, everyone but me

It has taken me some time to adjust to and accept the fact that our children are different. You wouldn't think this would be a big deal. I mean obviously people are all unique and different. But for some reason I had this naive notion that the methods we used and perfected with Jack would work with Nona.  I expected to have the same challenges, and the same solutions. HA HA!!! At times with NonaJane I feel like a new parent again, because she constantly challenges us in new ways.  Things that we struggled with with Jack such as refusing to eat and his sensitivity (remember when he would burst into tears if anyone told him "no"?) are turning out to not be issues at ALL with Nona.  Instead we struggle with getting NonaJane to go to sleep (what, Jack never did this?) and Nona is the most persistent, determined, and strong little baby!!!   It turns out we have been blessed with two amazing, unique and individual children. Two children who bring us joy, frustration, love, excitement, and exhaustion. We LOVE YOU

Jack Wilder 8 months.  Look at those little legs!

Jack Wilder at 8 months

Nonajane at 8 months... trying to recreate the picture :) The dreary winter background doesn't help the scene much.

We think she is saying..."Why did you take the pine cone from me? What exactly are you trying to get me to do here!? Why would I smile at you right now?  You two are crazy"

Jack exploring food. "This is the last time you will EVER see my try these things..."

Adam's 3words to describe Jack: perfectionist, analytical, caring
Kelly's 3 words for Jack:  sincere/sensitive, smart, and beautiful (in a handsome way :))
Adam's 3 words for Nona:  carefree, strong, giggly
Kelly's 3 words for Nona:  strong, persistent, affectionate and beautiful (in a beautiful way :))

Being strict is not for the weary

This is what happens to rubber duckies in our house :)

The artist - Jack Wilder

Who knew being strict was so hard?  My parents didn't seem to have any trouble doing it when we were kids... but now that I'm a parent I'm realizing that being consistent is exhausting. If Jack wants to live off of bread and cheese, and NonaJane wants to stay up till midnight everyday... what the heck, why not!?? Well I know darn well why not, because Jack won't get proper nutrition to grow and develop, and NonaJane's crazy refusal to sleep isn't good for anyone.  But wouldn't it be nice sometimes to just let them? Sure, don't nap. Eat candy and crap all day. Other kids do it, you can too.  But I expect more of myself, more of my kids. I have high hopes for you two. I have hopes that you will grow to be strong, healthy and happy individuals.  That you will have good morals, strong beliefs, a fantastic education, a determined work-ethic, and dreams that exceed the standard.  So if you feel I'm being mean when I refuse to make you an alternate meal and you go hungry for dinner, or when I let you scream and fuss in your bed at night... don't worry it really is harder on ME. I feel like the big MEANY. I second guess myself constantly. But I'm using the same methods my parents used with us; and I love, respect and cherish them more than ever.  
Jack Wilder and NonaJane, you think I am doing you a special favor when I give in to you, but really, I cherish those moments too. It's a break from the constant challenge of being a responsible parent. But don't worry, Adam and I are up to the challenge. We give each other the support and courage to be strong with you. We will do whatever it takes... to give you the very best.

Practicing our letters at 3 years and 4 months

NonaJane, you take that pacifier now only to taunt me. You refused it the first 7 months of life as if it were toxic. But now I have caught you unaware, pacifier in mouth. I'm onto you girl!!!

Ringing in the New Year

Since we had spent the week of Christmas in Valley Center with the Schwatkens, we saved the Christmas celebration with the Crabb side of the family for New Year's Eve and Day.  My Mom and Dad were extremely excited to host the celebration in their new home.

Papa and NonaJane bringing in the New Year

The extended weekend kicked off with Adam in Denver and me at home with the stomach flu.  Yippee.  Once Adam got home we headed over to Mema and Papa's.  Adam complains that we never do anything spectacular on New Year's Eve. I think he would like to have a fancy party to attend with music, dancing, and a long kiss at the stroke of midnight. I'm okay with the sitting on the couch in my sweats, eating some chips and salsa and heading to bed at 10:30.  He called me an old lady... but hey this old lady has a 7 month old who wakes up every 2-3 hours all night long.  So staying up till midnight sounds about as much fun as being beaten.  Maybe in a few years when our kids are older, we will finally have a spectacular New Year's Eve, and maybe I can find some power in me to stay up past midnight.

Unwrapping the BIG present

But anyhoo, we stayed the night at Mema and Papa's along with Ethan, Henry and Luella.  Michael and Julie joined us in the morning.  Mema is an amazing gift giver, so I am pretty sure everyone was pleased with the thoughtfulness that she put into each gift. NonaJane got her first doll, and a security monkey to try and help her sleep (thanks Mema). Jack was super excited about an airplane that you can take apart and build, and a lego man flashlight with his name on it.   Then Mema and Papa brought out the BIGGEST box ever. Nope, it wasn't a refrigerator. It was a "lilypad" a giant floating pad that you can attach to your dock or boat. It is big enough for multiple people to lay on it, walk on it, etc.  It will be a blast to use this coming summer at their new lake house.

NonaJane and Uncle Michael checking out her first doll

Then Papa was attacked by the stomach flu (sorry Dad) and missed our big holiday feast.  Just as we were feeling sorry for him all tucked into his bed... Jack up-chucked his lunch and brought the party to a halting end.  We packed up all our Christmas loot and headed home. Jack lost his tummy again in Adam's truck for good measure.
Happy Holidays!!!

The Christmas Season

We were very excited about the Christmas Train. Too excited to stand still for a picture :)

December flew by, as usual.  We tried to squeeze in as much Holiday cheer and memory making events as possible. We sat on Santa's lap, went Christmas Light viewing, baked Christmas goodies, made Christmas crafts, decorated the home, visited Union Station, listened to endless Christmas music in the car, and wore Christmas pajamas.  Now it's January and we are plum wore out! But I think Jack and NonaJane had a wonderful and magical Christmas Season.  I think Adam and I enjoyed it all the most, making memories with the kids and enjoying their sweet faces.

We're over here NonaJane... she was too into the waterfall

NonaJane got a LOT of attention in her elf costume!

A pretty weak snow storm... but good enough for some fun sledding!

Christmas morning. Train Master Jack with his "hardest working team"

Making popcorn with Grandma on Christmas night

More train play once we got home :)

The best gift ever (besides baby Jesus)

Unwrapping the present...

Christmas is a big deal for Adam.  I mean, it's a BIG deal for everyone... but Adam definitely gets an extra gleam in his eye around Christmas time.  I would like to say that this excitement is purely surrounding the baby Jesus, but I think another big part is the presents.  Gift giving is definitely one of Adam's main love languages, and he LOVES to give and get presents.  Odd that he would marry me then. I might be one of the worst gift givers ever, and whether or not I get any is pretty irrelevant to me. But don't take me as ungrateful, I definitely appreciate a well thought gift! But if you don't get me anything I won't take it as a personal offense either.  I still know you love me :)  Adam, however, will take it as a personal offense if you don't wrap him up something nice.

and the surprise sinks in!

Well his big brother, Ryan, made his year this year.  He surprised Adam on Christmas with tickets to the Broncos vs. Chiefs game in Denver over New Year's weekend.  The fact that his big brother would plan this surprise, spend the money, and think of something so nice to do for Adam... well he was beyond words.  Adam told me later that it was the BEST surprise and Christmas present he had ever received.  Well done Ryan. Maybe now Adam will stop telling the stories about you sitting on top of him and dangling spit over his face. 
Doubt it.

Adam and Ryan in front of Sports Authority field at Mile High

I think they got their early enough...

Ryan, Adam, and Ron

Pre-Game

The view out their hotel window