Kids Update, Back in Arizona

We made it to Arizona and are all moved in. Actually we have been living at the Stoker's for about a month but I have been so busy I haven't had time to post anything. The kids are really excited to be here but so sad to leave all our friends behind. I actually really loved living in Albuquerque. We met so many new people and made so many good friends it was hard to leave. Our family really grew together as well. However, the other day I was driving in Arizona, the sun was shinning, and the streets were clean and I couldn't help but feel like this is where I am suppose to be. This is my home (away from where I grew up).

Moving has given me a lot of perspective lately. I didn't notice how much my children have changed over the last two years. They were sad to leave their "best friends". It is amazing how even a 3 year old remembers and misses people, especially my 3 year old. Jackson had really grown to love his pre-school and the teachers. He didn't want to move to a new place and have to meet all new people.

Since I don't have a lot of time to write about these little tikes I want to take a moment to share what I have learned about these little spirits that I have been blessed with.

Jackson (4 years, 11 months old).

He is shy at first especially in new surroundings. He becomes overwhelmed easily by large groups and large places. However once he adjusts to the situation he is a leader. He encourages kids to follow him and is very generous about sharing experiences and toys. He is very sweet, always wanting to give me kisses and hugs just because he loves me. He likes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spider-man. He loves riding his bike especially if we go on a bike ride with him. He is fantastic at creating things. He loves to draw and build whether it is blocks, legos, or just pillows. Jackson has trouble with change and making adjustments (I think he is like me in this way). He has a tremendous imagination, always coming up with new adventures.

Elizabeth (3.5 years old) has a brilliant vocabulary and if often found repeating phrases I say or she might hear somewhere else. She is a sponge, remembering everything. She is so independent I never have to worry about keeping her happy. She will go outside and play by herself all day, in the sandbox or on the playground. She dances and skips around the house, singing to herself. Most of the songs are made up which I love. Lately she adores her doll house and playing with her Barbies. She loves living at Grandpa and Grandma's house and playing with the puppies. She has become a very helpful big sister to Christian playing with him and singing with him when he is sad. The other morning he was crying and he stopped. I went to check on him and Lizzy was in the crib with him holding his hand and singing to him. She is so sweet most of the time and very loving. Sharing lots of kisses and touching my face. I love her so much.

Christian (5 months old) is so chunky. He weighs 16.5lbs! He is laughing and baby talking a lot lately. His favorite activity is using his walker which he actually can make go forward really well. We are working on sitting up on his own which he resists. He arches his back and would rather stand on my lap then sit. He eats a ton. 30-40oz a day! We started rice cereal which he doesn't like at all. He has very sensitive skin and breaks out in red splotchy rashes. We are investigating why this is occurring but no solution so far (I am just documenting this for future reference). I feel like I have known him forever. Sometimes I can't believe he has only been in our lives for 5 months and then I feel like the last 5 months have flown by. He is teething I expect to see a bud very soon. Drooling everywhere. He loves the bath kicking the water around and splashing. He also loves when I sing Row Row Row your Boat. He has the biggest smile. My favorite thing he does lately is grab my face, pull me close, and give me slobbery open mouth kisses. He is so cute and fun, I love him more every day. And he sleeps 9 hours at night which is AWESOME!