2012...Calm...Quiet

I'm afraid to even use either of those words to describe a year with three children...it might jinx 2013.  2012 was different than 2011.  2011 was so emotional...so full of fear and unknown.  We needed 2012 to be calmer and quieter emotionally (there truly is nothing calm or quiet about our household...ask my sister-in-law who seems to always FaceTime us in the middle of a crisis!).  We seemed to settle into normalcy.  Two boys actively involved in sports (10 months of the year)...double the practices, double the games and now that Ian is in kindergarten, double the homework.  We increased Hailey's physical and speech therapies because she needed the challenges.  She was meeting her other goals and was in constant need for re-vamped ones. 

Hailey has settled into the role of little sister.  She is constantly into the boys' toys, video games and in their faces.  She doesn't like being ignored and makes sure they are aware of where she is at all times....if not, she will crawl in their lap and hug them.  She is tolerating the practices...I use that term loosely because she enjoys them less and less every week.  Unfortunately, the days of her peacefully sitting in a stroller being easily entertained are ending and we are entering full fledged toddlerhood.   The flirt that she is...generally she finds an older boy or even dads (occasionally a mom or two) to talk to her and play with her. 

I think I have finally adjusted to mothering 3 children....some days it is easier than others.  We still can't seem to make it to church on time, but at least they are all clean and dressed :-)

The boys  are like most big brothers.  They love their sister, but don't want to play with her 100% of the time.  They are annoyed when she tears up something of theirs or won't leave them alone, but they can make her laugh quicker than anyone I know. 

2012 has been good to us.  Knock on wood, we have been relatively healthy.  Hailey had good check ups with her pediatrician, ophthalmologist, audiologist, and cardiologist.  She only had one ear infection, a couple of colds and a stomach bug that produced a horrible diaper rash.  We had a great vacation to Disney (despite the heat), two big celebrations (Hailey's first birthday and Brayden's first communion) and have two new nephews and one new niece.  We participated in our first Buddy Walk and are planning on making it an annual family event and celebrated Hailey's first heart day!  We are looking forward to 2013 as the boys continue to amaze us and Hailey continues to learn new things and finds new ways to entertain us.

Happy New Year to all!!!

Here's a few pics to look back on 2012....the many faces of Hailey and the many odd places that girl sleeps!