Tildy 7 Months.

This girl has an infectious smile. 

My mornings always start bright because I am usually greeted by a huge, gummy grin from Tildy. I love listening to her coo and babble in her crib each morning before I go in to pull her out. And then, when our eyes meet, her smile spreads across her face nearly reaching the corners of her eyes. There is nothing better. 

Tildy is my best eater to date! She loves food! Rice cereal, fruit, sweet potatoes...and she is already trying to grab food off of my plate and from my hands. And when I took these photos, all she wanted was to get the paper into her mouth!

And Tildy has become little miss rolly polly.  She loves to roll around on the floor and in her crib and can actually cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. 

Love this little lady.

Christmas 2013

Christmas Highlights:

Auntie Sarah, Audie, and Zoe were in town

Ruby was an angel in the VW nativity...did a great job memorizing her part 

Santa brought Hank a BIG Buzz Lightyear

Santa brought Ruby Bitty Baby, who is Ruby's most trusted companion these days

We all enjoyed time with all of our family...VW's and Meyer's

Christmas Lowlights:

Meg was miserably sick Christmas Eve

Hank was equally sick with an ear infection

Next up...CHRISTMAS!! (It did happen too)

Tildy's blessing did happen....over two months ago.

I love the spirit I feel each time we bless one of our children. It is one of those moments in life where I feel my Heavenly Father close. And what a blessing these moments are to me...they are what strengthen my testimony of our Heavenly Father. This is why I can't pass up the opportunity to write about Tildy's blessing day...or at least document it. It was special to pull out the dress and bow Ruby wore and put it on Tildy for her special day. I hope Tildy will develop a relationship with all her siblings, and I especially hope she and Ruby will form a sister bond of love. 

Mathilda Rose Van Wagenen

Given a name and a blessing by her father

December 29, 2013.

Mathilda was my Grandma Meyer's sister name. My grandma called her sister Tildy, which I have always loved. Rose comes from Hugh's grandma Jeppson, whose name is Helen Rose. 

Tildy with her namesake, Nana (Great-grandma Jeppson).

Grandpa and Grandma Van Wagenen

Aunt McCall and Grandma Suzi

Grandpa Scott

The wonderful women/girls in Tildy's life.

I feel blessed to have Tildy's sweet spirit in our home and to be her mother. I love baby blessings and watching Hugh use the priesthood to give our children a blessing to get them started in this world. 

Rough Patch.

Tonight I am finally trying to catch-up on my photos from the last couple of months. It has been a crazy month...and although moving into our first home has been exciting, it is taking some time for all of us to find our new "normal". I came across this photo tonight and it broke my heart. Look how sweet Hank looks next to his sister. If I remember correctly, he wanted me to "take a picture, mom!" when I snapped this jammie photo. Poor Hank has had a rough week...we both have. He has been so out of sorts and full of emotional tantrums this week. I've been feeling like I'm failing him as a mom because I don't know how to help him and often find my frustration taking over and turning into my own tantrums towards him. In those moments when he is so worked up, I become so upset with him (which I know only makes matters worse, but just can't help it in the moment) instead of giving him the love he needs. I hate this cycle the two of us have been stuck in this week. But after seeing this sweet picture of my little man, I am resolving to be more patient and loving with Hank. He deserves it and just needs some extra love and attention right now. I think our move has really thrown him for a loop. The first week in our new home he would often tell me, "I want to go home."

I love you, Hank. And hope we can get through this rough patch and you back to your usual happy, spunky self. 

5 Month Tildy.

Our little Tildy Rose is growing up so fast. We all love this little bug. She is full of smiles, jabbers, and slobber these days. She loves being a part of whatever is going on around her, especially watching her two older siblings. Tildy's face brightens whenever she sees Ruby. I hope they will always have that special sister bond (one of the biggest blessings in my own life...I can't imagine life without my sisters). 

Ruby turns 5!

My Ruby turns 5 today. Especially since Mathilda's arrival, I look at Ruby with amazement at how old and big she is! Today Ruby is having a Hello Kitty party....which she has done most of the the planning for. It will be complete with pin the bow on Hello Kitty, face painting, a Hello Kitty cake, and let's not forget the piñata. Ruby loves throwing a good party! 

.  .  .

Dear Ruby,

Today you are five. And as her mom, I couldn't be more pleased with the young lady you are growing into. You are my little buddy, and I often ask you if you will always be my buddy. You help me clean the house, you set the table, you are patient with your little brother, and you draw the best pictures which you give freely to all of us. I especially love how you write Ruby VW with a heart at the end on all of your school papers and drawings. You also like to help me in the kitchen and make your own "stews" and other treats. You are even planning your own muffin business called, "Muffins and More", complete with a walk through window for your customers to enjoy. You love pre-school and your teachers always tell me how much the love having you in their class. When you are away at school, Henry always asks, "Where's Rube?" He loves you just as much as I do! I especially love how lately, you ask Henry if he wants to play something and then the two of you go off to your room and close the door. It means a lot to me that you like to include Hank and he couldn't ask for a better sister. Mathilda's sI love watching you dance and listening to you play piano. Your favorite songs to play include, Star Wars Theme, Mary Had a Little Lamb, and Peter Piper Pumpkin Eater. 

Ruby, we all love you! Our family wouldn't be the same without your spunky and unique personality. Thanks for making our world a better place! 

Happy Birthday!