Growing Pains

Growing up, I thought 'Growing Pains' was merely just a title of a really good, albeit cheesy, television show on ABC, starring Kirk Cameron. Now, I realize it is truly a term to describe every day life when raising kids, your husband or even yourself. We all have growing pains, emotional and physical.

I am learning daily, that while my kids are learning how to grow and the pains of learning new things, so are we as parents. I learn what the pain feels like when your child is sick, and you don't know how to fix it. I learn the pain in having to sit through a dinner of screams and tears, until when we finally can't take anymore, we put the child in time out, and then we have 2-3 minutes of peace and quiet while eating our food.

I have also quickly learned what pain feels like when the doctor says they are concerned about your kid's development. Is he walking fast enough? Is he talking fast enough? Can he point to items? Does he make a joint connection with you? Does he respond to his name? 3 months ago, our answers to these questions were 'No'. However, with a little more one-on-one attention and dedicated time with Jake, I can now answer Yes. He is now saying words, however, very softly and when he wants to, b/c why talk when your sister gives you everything you need and speaks for you?! Yes, he is running and walking and climbing, and getting into all kinds of trouble. Yes, he points to planes, trains and automobiles...I feel a punchline coming on.Yes, he makes those connections with us daily, by giving us his smirk or his sideways look to make sure we are seeing the same funny thing he is. Finally, YES, he is responding to his Name. When I say, Jake, he actually looks at me 75% of the time, even when the words are not followed by, 'do you want a cookie'? It's amazing. It's rewarding. We will not give up. We will continue to push him and continue to see results. This kid is resiliant. This kid does things on his own time. And you know what? GOOD FOR HIM! So, while we push him, we also don't want to lose his amazing individuality, his character and all the wonderful things that make him, him.

We will continue on this journey of parenthood, and continue through the pains, but hopefully with those pains, comes more rewards.

Photos from Caitlin's 3rd Birthday Party

A Happy Birthday Letter to our 3 Year Old...

Caitlin,

Three years ago, your Daddy and I welcomed into our hearts and our lives, our very own little miracle. You, Caitlin Doran Haney, were born, and life as we knew it had changed forever...in the most amazing way possible. We learned what it was like to truly care for someone else more than ourselves. We learned that we will worry about this little person every second of every day for the rest of our lives. How is it possible that one tiny little person can bring so much love, worry, stress, wonderment, amazment, compassion, and pure joy to our lives? Well, you did. You are such a vibrant and amazing little girl who constantly keeps us on our toes. You learn something new daily and you have the most compassionate heart I have ever seen in a little girl (and yes, I am biased). You have this way of knowing when mommy is sad or just needs a hug. You can brighten even the darkest or saddest of days. And with you in our lives, a day cannot be sad. You truly bring sunshine to our lives. So, happy happy birthday, my beautiful girl. I can't imagine a day without you, and am so grateful that God gave you to us. I truly hope that I can be the best mommy for you, and give you the guidance and love that you need to be the most amazing woman someday.

When you were born, my cousin Meagan, your 'Aunt' Meagan, gave me a copy of a song that I adore, and I will forever think of you when I hear it...and I am so grateful that God blessed us with you, that I wanted to share a portion of this song with you...

'Your Whole Life Long' by Twila Paris

I pray that you will grow up, to be wise and good and true
I pray that you will please the lord in everything you do
I pray that you will heed his voice and learn to sing his song
I pray that you will follow him your whole life long

Happy Birthday, Peanut. We love you to the sky and back.
Love,
Mommy

Is it really 2012?!

We had quite a lovely holiday season. My parents spent Christmas Day with us, and we had a wonderful Christmas dinner. Then Roger's parents and Sister and her son, Christopher came down to visit over New Years. We spent New Years Eve with them, my parents, and us. It was a lot of fun ringing in the new year all together.

Now, here we are, already January 17. I can't help but wonder where on earth the time has gone!? 2011 was a rather quiet year for us, which was a welcome, seeing that 2009 and 2010 were pretty much a whirlwind. We are now looking forward to 2012 with much hope and excitement of what lies ahead of us.

Here are some last photos of 2011.
Love to all,
Erin

Trip to Omaha

Last weekend, Dec 9-11, my mom and I went to Nebraska to be a part of a beautiful weekend. My cousin Matt and his wife, Tina had their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church, and their two precious children, Sam & Paige, baptized. Sam also received his first communion! Matt & Tina asked me to be the Godmother of Sam, and I was and forever will be honored with that title! It was SUCH a blessed weekend. We arrived on Friday afternoon, and my sister picked us up. Man, it was good to see her...I miss her! Had a great time with my mom and sister...it hasn't been just the three of us for a day of shopping and reminiscing in YEARS!

Friday night, we were asked to be a part of a dinner for Matt's Grandmother, Grandma Amelia Stockfeld. She celebrated her 103rd birthday. She looks REMARKABLE for 103! AMAZING!  Saturday and Sunday were the Wedding and Baptism Events. We left on Sunday afternoon and flew home to Florida. It was a great trip, that I was so grateful to be a part of. But, I was happy to get home to my husband and my little ones.

4 Generations of Stockfeld Women...Grandma Amelia is 103!

My Mommy and my Sissy!

Happy Godmothers!

Watching the Kids get baptized

Matt & Tina say I Do...again! :)

Love these Stockfeld Kiddos!

Another 5K!

Well, I did it! I ran another 5K. This time, I marked my own personal best time and shaved 5 minutes off my last time in August. It was a great run, and I felt amazing afterward. What a RUSH! I ran with one of my dearest friends, Colleen. This was her first race, and she did AWESOME! Her daughter was born just 4.5 months ago, and Colleen was determined in this race, and ROCKED IT! I am so very proud of you, girl, and am grateful for you and our friendship! <3

November went by way too fast...

It is just unbelievable to me that it is December 5, already. Where did November go? Looking back at last month, we were always on the go. On November 5, we participated in the American Heart Walk, and walked in memory of Roger's Grandfather, who we lost to a stroke last year. We raised a large amount of money for this cause, and truly thank everyone who particiapted.

My wonderful friend/coworker, Carmen Doherty, outdid herself again with amazing family photos. What would we do without her? She has captured such beautiful moments of my family...I am eternally grateful!

We also found ourselves visiting Disney World this month. It is becoming our home away from home, I believe. The kids love it so much, and with it only an hour away, how can we resist?

My godfather and his wife, Kim came to visit. They were vacationing in Florida, and were able to stay with us a few nights. They are such wonderful people, and I am so blessed that my mom chose Mike as my godfather...he is amazing, and his wife is just as amazing as he is. I love them both, dearly.

Thanksgiving was a wonderful weekend as well. We had a beautiful dinner with my parents and Roger and I and the kids. We spent the weekend running errands and decorating for Christmas...and just being thankful for our wonderful family and friends.

On the last day of November, we received tickets from a friend to go to Sesame Street Live! The kids LOVED IT! They were dancing in their seats, and screaming for Big Bird and Elmo! Grandma & Grandpa Sivula joined us for this super fun night!

I have uploaded some photos from our November. Hope all is well with everyone and their November's were just as lovely.