Party Prep

In preparation for Sloane's first birthday--let me pause for a moment..HER FIRST BIRTHDAY!! I'm certain that was the fastest passing year of my life. I tried taking photos of Sloane that I could then print for a party activity--folks could then decorate her! Sloane was not feeling this session. Poor thing. But she was so cute. 

I love celebrating the first birthday of my babies. I think it is a sweet milestone--one mixed with joy and sadness. It makes me sad that babies grow up so quickly and those sacred moments known only to a newborn are gone so rapidly. The growth of the first year is extraordinary and something to be celebrated with fanfare! Plus, it means Jamie and I survived a year's worth of restless nights!

Baby and Chia Pets

I can never get enough baby Sloane and her crazy cool hair!

Jamie's co-worker gave him a few zombie chia pets. We found the chia seeds and their slime repulsive--and on top of gross zombies? Yuck! The whole thing made Soren gag.

Summer in Stride

Emmett, Soren's best friend.

Ang! Our new Au Pair.

Within weeks of losing Aris we found Ang and it was practically love at first sight. She was immediately sweet and kind and patient and embodied all the qualities we had grown to love and frankly, expect, in our Thai Au Pairs! She was clearly smitten with Sloane (join the club) but didn't seem bothered or anxious by the energy and craziness of twin boys and our household in general. What a relief and what a blessing.

Soren had a playdate with his friend Emmett and I set up a math game using chalk circles and wet sponges. IT was pretty fun. I love that Asher used all of his turns to try and get his sponges into the 1,000 point circle while everyone else took the easy, conservative close circles. Asher may have scored zero but man that kid has grit!

My Rescuer, My Mom

As soon as I found out Aris had abandoned us, I called our Au Pair agency but my next call was to my mom. I remember crying and complaining and wailing and going on and on until my dad had to shout, "Jessica! Just let mom come and help!" I was startled and quiet and grateful. She really saved us. I had to take a few days of leave, which I am happy to do because I love time with my kids but I like to do that under more thoughtful and planned circumstances. So, my mom came out and helped with the kids while we hustled to find a replacement for Aris.

We sure made good use of her visit! The first night she arrived we went to the mall to enjoy the monuments and fire flies! We had so much fun! I'm grateful that in the middle of so much turmoil we have the capacity for so much joy too.

First EVERY Camping Trip as a Family

In July we went on our first camping trip as a family! We went with our friends the Manns and camped at Pohick bay, which was really close and really quite lovely! We had a quiet corner of the campground and we had fun feasting on tinfoil dinners and other yummy foods.We had a great fire and roasted marshmallows and everything was great until Jamie came down with a terrible case of hives! Sloane also refused to sleep outside the comfort of her crib at home. She flailed and cried and it was a LONG night for me. 

Jamie had driven up separately because he had to work that Friday so with his hives he left early. The kids and I stayed to explore the area a bit with Brit and her family. We walked along the river and it was really fun. We found a little pirate ship at the dock.

On our way home from the camping trip I discovered a text from our Au Pair, Aris, saying that something had happened in Thailand and she made the difficult decision to go home. I was in SHOCK! I couldn't believe it and as soon as I got home I ran downstairs and sure enough, all traces of her were gone. I was sick. Not this again!

WAshington Monument State Park

We had the joy of visiting with Kgordee, Vaughn, Margaret and Lucy. AT THE SAME TIME. It was bliss I tell you! We took a trip to Washington Monument State Park and enjoyed the views but mostly our time together. I love that solid friendships grow over time, even when many states and the craziness of life separate us. I wish we saw more of these friends but I'm grateful for every moment shared.

Luscious Lover

This happy baby babe and her chubs are the best. Also, her little toe point is adorable. Having a baby has been so fun. When I hold her to give her a bottle, I love rubbing the little fold of chubs above her ankle. Her whole being is my happy place.