Teagan - 3 years old!

Dear Teagan, 

You are 3! As in 3 years old! Oh my goodness I am going to try my hardest to capture this age into words.  You are so full of life and spirit it just leaves me speechless at times.  We dance the line between these years of Declaration of Independence yet still so innocent and reliant of mom and dad.  You make us laugh every day and most days you get us to the point of pure awe...as in, do you speak English? Are you human? Honestly, you are the perfect blend of sass, spice and sweetness.  We learn as we go but most of all, we try to soak up these days as much as possible because your independence will grow stronger and your curiosity about the world will slowly be replaced by facts that hold the wonder at bay.  

We have had the most exciting summer and you just roll with the crazy punches.  From endless travel, car and airplane rides, Breckin turning 1, wild schedules, new faces, preschool, potty training, turning 3, mom changing jobs, new rules, new friends, etc...you go with the flow.  Thank you! 

I find myself, in the middle of play, just pausing to watch you.  Your imagination is in full force, you are a dry sponge just waiting to soak up the next bit.  And your curly blonde hair, blue eyes, kind nature, big heart, long legs, long eyelashes...oh my dear, they scare me! You are a beauty!  You cuddle your dollies and seconds later jump off the couch as if you were skydiving into the atmosphere.  You are so sweet to Breckin and are getting a good lesson in nurturing a baby brother, sharing toys, sharing time and learning to be friends as his interaction with you increases.  I left today for a trip to San Francisco to start my new job.  I fought back the tears as you, daddy and B-man waived good bye to me in the driveway but I knew you would be a big helper (and of course cause a bit of grief ;)).  

Some things that make you so special to us and the memories I want to hang onto:  your singing and dancing..all the time and with such great joy,  your care for your animals and dollies...rocking, changing diapers, singing, disciplining, etc,  your sense of humor...belly laughs are the best,  questions all day, why why why...I don't mind a bit because you are so curious.  I need to keep writing down your sayings...hilarious at the least.  

My little dear...I could go on and on.  The memories and the love just continue to build.  We just can't believe how lucky we are that we have the honor of being your parents.  

Love, 

Mom and Dad

B-Man 1 Year Old!

Breckin,

Wow, buddy...you are 1 year old!  Happy Birthday!  I remember your real birthday quite well.  It was on that day, after an easy breezy labor and delivery, I learned that my love can be multiplied in ways I never knew were possible.  I didn't know on that day what the next year would look like, in fact a small part of me was terrified but the joy overcame the uncertainty.  I had no idea that you would be the happiest baby in America!  I didn't know that you would just teach US how to parent YOU.  I am certain we over thought our every move with your sister for the first year.  So perhaps we changed too and you adapted with us.  Any way you shake it, THANK YOU!  Anybody who has met you knows your deep belly laughs and your warm smile.  It is a part of who you are right now and I hope that stays with you for a long time to come.

You are cautious yet curious these days.  You will watch Teagan from a distance and then dart after her at a very fast crawl to get in on the action.  You go with the flow most of the time although you are starting to fight back and make your opinion known when it comes to being the little brother.  Your absolute favorite toy right now is a BALL...any ball.  You throw it over and over and laugh and we must say you have a good arm for a 1 year old.  Lefty?  We wont know for some time but you do favor your left hand from time to time.  And climbing...just like your sister, you climb to the highest point and then wave with the proudest look of accomplishment.  Clapping and waving are the favorite arm gestures these days  You are extremely lovey...honestly, I just melt as you crawl over to me and lay your head on my lap as if you were giving me a hug.  I wish I could say it was all me but you do it to your sister, dad and the teachers at school.  Please do this forever!  I just soak it up!

You eat fantastic.  We are just now going through a period where you are more particular about your cuisine but for the most part, you will try anything once.  You love WATERMELON...nonstop, you eat it and it runs down your arms all over your face as you toss the rind and beg for more.  It is adorably messy!  
Sleep...no problem.  You are exhausted by bed time and usually open to a nap or two in the day.  We don't adhere to a strict schedule because life is just too busy and fun to operate like that.  You are still long and lean to the point where I wonder if we need to bulk you up.  But you are growing just fine! Your blonde wispy hair is curling in the back...blonde curly hair, look out ladies!  You weigh in at 23lbs (72th percentile) and 31.75" (95th percentile).  The Dr said you are growing right on track and called you a "flirt" and said "get this kid on the basketball court ASAP!"  

I look forward to watching you grow each and every day and year to come.  The first year has been a wonderful one..full of memories, photos, laughs, tears but mostly love.  I know the best is yet to come for you.  Just please please don't rush it too much.  I already know I will miss the pitter patter of your crawl as you start to walk in no time. 

Love always,

Mom

XOXO

Breckin - 9/10 months

B-Man!  You are just 2 months away from being 1 year old.  How on earth?!  We had your 9 month appointment several weeks ago and you weighed 20lbs 11.5oz (68%) and were 31" long (100%).  You still have a big head that is perfectly round (19.02" 100%) with wispy blonde hair.  We think your hair might start to curl which would be adorable but would drive you nuts.  Either way...you are our handsome, happy, chatty, active baby.  You make this parenting thing so enjoyable and simple at this stage.  You started crawling around 9 months (in fact you first went hands and knees in the baby pool at the lake over Memorial day weekend) and quickly would crawl to the nearest object you could pull yourself up on.  You just want to stand so you can see what is going on and also be closer to your sisters level.  Mealtime is your favorite still!  You rarely turn down food but I think you have a high metabolism like the rest of us and burn it off quickly before the next meal.  We went down from 5 to 4 bottles per day with 3 meals and snacks through the day.  You really enjoy the sippy cup so far.  And my oh my...my favorite....your laugh!!!  It is like sweet sweet music to our ears when we get you going.  I could listen to it for hours on end.  Daddy will make faces, Teagan plays peek-a-boo or mommy will tickle your toes and you give the loudest belly laughs.  Please stay happy, buddy! 

We are a different set of parents this time around but one thing that remains the same is we will protect you yet empower you as you continue to grow.  We will have a lot of fun and I promise to continue to provide a happy, safe, balanced and nurturing childhood for you.  You will only be a baby for such a short short time but I will cherish these early days and months that you reach out for me, grab my nose, yank at my necklace, snuggle into my chest and smile at anything.  I really soak up the evenings as your long, lean body just melts into me as I read or sing to you.  The days can be long and literally non-stop from start to finish but I always get an incredible sense of calm as I kiss your head each night. We just love you to pieces!! I can't wait to continue watching you grow.  

XO,

Mom

5 things

5 awesome things about Breckin (8 months)

1. His laugh - it doesn't take much to get him to give a good ole belly laugh

2. His curiosity - if he could talk, there would be hundreds of questions from this guy.  His #1 source of entertainment is that wild sister!

3. His appetite - it must be like his mama, he eats often and you know when it is time for the next meal, plus he holds his own baba so a 6oz bottle is drained in 5 minutes

4. His size - growing like crazy, 12 month clothes, must be over 20lbs, long and lean with the cutest round (bald) head

5. His demeanor - just chill! Seriously, I don't know if it will change but this guy just goes with the flow. Super relaxed and happy when he is rested and full. Life is good in the B Man's world 

5 awesome things about Teagan (2 years, 8 months)

1. Her interaction with Breckin - I mean she just loves him to pieces, she is so good with sharing and gentle touches (for now)

2. Her vocabulary - wow did this explode quickly...suddenly she says everything.  We are in the why stage but we adore it. The conversations are endless and the imagination keeps right up. Along with the vocabulary goes the memory. Like an elephant. 

3. Her fearlessness - this trait continues, we always knew she likes to climb but she really is a thrill seeker. It scares the daylights out of us but we try to hone the desire to be adventurous as much as we safely can. 

4. Her kind spirit - she is a lover...hugs and kisses galore which we can never get enough of. Also, little mommy to the rescue if somebody gets a boo boo. She loves bandages and is always concerned when another person gets injured. 

5. Her hair - first haircut at 2.5 years. The curls are atill dominating her head, complimented by natural blonde highlights. It is a chore to brush it out but it fits her personality well. 

Love, 

Mom and Dad 

Life as we know it and thawing out!

We are sooo ready for the longest, snowiest, frigid cold winter to leave already! Spring is starting to show up but taking its sweet time. Meanwhile, we continue at our fast pace of life.  Dad plays basketball on Wednesdays so that has been a weekly highlight cheering he and Uncle Dan on. Papa I just turned 60 and we booked flights to go visit them in their new house in May and we get to meet baby Silas (eeek can't wait!!).  I am fully settled into my new job and am enjoying the perks of working with a tighter, smaller company. Rick has been working a lot but never complains a peep.  Teagan is an absolute riot these days as her imagination and personality come out. And then there is Breckin...happy as a clam as long as there is entertainment near by.  I saw Michele a couple weeks ago for a quick dinner which was a nice treat. We also did a couples dinner with Beth and Jenny and even brought the husbands along.  Oh and babies...Sandy came in town so we had an impromptu pizza party with all 5 cousins on the Tiltges side.  Lots to look forward to this spring and summer...it will be so nice to go on bike rides, grill on the deck, wear summer clothes, swim and just thaw out and enjoy the next season! Until then, I will let some pics do the rest of the talking....

Breckin - 5 months 01.19.14

Oh wow....Breckin is already 5 months?!  I have been slacking on the blogging lately but I really do have so much to document.  In fact I have even more to report on B since I wrote this. Life is good for us these days...a new job, 2 adorable kiddos, a fresh year with lots to look forward to.  But I wanted to write down some of the things this little man is doing.  He started rolling over front to back and back to front with ease right after he was 4 months old.  He sits up with assistance.  The biggest thing about this guy is his personality...oh, the smiles!!  He just loves to smile and laugh.  He is such a sweet and laid back baby.  For that, I am very grateful!  The smiles are just so contagious.  He is extremely ticklish and loves having his clothes taken off and put on.  Another for sure smile is Teagan singing and pretending to dance with him.  He is also in the very oral stage of development.  EVERYTHING goes to the mouth...now that he has the hand to mouth motion down, it is the first place he tries.  I would imagine teeth wont be too far away.  He has a tight grip and will grab anything in sight.  Just last night he reached out and happened to grab the hood of Teagan's sweatshirt.  At first she said "No Baby!"  but then she got a good giggle out of it.

The hair is slowly coming in but he is bald for the most part.  He slept through the night for the first time on 1.10.14.  It scared and excited us all at once but ever since he has been sleeping well.  We are definitely in our groove now as far as a routine goes.  It is just so fun to watch Breckin grow although I do wish time would slow down!  Teagan is anxiously awaiting the day he can get up and play with her.    

Teagan, lately (2.5 years)

Dear Teagan,

These days must be documented.  You are a strong and independent 2.5 year old. For each time you make us feel like we are losing our minds, there are 3 times that you melt our hearts.  Your personality is really showing these days and it is such a perfect blend of mom and dad. Fearless like daddy, easy going like mommy.  You really like to take in a scene before engaging it. It only takes a few minutes to asses a situation and then you act quickly and often time with great enthusiasm.  We just adore watching you with your brother. You kiss and hug him, hold him, sing to him, laugh, tickle, bring him toys and just thoroughly enjoy having him as your daily audience. He is reaching out to grab anything in sight so we are working on sharing with him.  Yesterday, mom took you and Breckin to the children's museum while dad was at work.  There was a children's choir singing and you watched in awe while eating raisins as I fed Breckin.  You like to play rough...jumping is your favorite. But my goodness you will try anything!  You enjoy things that go...cars, trains, planes, motorcycles. You aren't into much girly girl stuff other than shoes and your babies. Oh your babies...2 dolls that you are just the lil mommy to. You rock them and change their diapers and wipe them off and put them night night. It is adorable! Your vocabulary is enormous....I used to count the words you knew but that is impossible now. You will try to say anything we ask and you love singing. We sing all the time and you constantly want music on so you can get your dancing shoes on and "Shake your groove thing." While you do enjoy to play independently, you will gladly jump in with other kids your age.  We went to your school buddy Declan's 3rd birthday party and in true Teagan fashion you were shy and then didn't want to leave by the end!

Your hair is absolutely wild but we love it. Curly at the bottom and straight on the top. It makes me sad it might not always be curly but it sure is adorable. I have no clue of your height and weight now but at 2 years you were 37" (99%) and 27.5 lbs (60%). You are growing just fine. One night you will clean your plate and the next night I wonder how you manage to thrive on 2 bites of dinner.

We just love you to pieces.  I can't believe you are well on your way to 3 but it's true. This winter will be gone soon and we just can't wait to get you back to the parks, in the pool, running in the grass, kicking the balls, riding your bikes.  I know you will be our little girl for some time to come. After all, you made us parents and we are learning together.  Stay cool little lady!

Love,
Mom and Dad