Ahhh the holidays...

As much as I love the holidays, I am thrilled they are over. Not because I don't enjoy spending time with my loved ones, but because things can now calm down, and I have less "things" to do. Life with a 2 month old and a 2 year old is busy enough without the added duties of Holiday cards, shopping and outings.

We had a wonderful holiday season. It was so fun watching Addy really understand and enjoy the holidays this year. She really enjoyed watching movies (Shrek the Halls, Grinch, etc) and eating sweets (I am happy too that is over) as well as our hayride through Winterhaven (local neighborhood that goes all out with holiday decorations), even though it was pouring rain and freezing!! We (Brett, Holly, Addy and Aven) started some of our own traditions (went and decorated a Gingerbread house at the Ritz Carlton on Christmas Eve) as well as joined my family for theirs. Brett and Addy celebrated Hanukkah together and lit the Menorah every night.

New Years was spent with our dear friends the Duncans. We ate a bunch of junk food and played with the kids. At 10pm we celebrated New Years (watched the ball drop on the east coast) with them, and then Brett and I stayed up until midnight (okay 12:10) playing Trivial Pursuit (I won by the way).

All in all it was great. I loved having Brett home for a week plus and am ready for a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Just a few photos!!

December so far has been great, but crazy busy! I have had requests for more pictures, so here they are! Hope you Holidays are Merry and Bright!

This past month...

life has been a bit hectic, sleepless and wonderful. We are really enjoying getting to know Aven. Addy is a great big sister and is adjusting fairly well. She loves her little brother and really enjoys helping me take care of him. She has some moments where she wishes she could have my exclusive attention, but overall is doing well. Aven is thriving and is, for the most part, a mellow little guy (so far). He smiled at me and Meemaw for the first time last Friday! Pretty cool to get our first smile at 4 weeks!

We spent a lovely (and filling) Thanksgiving at my parents house are gearing up for Christmas! Happy Holidays!

Oh me oh my!

We are having a baby tomorrow! It seems like I have been pregnant forever, but it flew by at the same time! I am soooo excited to meet our little man, a little anxious for the unknown, but excited none the less. We have to be at the hospital at 10:30 a.m. for a scheduled 12:30 p.m. c-section. So we will get up, take Addy to Meemaw's and Pappa's and then we go to the hospital to have this little baby. It feels weird to know exactly when he is coming, but it is nice to be able to plan! So next time I post, it will be with pictures of our newest addition.

In addition, I figured I will have my hands full for awhile, so I better post some pictures of the Stein family before little miss Addy has a baby brother!

A much overdue post!

It has been awhile since I posted. Much has happened since Addy's birthday. We went to the White Mountains for a weekend getaway, Addy moved into her big girl room, and we went to Scottsdale with Brett's parents and my cousin Rob for a wonderful, fun filled mini-vacation.

Adelyn adores her new room and has done very well adjusting to the big bed. She just completed her first session of swim lessons and is proud that she doesn't need help going under!! She seems to be excited about being a big sister and can't wait to hug and kiss him.

Brett is doing well, working very hard as he is now the sole bread winner in our family. In addition he has been studying and taking a series of tests to complete his CLU certification (no small task).

I am now 34 weeks pregnant and feelin' it!! We are so excited for the new addition to our family, but are in no rush for him to get here (Addy was born at 35 weeks) because we have a lot to do to get ready for him! I am enjoying being with my daughter full time, I am so blessed to be able to do so.

So without further ado, please check out our huge slide show! If you have trouble viewing it, please shoot me an email.

Addy's Birthday Bash

As you all know, Addy just celebrated her 2nd birthday. What you may not have known, is that Addy and all her friends are Party Animals! View the evidence below!

Happy 2nd Birthday Adelyn Rose

Our lovely little lady turned two today. It was bittersweet for Brett and I. Time has gone so fast since this precious little being came into our world, and we have cherished every moment. Sometimes I wish I could stop the clock , but then I would miss each moment that Addy has blessed our lives. Two years ago today, Addy came screaming into the world (all be it reluctantly, wedged behind mommies ribcage, with a bruise on her face to prove it) and has been enriching our lives ever since! I never imagined being a mother (and father, as I am sure Brett would agree) would be so life changing. I knew it would be wonderful, but I had no clue how much I could love a child, right down to the depths of my soul.

Every day watching Addy grow and change is amazing, truly wonderful. She is such a loving, bright, energetic and happy child. She has a hilarious sense of humor that keeps us laughing and a mind that keeps us on our toes! Even when she has moments that have me wondering if she may be possessed, she will turn around and say or do something that just astounds me or makes me laugh in spite of myself. I may not be a "religious" person, but I can honestly say, I thank God on a regular basis for blessing us with such a wonderful daughter.

Happy Birthday Addy! May your life bring you as much pleasure as you bring ours!