favorite things

 

The above pictures are a few of my least favorite things. Soggy, not eaten cereal/yogurt every single morning and a hour later my kids are begging me for more food! Just eat the cereal! I also dislike the bottom of my stairs. There is always some kind of pile. Always. I need to figure some kind of contraption to zip those things up the stairs for me. Funny thing is, even if I take the time to bend over, pick up the items and take them upstairs with me, they just end up in other piles up there - whether that be in front of bedroom doors, or on my floor or by the dirty clothes basket. 

The above pictures are my MOST favorite things. Their smiling faces and hilarious personalities make every single day worth it. No matter what.

Tate's Blessing

We were able to bless Tate this past Sunday. He was very calm and Erik gave a beautiful blessing. Grandma and Grandpa Nelson were in town. We were so grateful to have Grandpa in the circle as well has numerous dear friends. Tate is a good good baby. He is so mellow. Erik and I joke that the theme of his life is "Feed him and leave him". Being the third kid may be that is just how it goes. I can't believe he is almost 3 months old. Time moves quickly. We've done more running around this weekend with the Nelson's in town. The train museum was a great stop, as well as shopping, and eating out. Darla loved just sitting down and watching/reading Beauty and the Beast with Grandpa. We love you Tate - you may have just received your blessing, but you've been blessing our lives since the moment you were born.

She is 4!

 Janurary

 February

 March

 April

 May

 June

 July

 August

 September

 October

November

December

She is 4 years old today and she couldn't be more excited about it. We had a little friend birthday party for her on the 10th of December before her friends left for relatives houses for the holidays. Ever since then she has been saying she is 4, but today it is official! Darla is a delight. She is the best mother, sister, friend, daughter, and helper. She is so thoughtful. She is very organized and likes to understand how things work. She is very smart doing 100 piece puzzles all by herself, writing every word, coloring perfectly and counting as high as she wants. She loves her little playgroup/preschool. She has loved riding her bike this year especially with her friend Jack. She loves all of her friends (Audrey, Brielle, Eva, Ivie, Grace, Abe, etc etc etc). She is so good at making friends. She sometimes still takes naps and loves to sleep with the following all on her bed - her three pink blankets, 2 stuffed animal dogs, a moose, a polar bear, minnie mouse, Olivia, giraffe, Kiki (her monkey), a little elephant, Snow White, Tinkerbell, 2 other blankets one pink and one polka-dot, and her pillow. These items need to be placed perfectly before she goes to bed. She loves strawberry shortcake, princesses, building with legos, playing games, and creating worlds with figurines in her little pink house. Her favorite colors are pink, purple and red. She loves Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Tinkerbell, Lion King, Little Einstein's, and Mickey Mouse clubhouse shows. Most importantly Darla loves to go to primary, pay her tithing, share her testimony at Family Home Evening, and say her prayers. Every night she like to underline certain words in her Book of Mormon while we read. Darla I love you. I'm so grateful that you are our little girl. We couldn't be happier to have you in our family! Happy Birthday!

and life goes on

 We shaved Bennett's head. SO DARLING. It just makes him seem like a true little boy. This kid is hilarious.

 Sleepy Heads

 Still slightly warm enough to go to the Zoo after Thanksgiving. That is saying a lot for Minnesota.

Here is Tate - healing up nicely. All of his steri strips have now come off and he is looking great! Cute baby.

home has never seemed so sweet

Tate came home on November 15th. One week after surgery. That is remarkable. Before he was born the doctors told us that babies typically need to be in the hospital 2 - 4 weeks. He surpassed every expectation. I cannot believe what I have felt through all of this - just over 2 weeks of Tate's life. I know he was sent to our family to teach us. I know that Jesus Christ is real and that He lives. I know that the power of the priesthood has been restored to this Earth. I know that those who are worthy priesthood holders have been blessed with power, faith, nobility. I could not be more grateful for Erik. He is a man of God. I know that I have a family that has been sealed together. The faith, prayers and love of the diligent people that surround me has carried me each and every day since we first heard of Tate's heart defect. I know God answers prayers. I know He loves His little children, even those who are adults. I pray with all my soul that I will never forget the thoughts, feelings, moments, and comfort that I feel. I am full of thanksgiving. My cup runneth over. . .

getting closer

He only has that simple oxygen tube left and that is all! He has been eating great - nursing and bottles. Last night we were able to be all together for the first time in the hospital. We are crossing our fingers that he'll be able to come home later in the week. He is unbelievable - a miracle really.

Tate Richards Nelson

Tate was born November 3, 2011. 6 lbs 14 oz. More to come as his precious life unfolds. We love you Tate.

Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood. . .

Had a great Halloween Party this year (if I do say so myself). Bennett couldn't get enough of the gigantic pillow that his costume is stuffed with. He would run full speed and belly flop on the ground. Ate a few doughnuts as well. There is something so fun about dressing up.

quick update.

 day at the zoo

 34 weeks

 watching conference

 cutest face.

 she is so little

bare chested under snow pants is the way to go - NO it hasn't snowed yet in Minnesota - thank goodness.

Bennett is 2

Bennett turned two on the 6th of September! It took a little while to realize that the presents were for him, the party was for him etc. But by the end of the day he was walking around singing "Birthday to me!" He enjoyed his first time camping the weekend before his birthday, and then a great little get together on Sunday night with the Albano's and Ohlson's. These people truly are his best friends. He was spoiled with a basketball hoop, a dinosaur that moves and makes noise and a "choo-choo train". He is the happiest the little boy. We love you Bennett.