This past year has been a wonderful year for me. I hope you don't mind as I look back at some of the highlights.
In the beginning of 2010 I think I spent most of my time getting ready and trying to prepare for our second baby to arrive. I remember feeling very overwhelmed at the thought of having a newborn and a 15 1/2 month old. I felt like I spent a lot of my time at the doctors office and making arrangements at the hospital. I tried so hard to love on Claire like crazy, I was so nervous she was going to be upset with me once she realized she had to share our time with someone else. I also worried about the baby because her kidneys were not draining properly and the doctor wanted to induce, plus she was projected to be over 9 lbs. (YIKES!)
On March 9th, I was induced and 2010 became so much more beautiful and joyous when Miss Quinn Ashlyn was born. The best part was she was born healthy and there were no problems with her kidneys. She does have a cyst on her spleen but so far there is nothing to worry about! I think that Quinn was born smiling and she has a way of brightening up my day with that smile. Claire loved her immediately and she has been the best big sister, she loves her N very much! Quinn shares her birthday with a very special boy, her cousin Tolbyn...what a wonderful little guy to share such a special day! Quinn had many visitors at the hospital and once she was home. My mom and Jared's mom spent time helping me around the house and taking care of me. (Entertaining Claire was well!) I am thankful for my MOPS group and my Lifegroup for providing meals once we were home, that was the best gift! I was surprised how the three of us adjusted to adding a fourth person into our family...We can't imagine life without her!
The next couple of months were hard to adjust to not having any sleep. It hadn't been that long since I was awake most of the night with Claire but I still forgot how hard it was. (We must forget otherwise no one would have more children. :) ) We adjusted just fine and then it was spring! Oh how I welcome spring every year, it means summer is coming. Oh how I hate winter with a passion.
First on our summer agenda was a Riley Family vacation the end of May and beginning of June. We had the best time and Claire loved being with her cousins and being able to play outside. She also loved swimming in the pool, she never wanted to get out. We all had such a good time that we are planning another Riley Family vacation for 2011! Can't wait!!!
In June, Jared and I were involved with VBS at our church. The best part was that Claire was able to go to a class and be like the big kids. She had such a fun time and would be worn out afterwards....we had no problem getting her to bed that week. That was a blessing in itself.
In July we took a road trip to Missouri to meet up with Jared's side of the family...the Becks. I love going to Nana's and meeting up with all of Jared's aunts, uncles, and cousins. We were able to introduce Quinn to everyone, she was accepted into the family with open arms. :) This year Claire was able to attend her first concert...Uncle Dennis' band had a reunion show and Claire was front and center. At least until she tried to get on stage and then we moved to the side. We drove home on July 4th evening and were able to watch fireworks as we drove. It was a great ending to a great time with family.
September started a busy time for us. MOPS started back up for us girls. I love meeting up with other moms and having a conversation with another adult woman for longer than a few seconds before getting interrupted by a child. I love that I can meet with other christian women who are struggling with the same issues I am as a mom and that we can discuss and pray for each other. It is also a wonderful time for the girls to get to play with their friends.
This month Jared and I took on roles as leaders in our church. Jared is a D-Group leader for 9th grade boys in the youth department. He enjoys it and is looking forward to getting to know the boys better. I am the craft teacher for 2,3, and 4 year olds in our children's ministry. I love to do crafty things as long as I have a guide and directions on how to do it. Thankfully that is how this position works, and I love it. I was very apprehensive at first and I am not sure what other teachers think about it but I think the kids enjoy it. I have gotten lots of hugs from kids and parents telling me their children like the craft time. The Lord is good.
I joined the choir this month as well. I really like it, even though I have forgotten all things music related. (i.e. time signatures, how to read music) The best thing is that we just have to love to sing and love to praise the Lord...that is all that matters so I guess I fit right in. I am in the process of getting a time set up with the music director to sing a solo....what was I thinking! I am looking forward to it with anticipation and fear...it has been awhile since I have sang alone in front of a lot of people. I just have to remember to make a joyful noise, right?
The girls had a fun time with Halloween this year. Claire was a kangaroo and Quinn was a lion. They were adorable and had a good time trick-or-treating with friends.
Claire turned 2 the end of November. Where has my baby gone? She is such a big girl and I love that she is so independent and so loving and so happy. She is talking a mile a minute and she wants to do everything herself. She loves to go on playdates with her friends and is excited to go to church to play with her friends there too. She is a typical 2 year old and when I get frustrated I have to remind myself that she is only 2! She is a fast learner and one smart cookie. She amazes me everyday!
We had three Christmases this year. One at our house, one at the Lieser's and one at the Riley's. I was so afraid that Claire was going to think she was going to wake up to presents everyday. She was so funny, she loved to open every one's gifts and she was genuinely happy and surprised with each gift she opened, even if it wasn't hers.
This year was a year of firsts for Quinn. She has 8 teeth and is crawling like a pro. She is also pulling up to anything and everything and trying to walk the couch. I can't believe she is almost 10 months old. She had her First Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.She says mama and dada and swear she says hi. She claps her hands and does the cutest little dance when music comes on. She watches her sister very carefully and is in awe of all that Claire can do by herself.
The last week of the year Jared was off from work. He did a few piddly things he wanted to get done around the house but most of all he hung out with his girls. We had the best week just hanging out and playing with Claire and Quinn. On New Years we were all asleep when 2011 began...until the fireworks went off, that started Sam barking, that started Quinn crying. So, technically we rang in the new year. :) We were all sad that Jared had to start back at work on Monday...Claire has asked where daddy is several times.
2010 was good to us, well the Lord was good to us in 2010! I am thankful he has given me another day with my beautiful family and my hope is that we all will serve Him in the new year. Happy New Year everyone, God bless!
Claire had a play date a few weeks ago with her friend from church, Kaitlyn. If you mention church Claire will say Kaitlyn, Rylee, Alex. Those are her friends and she gets super excited when she gets to play with them. It truly is precious to see your child form friendships. Kaitlyn and Claire hug when they see each other, it is adorable. Anyway, back to the play date. They had the best time! It was so cute to watch Claire be a little girly girl. They played with dolls and with the play kitchen. They giggled and laughed. (That was my favorite part) They dressed up in tutus and princess dresses and even put on cute pink boas. It was a good time had by all. Quinn played with Mathew and his toys...she was in heaven. The mommies had a good time too. ;) Now we are looking forward to our play date next week with Alex and Jaycen! Claire and Quinn are already super excited! 
