Where do I begin?

I contemplated waiting until February 14th to post something again, but the point of this blog is to write when I feel so moved - so, I'm writing. And while it hasn't been exactly two months since my last post, as it would have been on the 14th, it's long overdue.

It's overwhelming sitting here thinking of how much can happen in two months. Really overwhelming. Wonderfully so.

Madilynn Renee was born on December 7th. My prayers were answered and she arrived before I left the country. I've been surrounded by babies and kids my whole life. I have some very special connections to some wonderful little ones out there, whether through nannying or having friends that keep having babies :). But, so far in my life, nothing compares to how I felt when I held that tiny butt for the first time. I have lots more to say about her birth, but I'll save that for a special time. 

The day before I was leaving the country, my friend Ali had her third baby, a boy. Gracin Adair was born! I'd put a picture up but I haven't even met him yet! How depressing is that? But, tonight is the night! I can't wait to kiss his precious face! Between being away, the holidays and the NeverEndingSnow.2011 we've had to cancel more plans then I care to remember... but no more! I can't wait to hug my friend (and bridesmaid!) and meet her baby boy.

On December 15th, my family and I (fiancé included) took off to Mexico. It was the perfect trip. Ok... no, prefect is just unerealistic... the 'shuttle' ride from the airport to the hotel made us all a little claustrophobic and queasy, the first day I was there I had awful stomach pains, my brother got a stomach bug of sorts, we were such a big group that the restaurant couldn't accommodate sitting us all together.... but, that's it. Silly little things that honestly, I had to think hard about to even remember. No flight delays. No one lost anything. The weather was perfect. Everyone was there. We got amazing pictures, ate great food, but most of all made lifelong memories. Tyler was a hit with the cousins. (Duh!). It was the greatest gift. Time with my family in paradise... I could ask for nothing else. 

                                       (Shame on Me for not having any Christmas Eve pictures!)

Tyler and I at the Stone Zoo light display - Last Christmas as a Scanlon!

Best meal of the year!

Then came Christmas...always a favorite of mine, but it was made very special this year by spending Christmas Eve with my new Family-In-Law! We had delicious Chinese food, got spoiled, and "Skyped" with Tyler's brother, his girlfriend and her son! It was a blast. It felt awesome to get to be with them! 

The new year brought a new job. I'm a full time nanny for two girls. Ella is 3 years old. She's bold, confident, smart, stubborn, remembers everything, loves purple and sometimes pink and insists on wearing at least one princess dress a day. Ava is 10 months old. She's sweet, smiley, observant and her sister's biggest fan. She is more than ready to walk, she just has to get the moves down. The first week here was hard. Ella is still in the "who is this baby and why is she taking your attention away from me?" phase. On top of that transition, she was going to go to a new school, seeing grandma less as they went to Florida for the winter (jealous), and a new face was being introduced to her every day life. To say she was testing the limits with me would be an understatement. But, I think we have come to find a place of mutual respect and patience. I love working so close to home (6 minute drive) and getting to play with such girly girls! We have fun together. 

I guess those are the highlights of the last two months. And I didn't even mention my wedding! But there is way too much to say on that subject to add it onto this mess! 

I think that planning themes to my week/days or just post in general will help me know how to write more. Any thoughts?