Dahms Family: January 2011

"We are so blessed!", Joe and I say to each other everyday. As the infamous ball dropped in Times Square ringing in 2011, Joe and I reflected on our 11+ years together and all of the things we have accomplished and dreams we have fulfilled- all of the amazing opportunities we have had and blessings we have been given. We have gone from a 17 year old high school senior and 19 year old college sophomore in love to working parents more deeply in love with each other, in awe of our amazing family and thankful for our careers. As I approach the end of my life as a twenty-something, I have dreams for my future. I thought I wanted a new car, a bigger house, a yard, a higher salary...it wasn't until we brought Kate home from the hospital that I realized I have everything that I have always wanted. I broke down into tears at the revelation I just had and thanked God for not only blessing my life in so many ways, but also for enlightening me and allowing me to truly appreciate the gifts I have been given.

It made me put my life into perspective. Now I have filtered my goals and dreams- those of status and monetary value have become much less important. Now I focus on my dreams of our family building traditions like family game night, cutting down our own Christmas tree, serving at soup kitchens, making Christmas cookies, watching my kids practices/recitals...also focusing on personal wellness, becoming a better wife and mother, growing spiritually, helping the Earth, volunteering, making a difference in the lives of others... It is my purpose to treasure and nurture my blessings every day for the rest of my life and never take them for granted!

This year I will post once a month with photos and some memories that capture our lives from the past month. I hope you enjoy reading about our life with a toddler and a baby- a life filled with love, laughter, tears, deep breaths (a must with a 2 year old!) and the understanding that we are truly blessed.

Ryan has grown immensely in the past 2 months. He has physically, verbally, socially and emotionally grown. His vocabulary seems to be exponentially growing. I think we ask him at least once everyday "How do you know that?" I have noticed a big change in him emotionally. He is very in tune with his emotions as well as other peoples. He has become very empathetic. When Grover was trying to help an elephant stuck in the doorway, he pulled on his trunk. Ryan yelled "No Grover, No" (almost in tears). I assured him that Grover was helping the elephant, not trying to hurt him. Ryan is now Mr. "I do it myself". He has a strong desire to help, be acknowledged positively, keep things in order and be independent. Ryan is quite the character. Here are some fun moments:

"I want that!" (after seeing a commercial for a toy) "Who taught you to say that?" "Bapa"
"Are you okay Ryan?" "Yes, I went like this" (then he proceeds to reenact his accident)
"I want a treat mama- just a little bit" and "I want to color for just a little bit"
"You lift me! Mama's strong! You go 'Ughhhhh'"-said after I lifted Ryan for the first time after my C-Section.
Owww!" I say after being knocked into with his step stool. "I'm sorry! Are you okay Mama?"
Kate's on the tummy time mat: "I fold the mat" "No Ryan, you can't fold Kate." "Awww"

Ryan loves being a big brother. He shares everything with Kate, gives her lots of hugs and kisses and helps soothe her when she is crying (he gave her paci and surrounded her with his "friends" when she was crying in his bed). He insists on seeing Kate right away in the morning. When he finds her, he enthusiastically says "Hi Kate!"

Lady Kate is such an easy-going baby. She sleeps A LOT- as evident in our photo shoot. She is very alert and happy. She smiles with her tongue like Auntie Ali did when she was a baby. While she's a content baby, she will let you know when she is not happy with a grunt. She is a strong girl, holds her head up and stands. She works her leg muscles by sticking them straight out every time we change her diaper or clothes. She is an absolute joy!