Four Little Ones and a Big Sister: Guess Who's 2?!?

Well, I guess the fact that it's been a whole year since I posted last, has it's perks...you don't have to look back far to compare how they've changed in the last year. ;)

It is hard to believe that our little miracles turned 2 today! We celebrated on Sunday (Mother's Day) with a Sesame Street themed party. They of course got more gifts than what we have roomed for, and had so much fun playing with family and friends.

This has been a year full of many more firsts. Here's a brief run down of some of the major ones that I can recall off of the top of my head :

                        * First steps (for everyone: the boys were first, and Jaylyn followed a couple months
                                                   later.)
                        *First question (Usually sounds something like this, "Mommy, where are you?")
                        *First plane ride, hotel stay, National t.v. show appearance (Kathie Lee and Hoda
                                                                                                                            show)
                        *First surgery (Harrison had a needle removed from his foot)
                        *First double ear infections (Benjamin and Harrison)= first round of antibiotics for all
                        *First experience with Mommy working another full time job

I'm sure there were so many other things that have happened over the last year...I guess that should be motivation for me to post more often. For now, here are a few pictures to catch you up.

Introducing the newly 2 year old, Oscar James. A few of his favorite things: Playing ring-around-the rosies with his brother, Ben, being outside, sleeping with his blanket, eating Deedee's cat food (yep, I said it...we have to hide the cat food), singing, dancing, and playing the harmonica. He is a Daddy's boy, and cries every morning when Tony leaves for work.

Next up, Benjamin Ryne (a.k.a. Big Ben). He might be the biggest, but he is the most gentle of our crew. This is a rare shot of him without his pup pup and his pappie (pacifier) which he asks for often. I have realized lately that he is the mediator of our children. Just a few days ago, Harrison made Jaylyn cry, and I heard Ben say, "Harrison, hug, Jay!" Best part was that Harrison actually listened and knelt down and hugged Jaylyn. He is also the best talker of the bunch, and I love that he calls everyone by their name when talking to them...I especially love when he says, "Love you, Mommy!" He loves to run around the house, play ring-around-the-rosies with Oscar, and wrestle with his brothers and sisters. He also loves to sing and dance like Oscar. We are hoping that he will outgrow the little bit of asthma that he has, so that he can enjoy all of these activities to the fullest!

And, Jaylyn Rae. You will rarely see this little peanut without a blankie and her fingers in her mouth. Although she is still wearing 12 month clothes on her second birthday, this little firecracker can hold her own. Her favorite word is "nope", and in case you don't quite get it, she sometimes will add a little smack to the face to go along with it. She loves snacks...just like her sister, and she keeps up with the boys as they run laps around our house. She is the best eater of the four, and makes it a wonder that she is so much tinier than they are.

Last, but in no way, least, I give you Harrison Kerry. Definitely the most energetic of the bunch, he has that smile that just screams, "I'm up to something!" A needle in the bottom of his foot, a bout with the flu, a double ear infection...nothing could slow this kid down. He is constantly on the go. Just like the others, he loves to sing and dance, and would much rather be outside than inside no matter what the weather. While he has such an onry side, he is also very willing to share with his brothers and sisters, and can be very loving too. Our favorite game to play when we put them in bed at night is the "I LOVE YOU" game. He screams, "LOVE YOU" and we answer the same over and over even after we have left the room. :)

I shouldn't leave out this incredibly grown up little one. I cannont believe that Lilya Catharine will be 5 in less than 4 months. How is that possible? She has her moments where she loves to tease and torment her little brothers and sister, but she is also very quick to comfort, soothe and love on them. It is so fun to watch their sibling relationships blossom.

Just a few pictures from Sunday's Birthday Party: