Welcome 2014

I have been thinking about how quickly life changes.  In just a 4 and a half year span our little family of two has expanded to a family of five.  I have two children who are becoming more and more independent and bursting with personality, and a sweet little baby who smiles more and more every day.

2013 was a year full of adventures that I did not capture on a blog.  We went to St. George for our annual Pharmacy Convention vacation.  It was a perfect trip until puke fest 2013 commenced.  My dear sweet Kate started the party and soon 80% of the people with us were joining in. My apologies to all on Kate's behalf.

In July Mike was able to go to Lake Powell with Sam.  I stayed behind with Kate for some girl time while they went off and played.  I was too pregnant to be comfortable in the 100 + degree weather, and the idea of chasing after my fearless girl didn't sound appealing to me.  At all.  Katy bug and I had a great time, and I am truly thankful for the time we got to spend.  Sam got all brave at the lake and even tried to swim on his own, with a life jacket of course.

At the end of July, Mike took the kids to North Carolina for a Cheney family reunion.  I was left behind because I was too far along in my pregnancy to travel.  I spent those two and a half weeks preparing or baby sister to arrive, and reading many many books.  A few days before Mike got home, I started to feel increasingly uncomfortable and contractions, especially at night, were becoming more consistent and much stronger.  I prayed that Mike would make it home before our sweet baby decided it was time for her to make her appearance.  Mike got home on August 9th at 4 pm and I went into labor at 8:30 that night.

Maggie June Sorenson joined our family on August 10th, 2013 at 1:59 pm.  She came 3 and 1/2 weeks early, small but perfect.

Adjusting to three children was a little hard, and I found myself letting go of a lot of the commitments that I had attached myself to in order to save my sanity and hopefully be a more present and happy mother.

We spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with the Sorensons this year, and Sam and Kate were able to spend time with their cousins.  Sam constantly talks about his Zitos, thinks Tyler and Shannon live in Chinatown, and still says Clara's name wrong (Clarla).  He is getting so big and telling all sorts of amazing stories.  Kate is his best friend/worst enemy.  She wants to do everything he does, says everything he says, cries the way he cries, and is constantly on the search for her Sammy when he is not within eye sight.  I look forward to seeing them grow up together and hopefully become close friends.

Maggie.  Oh my sweet Maggie.  She is a child all her own.  She looks like Sam most days, but then I look at her and think that she doesn't look like either of her siblings.  She is short and chubby, and loves to smile.  She started rolling over at 5 months, and only laughs when her little thighs are tickled.  She has a ready smile for everyone, and doesn't really like to sleep at night - much to my chagrin.

We rang in the New Year the way we do every year, with Martinelli's a house full of Sorensons and confetti all around.

There are times when I feel like it is all going by so fast, and I need to capture these moments before I forget.  I am grateful for where we are in our lives.  For our children being small, and innocent, and so genuine in their view of life. I am grateful for the marriage we have and that I can honestly say that I am still married to my best friend.  I am grateful for answered prayers and for the knowledge that God is real.

Here's hoping 2014 brings more realizations of life's goodness and happiness.