Happy New Year!

Hmmm, where to start. I've been slacking in the blog department the last few (ahem, 5) months, but since it's a new year, I think this would be an excellent chance to set refresh, catch up and start blogging about our little life again.

So here's a recap of the past 5 months...

Let's see... Ryan and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary in August, Henry turned three in September, and Annabelle turned 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 months old...

I got a new job, we sold our house (in 4 days) and moved to Grand Rapids. Did you just say wow? I did. Wow. And more is happening. My husband is on the verge of opening his own law firm -- a venture he has been excited to do for many years and this move has made it possible. I'm so excited for him and for our family in this next adventure. In the meantime, he has been playing Mr. Mom to Henry and Annabelle, our grocery shopper, errand runner, chauffeur for Henry to and from preschool, and quite the chef! And all along the way, he has been searching office space (with Annabelle!), putting together a website, and doing all the odds and ends that it takes to start a business.

Wow, we just don't know how to do anything easy, do we?!

To add to the craziness, Beans (you may formally know her by Annabelle) started walking at 8.5 months. It was a few steps at first, and standing of 10-20 seconds, but the week before Christmas she was full on walking. I haven't seen her crawl in weeks and dare I say she is quite balanced. Much more balanced than her older brother was when he started walking at 9.5 months. Beans has been waving "hi" and saying "Da Da" and "Ma Ma." She's not a quiet one either, she lets you know when she wants to be heard!

And.... after months (okay, 6 months) of being the worst sleeper ever, she is well on her way to becoming an okay snoozer. A handful of times she has even slept though the night! (7pm - 5:30am!) And more often she has only been waking up once an then will sleep until 6 or 6:30. Not perfect, but it's a far cry from where we were a few months ago. I guess the little lady just needed to accomplish all her tasks (crawling, standing, walking) before being able to settle down for a good snooze.

Did I mention she is walking? Yeah, it's exhausting. Have you met Henry? So, add them together and they are beyond exhausting. Wonderfully exhausting, but let's just say that you will often find that I have fallen asleep with Henry by 8pm every night.

Stay tuned for her 9 month stats when we head to the pediatrician.

Henry started a new preschool and has really enjoyed it! It wasn't an easy transition -- he had been at the same school with the same kids and teacher since he was 12 months old, so it took some time to get used to a new class and not knowing a single soul. He now has a few 'best buddies' and is learning a lot! Henry has also continued his swim lessons and is proven to be quite the fish and can swim halfway across the pool! Did he get his mother's aquatic skills and love of water!?!

And as for myself and Ryan, we knew this move wouldn't be smooth sailing, but "we're doing it!" We are still looking for "our house" and in the meantime staying with my Mom, which the kids have thoroughly enjoyed. We wanted to move to Grand Rapids, and here we are... stay tuned for updates!

And on to some pictures from the past several months...

Wow, that photo progression really shows how big she has become! 

So much love between these two (when they aren't bonking one another on the head)

Henry and his first friend in the world, Charlie, walking hand in hand at their former daycare -- I love this... they have been friends since just they were just a few months old. 

Here are a few member of our original playgroup - we all came together when the boys were around 2 months of age wanting to meet likeminded Moms and explore RIE and Waldorf philosophies. These sweet little boys and their Mamas were a lifesaver to me. Every Tuesday (and then Friday), we met and the boys played while the Moms observed the babies and had the opportunity to talk to other adults during daytime hours! 

And here are five out of the original six -- the blur is Arlo and the boys were getting restless and as evidenced by Henry's expression. They were not happy (except Liam!) that that paparazzi had not obtained the perfect photo yet (or ever)

Always smiling, even at 6am!

September 2, this guy turned 3!! 

Farewell first house! We made this house our home -- came home here after our wedding and brought both our babies home here. We have so many wonderful memories here and will cherish our beloved Groveland home forever. 

Henry had to say goodbye to our neighbor, his buddy, Paul. These two were inseparable this spring/summer. Every moment they had, they spent together. If you ever drove down Groveland Ave, you were sure to see those two running back and forth between our houses, driving their cars around, and jumping through sprinklers. We love Paul and his family and miss them every day. We can't wait to visit them and have them come to GR when we finally have a house!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving 2014 with Aunt Katie 

Exciting news -- my sister is due with baby boy in April! It was so wonderful to have the entire family together for the holiday. 

A visit with Santa! 

Christmas at Ryan's parents -- Beans had a blast!

One of Henry's favorite gifts was his Hexbugs that came in his stocking. Santa sure does know what 3 years olds like!

"Say Cheese!"

Enjoying Annabelle's new tea set

Santa brought Annabelle and Henry a dollhouse -- for now Henry has been using it to house his superheroes. I have a feeling Annabelle will be evicting Henry's tenants quite soon!

"I've got this walking thing down!"

A wonderful Sunday walk after a busy Christmas with those two loves. 

Henry was very excited to try out the party favors for NYE!

Bringing in the new year in style! We wouldn't have it any other way. What a year! 

Becoming a family of four, celebrating my sister's marriage in California, getting a new job, moving across the state, and Ryan's new firm on the horizon! 2014 was great, but 2015 is going to be amazing! 

And to start it off, we enjoyed the new snow with these two little bunnies. 

Happy New Year!

Cheers!

Love,

The Beach Family