A lot of times, activities at Primrose fall on days when she isn't there. Of course--Amara doesn't even know she's missing something, but Eric and I feel kind of bad for her that she misses some of the big holidays (which tend to fall on Fridays for some reason this year...)
I was elated to find out that Valentine's Day fell on one of
her days, and that she'd get to celebrate it with her pals. In fact, the school also did a little show and tell for the moms and dads (which we love) and we were all excited for it.
Valentine's look a LOT different than when we were kids--but the nice thing is that we turned in our Valentine's in early, and the teachers assembled little baggies for all the kiddos. The only downside is we didn't get to build the infamous Valentine's box, but I'm betting we will in a few years :)
These were Beanie's Valentines--she picked them out from Michaels and we all did them together--though she wrote the names on them :) She loves writing her name and is getting pretty good at it!
The event was 2 songs, and punch and cookies--taking goodies home, and getting out of school early. A fun day to see teachers and friends, and gush over our little lady.
I don't know if or why no one really ever expresses why there aren't as many photos of the 2nd child as the first, but I've certainly figured it out--and it is true. With Amara, it seemed we always had the camera in hand, one of us at least--and we took so many photos of things we can't even recall...with Cora, not only does one of us have Amara "in hand," but I feel like we've refined what we capture now to an extent.
That said, these are some images that are engraved on my brain, and I hope will be forever...taking naps or sleeping together, nursing, and the closeness I feel with her night now.
I feel so very different about both my girls than I did a year ago, and I feel like even though I'm getting to know them now as siblings and sisters, that I'm still finding my way as a parent of two.
I enjoy my time with both girls so very much--but it is different with a baby for sure. The way they stare in your eyes to your soul, and you to theirs, there's no price tag for a second like that and no way to capture it. Thank you for all your grins and giggles, your stares and all the wonderful little moments you've given and continue to give me, baby doll.
After the plethora of classes we've tried with Amara, we wanted to take a stab and see if she was a natural grace. You know what? We were surprised! I wasn't sure really how it'd go, but she actually has so rhythm and follows Ms. Tammy when she feels like it.
Since Amanda's daughter Mallory had taken the Baby Ballerina's class before and loved it, I figured it was worth a try. There were a handful in the class, and Amara looked like a doll for sure--legwarmers and all. We'd gone shopping in the fall with Kristin, so she was all suited up to play the part.
Ms. Tammy taught them a lot of ballet lingo right off the bat. They all lined up to follow her across the room, perform jumps, do some circle activities, and at the end, practice a dance they would perform at the end of the season.
Sometimes the movements weren't quite as exaggerated as the teacher--but she was a taskmaster, and would encourage the girls to push forward. Though she tried, about 20 minutes into the 30 minute class each week, the girls would get distracted and fidgety, but Beanie really seemed to enjoy her time in there.
We 
I have NO idea where this face/ ear combo came from--never seen it before, or since--but it was pretty funny!
One shot, worth of our Valentine card this year--so typical. Bright blue eyes and sweet smile from Cora and Beanie's silly upstaging behind. Love these girls.
were so excited to celebrate cousin Coulter's baptism this Winter! The kiddos were relatively well-behaved in church, but really hammed it up at lunch.
Amara had been looking forward to mac and cheese all day :)
We ALL love this pic of Eric and his first "Young" nephew, Couter :) Such sweet smiles on Colt's special day!
Cora was happy to congratulate Coulter too :)
I love this pic of the three of them--they all did pretty well, even though if it all began to fall apart right after this pic, haha.
Proud parents and son. Congratulations Coulter, we are so happy for you and your future with the lord!
All good things must come to an end, and so it is with Amara's teachers. In January and February, Beanie's classroom teachers moved on to better opportunities, and she'll be having new ones soon. She's enjoyed these guys so very much, the next ones will have huge shoes to fill, but we are so thankful for all they have given her. 
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