Beginning 2015

I’m so glad to have a moment to sit down and write. its been such a busy 6 weeks that I havent really had a chance to blog and share about life. I’ve had so many topics cross my mind over the past 6 weeks that I’ve wanted to write about and havent had the chance. I am hoping to get some of them written and others you may never see.

For a brief family update. Axel is a year and half already! He’s busy, loves to play with his toys(he’s made quite the hall since we’ve been back in the states.) I’ve taught him a handful of sign language which he does really well with! I’m really glad we chose to do this since Axel can be quite impatient ( I think that comes with the territory of toddlers) and sign really helps him communicate what he wants since we cant always decipher what he’s saying yet. 

Although him and brother started as pals, we’ve been increasingly challenged with the on going battle of keeping Helez alive and safe (ha). Axel is often to aggressive and way to enthusiastic with the baby. The joys of parenting 2 little boys!

Helez is growing so quickly(almost 8 weeks old), I think I am finally starting to see a little bit of his personality.  He loves mornings. He smiles, coos and just glows when you talk to him. He has a gentle spirit, loves to be snuggled and talk to quietly. His hair is quite funny looking. Today Caleb mentioned how it reminded him of a baby gorilla by the way it sticks straight up in the back. 

I’d say for probably the first 6 weeks he was quite colicky.  Lots of extended crying and just hours of inconsolable tears. Although Axel was the same way, I was definitely not ready for another colicky baby. That took me by surprise. we’ve tried quite a few different things but have just come to realize that its probably just with time things will get better. 

This too shall pass. This too shall pass.

God has been working on my heart and doing a tremendous amount of changing in my thoughts. I am challenged daily with handling 2 babies but try always to count my blessings. With the New Year he’s given us new hopes, new dreams and a new beginning in a new place. As most of you know we are finally in our own little home that we are renting here in Rochester (NY). We’re thankful for the challenge and the blessing its been to get to this point.

Caleb is doing well, working with his Photography and Videography business (calebparkercinema.com) and also at a local Fabrication shop nearby. He recently participated in a local wedding expo and it was a total success! We have been really blessed by the outcome of it. Caleb put many hours into prepping for the expo and building and designing things for his booth. All in all the work paid off!

My mom was also able to come visit us for about a week! Although it was a crazy week it was such a blessing. Axel loved the extra attention and the extra person around to read him books. 

We made my favorite holiday treat, peanut butter balls. I have a bag of them left over in the freezer. I am eating one everyday for good measures. :) Sanity saver. 

 She really helped contribute to make this place feel like home.  It has not been easy being away from family, so it was nice to have a little bit of that in our new home! My mom is one of my best friends, she came at just the right time to help encourage us along in this transition!

I hope 2015 is off to a good start for you. Expect to be hearing from me more often because I have so much I want to write about. 

Love and blessings,

Briana