Oh James,

Just a second, before I start this I need to grab the tissues. As exciting as it is for you to finally approach another birthday (and believe me, you were excited), I can't help but wish that time moved slower. Wasn't it just yesterday that you were toddling behind me with your blond curls and giant smile following me everywhere? You are so big and you need me less than you once did. When did this happen? Who said you could grow up and turn into such a handsome little dude? I'm not sure how I feel about this.

Time is just moving too quickly. I haven't bottle up enough of your little quirks and mannerisms that I love so much. I don't ever want to forget how you pause what you are doing throughout the day to tell me that you love me. I don't want to forget how you tell me I am your favorite girl. I don't want to forget how excited you are when Daddy gets home from work so you can race into the backyard with him to play catch or throw the frisbee. I don't want to forget how much pride you have to be a big brother and how you are always making sure your little sister had a good day at preschool or that your new baby brother has his blanket so he isn't cold. I wish I could bottle your smile and your innocence forever. I'm not ready for this.

This past year you started kindergarten and I have had to watch you grow without me holding your hand and watching every step. You love school and every morning you wake up excited to go and learn something new. You have made so many friends and bloomed into an official big kid who spends 8 hours, 5 days a week away from me. And as you would say, you are rockin' it! Just like I knew you would, you are your father's son after all. It makes my heart happy to watch you find your voice and be a leader. You are a loyal friend quick to forgive. Stay this way and youll never be lonely. You aren't afraid to throw yourself out there. You take risks and you don't let anyone tell you that you cant do something.

Six is cool, don't get me wrong, but it means that when summer is over you will be in first grade. First grade! I love to watch you grow and accomplish each milestone, but I also want wish I could go back to those days where you fell asleep in your high chair with a mouth full of food. And in 6 more years I am going to wish you were 6 and I will wish you still snuggled up to me during story time and begged for me to put you to bed at night. Ill long to help you read sight words. Ill wish I was still the girl of your dreams and that you would rather be with me instead of your friends.

I am always in your corner, James. I'm the loudest cheerleader, the proudest mom, and the one who is always crying over how blessed she is. Happy Birthday my big boy. Please don't forget that I'm your favorite girl.

I have a friend who is a professional photographer and wanted to borrow Matthias to try out a few new poses that she had just learned at a conference. We never did newborn pictures with James or Madeleine so it was really interesting to see how she worked and how much patience she had with Matthias! Here are only about a third of the ones she sent me, she did a wonderful job! Of course I think she had the most adorable baby to work with.

My friend came over a week after Matthias was born and took some pictures of the kids - she's not a professional but loves to take pictures and I wasn't going to say no! My kids love her and listen much better to her when she's taking their picture then when I try! With a child that is already almost 6 years old - I know the importance of capturing these moments because they go by so fast.



Boxes never get old for kids to play in! My two love to make forts or watch a movie from them. Always a good time!



 

James' class has Stuart the Bear and each child gets to take him home for a week and keep a journal on all the activities that they do with Stuart. I honestly thought that James would not care about this bear at all (because the only stuffed animals he even looks twice at are dinosaur ones) but he was all about this! He took Stuart everywhere and did everything with him.


 

One of my best friends is an amazing crocheter - I know thats not really a word, but what do you call someone who crochets? Anyways, she made Madeleine the coolest blanket - it looks like a mermaid tail! And of course she LOVES it.



 

Madeleine is now to the point where she has to sleep with 10 of her favorite dolls or stuffed animals. Her bed is so crowded we dont know how she doesn't fall out.



 

James played basketball for the first time this year - and it was seriously the cutest thing to watch. He was really into it and learned so much during the season. Unfortunately, he is still a year too young to join the year round team but I am sure he will still want to next year!



 

For James' 100th day of school, he had to glue 100 things to a shirt. He picked buttons and then I helped him hot glue them in a shape of a J. He was very proud of it.





Matthias John

Last Friday, 2/26/2016, we finally got to meet our perfect baby boy. Matthias John was born at 4:36 pm and weighed 7lb 4oz and was 20in long.

 

Being induced was a completely different experience for us, we had time to plan everything! There was a lot of waiting around though, so it seemed like a very long day - BUT I was able to get an epidural for the first time (yay!) so the waiting was worth it.
 

 

Matthias looks so much like James did, those Siefert genes are strong!
 

 

 

Steve came to help for over a week and we really could not have done this without him - or at least not nearly as smoothly and stress free. On Saturday he brought James and Madeleine to the hospital to meet their baby brother. They were instantly in love.
 

 

 

James made Matthias several pictures to welcome him home with, and has hung them in his room so he always knows he is loved. My first born is the sweetest kid with the biggest heart.

 

Three generations watching Ohio State basketball.



 

 

We are all getting settled in and figuring out our new normal but the four of us couldn't be happier to have Matthias home with us. He is the perfect addition to our little family!