Budde Kids 2012

Every year, Brad creates a compilation of the various videos of our children from the year.  He does a great job weeding through hours of video and choosing music that perfectly suites the mood.  This year the video is a bit longer but now with a third child - it is to be expected.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyNqVX1m2os

Also, if you have free time on your hands, this is the video from 2011!  Always amazing to see how they change in a single year!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxkkVVM3NLk

Happy Birthday Mabel!

Mabel turned 4 on September 11th.  She has become such a big girl that it amazes me every day.  Her eyes tell the most amazing stories and she makes more facial expressions in 5 minute than most people do in a day.

We hosted a birthday party a couple of days before her birthday (the day before I realized that in three weeks time I had a baby, sent my oldest to kindergarten and then threw a birthday party - welcome to three kids!!).  This year she wanted a "ballerina" party, so we were sure to have lots of tutus and fun!  Since she began dance last year she is obsessed with dancing and ballet.  In any given day she will do leaps, spins, plies and arabesque.

At her ballet recital in June

Ballerina Sisters

Ballerina cake

She is an amazing helper whether getting diapers for me, helping papa make the grocery list and cook or even clean the house.  She loves telling stories and gets so animated.  I could sit with her all day long and just listen to her.  I have so enjoyed building that mother/daughter bond with her, shopping, baking, doing nails and talking ballet.  She has a special place with her papa, with love of cooking and father/daughter dances around the house.  Mabel - you are such a special little girl, with so much sparkle and life.  I can't wait to see you continue to grow!!

Time For Kindergarten

The month of August was full of anticipation and not just because we were waiting for baby Violet.  We were also very excited for Louis to start kindergarten.  He was so excited and couldn't wait, and we knew he was more than ready for the academic part of school.  I was a little nervous about the social aspect, as Louis has always been more on the shy side, and would many times rather play by himself than meet new people.

The week after Violet was born, we had a welcome night where Louis got to meet his teacher and find his classroom.  I could tell he was a little nervous but I was even more so.  I was so worried he would get lost from the bus to the classroom and that he would be too shy to ask for help.  I felt a little crazy but I will blame it on the post-natal hormones!!  Brad and I were both amazed at how quickly the time went and that we were entering a new part of our lives - children in school!  That meant a new type of responsibility for us as well.

Louis and Papa

Louis with his preschool teacher "Miss Christina" walking to the bus stop

Papa, Louis, Mommy and Violet

To be honest, I cried the night before.  Again, I will blame it on the hormones ;-) but I was so nervous about him being shy, or being made fun of.  He is such a gentle soul and I would be crushed if his feelings were hurt (I think I have more toughening up to do than he does!!).  However, the first day of school was great!  Louis was so excited to put on his uniform.  He still goes to Little Learners for before and after care, so after pictures, we dropped both Louis and Mabel off at daycare/preschool.  Brad and I went to get coffee and came back to watch him get on the bus.  The bus of course was late, which made me nervous...but not Lou.  He was so calm.  When his bus pulled up (bus "KA") he walked right up to it (nearly forgot his backpack) and didn't look back until he got into his seat.  He was  so confident and proud that it was impossible to cry.  The day went great, he found his room on his own, was disappointed he didn't get homework or start math, and found the bus easily to get back to daycare.  Three weeks in, he is loving it - even though "the days are really long, Mom".  He loves all the reading, the lunches, and is making new friends.  He has adjusted wonderfully - now I just need to figure out how to stay organized with it all!

Welcome Violet!

On August 21, 2012 the Budde family welcomed Violet Evelyn Budde to the family.  Louis and Mabel were so excited to meet their new sister.  We did not know the gender of the baby, so since February they have been guessing whether it would be a boy or a girl.  We had weekly talks about how big the baby was and how many more days until the baby would be coming.  I remember how excited we all were when we got under 100 days, and how anxious everyone got as we got closer and closer, eventually knowing the baby could come at any moment.

6 hours before being induced (41 weeks)

So we waited..and waited.  We were due on August 14th but baby Violet had other plans.  I tried to stay calm, knowing that being inside of me was the best place for baby.  I physically felt wonderful for being 40 weeks pregnant in mid-August, but mentally it was taking a toll.  Finally on August 20th, we decided to induce that evening.  The labor and delivery were wonderful and I was so excited when I was able to lift our new baby into my arms.  Per our tradition, Brad had the responsibility to tell me the gender by announcing the baby's name.  There were lots of tears when he announced, "It is baby Violet!". She cried the sweetest cry and cuddled very close to me.  She was extra "cheesy" and looked so tiny!  Later, while Brad held her, she responded to my voice - as if to say, "hey, that sounds familiar".

I am so excited and fortunate to be able to spend the next 12 weeks with her before returning to work.  Already we have become cuddle buddies and enjoy all of our moments together - no matter what time of day (or night!).