john and julie plus 3: December 2014

the past few months have really been a blur. while physically i've had a much easier pregnancy this time around, we seem to have barely acknowledged the fact that we're actually adding another person to our family - all of our time has gone to preschool, john working late hours, and me trying to finish up work before maternity leave, and both of us juggling the care of 2 three year-olds. it's been such a different experience than when we had the twins - all our attention was spent on my growing belly, going to doctor appointments together, building cribs, strollers and changing tables, and taking baby classes.

thankfully, these last two weeks of december have been great in the sense that i'm done with work, school is out, and john's workload has slowed down a bit for the holidays. we've enjoyed hanging around san francisco, taking the dog on walks together, hitting up parks and coffee shops, and actually getting the house cleaned up and ready for the new addition! i think we're all ready for her arrival, although hoping that it doesn't completely turn our lives upside down (wishful thinking, i know).

this past year has been exhausting, exciting and tons of fun, and we believe next year is going to be a wild ride. our new year's resolution is to enjoy another year together celebrating the simple things (like our health, silly kid jokes, ice cream) and not stressing about the small stuff (you know, like work, a messy house, lack of veggies in the fridge). see you in 2015!

swimming lessons have officially started (we waited until they turned 3
so they don't each need a parent in the pool with them)

they seem to be doing ok, but aren't exactly thrilled
when thursday rolls around for 'swim school'

we've been making an effort to hit the pool for free swim
to get them excited about swimming in general

their bubble making skills have definitely improved

we love that we live a 1/2 mile from nature

and they love going on hikes to find massive sticks

before leanne headed to peru on vacation, they got to spend quality
time with some of their best buddies

jacks and shelby forever!

jacks and liv fell in love with anna and elsa dresses
after experiencing their beauty at bea and teddy's house

off to school on one of the many rainy december days

oh my goodness!

our little painters

such concentration, just like his dad

'oh, hey there!!!'

biking is jacks' new favorite activity

their class had a pajama party on the last day before
holiday break, and parents were invited!

they had a special snack with unlimited goldfish,
cookies and popcorn

jacks and liv were first to sit and last to leave
(feedback we've received multiple times so i
was excited to witness it live!)

i got to stay for circle time where the kids sang songs and got to
show off their individual moves (aka "special way")

one lovely thursday the power went out in a big rainstorm,
school was closed, and john went to work…lucky me!

we ended up having a good time since i basically had
no rules! playing with my blood pressure monitor?
throwing balls down the stairs? all ok!

someone was happy to have the power back
because i immediately turned on the tv for a break!

if this isn't true love, what is?

a blurry picture but too cute not to post

passing time before dinner

we've been doing lots of baking lately…
this was for a brunch + christmas cookie exchange

they helped me unwrap 30 mini heath bars (and loved every minute of it)

they thankfully approved of the cookie dough

they were the only kids at kelly and mark's for brunch, but luckily
they have a pup who was willing to share her toys with the twins

so proud of leanne for graduating with a masters
in public health (while also watching twins!)

they were very impressed with her diploma

how does she make it look so easy?!

the kids were very helpful in our furniture shopping adventure

enjoying a treat at omid and nawz' baby shower

jacks made a beautiful onesie

and livi spent some time reading middlesex

these kids are grocery shopping pro's

another trip to the pet store

protecting their ears from that evil blender!

bones was wondering who was on the roof
(hooray for john fixing the leaks!)

they are really into wrestling - it's pretty cute to watch!

john's new clients are extremely demanding

this basically sums up why
we're a little nervous for another girl!

john tackled some work while we took the bus home

as you can see, riding the bus is a highlight for these two

running errands

enjoying a rest break at peet's coffee

tried a new coffee shop for an early morning cup of joe
and their specialty toast (we'll definitely be back!)

with full bellies, we headed to alamo square to walk
bones and get in a little exercise

after a much needed carwash, we headed down the
block to bi-rite for a special treat

4 spoons and 1 bowl (the ice cream goes fast!)

another bus outing for me and the kids so john
could get a few hours at home to work

we headed to see the famous gingerbread house at the fairmont on nob hill

families dressed up for the holidays were taking lovely pictures in front of
the tree, but this was all i could get when i asked them to sit and say cheese!