Bowlin Beige

See these adorable children? Yes, those are MY adorable children. The ones that I carried in my belly for 9 months each, labored to deliver into this world, and spend a majority of my time providing food, clothing and shelter for. During my waking hours, I'm either taking care of them, or thinking about how to take care of them. When I'm sleeping I dream about them, either replaying wonderful memories with them, or dreaming horrible nightmares about some potential parenting failure. I constantly worry about whether I'm being a good mom, feeding them the right things, or disciplining them enough (or too much). Do they have enough stimulating activities? Am I reading enough books? Should we spend more time outside so they don't have a vitamin D deficiency? Do they watch too much TV? Do they get enough sleep? Why can't I get them to eat more vegetables? Am I teaching them enough? I've come a long way in my role as a parent. I have accepted the fact that my ...

Our fourth, and final, Christmas celebration was our last day in York. Our whole family came over to the house - my aunts and uncle, cousins, and their children. All 17 of us enjoyed a wonderful brunch and watched the kids tear into their presents. Parker is the only boy, but he is so anxious to play with all his girl cousins! They have so much fun together and he can't wait to join in. Hopefully next year he'll be able to participate more. In the meantime, he was happy to chew on their wrapping paper and watch them play. But before everyone arrived, it was time to clean up the house. Parker, just like Papa, LOVE to vacuum. He will follow the vacuum all over the house, and get so excited whenever he sees it! Let's hope that continues for a long time! Such a big helper! Gift giving time! The oldest (Julia) and youngest (Parker) of the cousins Lila didn't want to be left out of the fun Clara with Aunt Ellie Uncle Bill, tellin...

For our third family Christmas celebration we headed up north to my parent's house in Pennsylvania. Along the way we stopped for a bite to eat and some playtime. Ainsley was happy to see her "best friend again." We spent 3 days in York, enjoying food and family time. Ainsley and Parker had fun opening their third round of gifts. Our Christmas tree at home was up on a table (out of Parker's reach). However he quickly discovered that Nana and Papa's tree was on the floor, and therefore easy to chew on. In addition to practicing his tree-trimming skills, he also learned how to climb the stairs! A skill he has since perfected since returning home. Another climber, just like his big sister. Santa came to Nana and Papa's house too! Trying to get to the tree again. Helping Nana with her stocking After many attempts at eating the tree, Parker was finally confined to the ExerSaucer. Helping Nana and Papa open their photo book ...

Our second Christmas celebration occurred on Christmas Day. For the first time, we enjoyed Christmas at home by ourselves with our little family of four. Christmas Eve we put out marshmallows (Santa's favorite treat, according to Ainsley), and a glass of milk above the fireplace. Christmas morning she tip-toed downstairs to see if Santa had come. That's our sassy little girl! We then went through our stockings and had fun opening all our gifts. When you have young children, it means that Christmas Day festivities are finished by 8:00am. Then you are left with an entire day to do anything. Except that most places are closed on Christmas Day. Which means you do things at home. And in the Bowlin home, our goal is to get as much done on our to-do list as possible! Our front steps needed to be replaced. Before someone stepped through them. And since it rained Christmas Eve, and was going to rain more the day after Christmas, my dear husband decided to replace our steps o...

December in Richmond is always a fabulous time of year. So many things to do and see! One of our favorite yearly rituals is to attend the GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. The garden has over half-a-million lights throughout the many acres, lots of model trains, children's crafts, and of course, lots of fun activities in the children's garden. We have attended this every year since we've been living in Richmond (even before the kids were born) and it is always a wonderful way to start off the holiday season. This year we went with some close friends, Jon and Brandi, and their son, Owen (Ainsley's admitted "boyfriend). Originally we planned to go on a weekend but were rained out. We rescheduled to a weeknight and we weren't disappointed! Less crowded, but just as wonderful. Ainsley and Owen Parker, all bundled up in the stroller. But he really wants to run with the big kids!  Family photo Roasting marshmallows for s'mo...