Merry Christmas from the Janaks! We hope that each of you finds much to be thankful for this holiday season. I think we can all agree it has been a tough year for many but let us rejoice in Christ and in His good news! What a beautiful season it is each year when the world (or at least most of it) comes together in peace and harmony – only the Savior could have brought this joy to the Earth!
As for what’s going on with us, let’s just say Mike and I are becoming quite experienced at raising twins, as we near Ashley and Reagan’s second birthday next month. While our hands are full, so are our hearts as we watch our 4 little girls continue to grow and become such amazing people!
Kaitlyn and Mackenzie experienced many firsts this year – first dance recital, first plane trip, first trip out of state, first big roller coaster, kindergarten, and more. We were fortunate to get to take them to Disneyland this summer and it was a great trip! So much fun and so many memories! The girls also are finally swimming without help after many swim lessons all summer. They also developed an interest in gymnastics and they are back at dance again this year. They are both enjoying school, though the schedule took some getting used to.
Kaitlyn (age 5) continues to amaze us with her artistic abilities. She is constantly drawing in great detail all kinds of unimaginable things that I could have never drawn at her age. She also enjoys making stuff. She can make just about anything out of paper and tape. She is still full of life and brings a lot of personality into our home. She has developed a really sweet singing voice as well. Kaitlyn has a very big heart and though she is quite the collector of odd things and many treasures, she is also quite a giver! She loves to make things for people and give things to people and she is very sensitive to those around her.
Mackenzie (age 5) is also full of life! She is personality plus and I don’t think has a shy bone in her body. Mackenzie has always loved books and learning, but this year the reading light bulb clicked and she is reading everything! Her teachers at school and church are amazed at her abilities. She is generally very cheerful and outgoing and has a hard time containing her excitement! She loves ballet and dancing. She is also very independent and will do most things for herself without being told. She especially loves picking out her own clothes and will go head-to-head with me over wanting to wear a dress or skirt regardless of the weather or what we are doing. But she always looks adorable, sometimes matching, sometimes not.
Ashley (almost 2) is just hilarious. Everything Ashley does is 90 miles an hour! We started the year off with barely walking but it quickly developed into running with blind abandon. I call her the fastest kid in the west. She runs everywhere, head down, no looking, until she runs into something with her forehead. That quickly turned into climbing on everything. Her latest include climbing out of the crib and climbing over the gate we put around the Christmas tree. She talks so fast it is like complete jibber-jabber but she is really saying a ton. And now she does this galloping, dancing, arm circling thing while she sings the few little songs she knows. She is persistent and head-strong (hmmm, I know a few other little girls like that too), but so funny to be around!
Reagan (almost 2) is still just the sweetest thing. She loves to give hugs and kisses and loves to be loved on. The only exception is the occasional struggle with Ashley, which usually results in a stinging bite to Ashley. But we are working on that. Reagan (like Ashley) loves watching Barney and anything involving Old MacDonald or farm animals. And she seems particularly fond of elephants and ducks. She knows most of her colors and has recently discovered that she can jump! She likes playing with blocks, but she most loves her blankie, her binky, and being held. She has kind of a sweet, soft, and sometimes raspy voice and a sweet, giggly laugh that makes us smile.
Mike is still trying to juggle it all with work, family, church, and TCU FOOTBALL!! What can we say – he is enjoying watching the Frogs in their best season ever and will be rooting for them at whatever bowl game they end up in. He also continues to work with the Boy Scout program through our church and recently started his Woodbadge training.
As for me, I think I am slowly regaining some balance in my life. Even though the terrible twos are approaching, I think the independence gained by all of us far outweighs the craziness! The little girls are getting more flexible and a bit more manageable, and we have started utilizing babysitters again instead of only relying on family. Feels good! I recently joined a gym for a little “me” time and the little girls really enjoy going too. Lastly, one of the things I have enjoyed most this year is my new hobby of keeping a blog about the joys and trials of being a mom to two sets of twins. I never thought I would enjoy it or write as much as I have. It has become my personal journal (and my therapy – ha ha!) as well as my record of my fast-growing girls!
So good things are ahead, I hope for each and every one of us. May you have a terrific holiday season and a blessed new year!
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas,
Mike, Kimberly, Kaitlyn, Mackenzie, Ashley & Reagan Janak
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