One Small Boy

Here is what one small boy can do in a matter of minutes. Why are boys so destructive? And not even 3 years old yet, he knows how to place the blame on his sister.

The video is of the mess - the still photo is what it's suppose to look like - which took me about an hour to do. It was one of my afternoon projects while the little ones were napping.

Midnight in highchair

Hey - you got any of those eats for me?!

Alright then, I'll just wait patiently until you change your mind.

Other good kid photos

Jack, being a boy and hitting stuff.

Ellie's hair is getting long - and hard to keep tidy.

I know - you can say it - awe!

Here are some other good photos taken of the kids this month. I likey my new camera!
Click the pic to enlarge it.

8 months old!

I can stand up to things - but I need a spotter.

I'm elated to share that my baby is still a baby - and not mobile or doing all those big girl things like crawling, pulling herself up, etc... I'm just not sure we are ready for that yet! It'll come soon enough.

At 8 months, Amelia has decided to expand her food palate and eat fruits. She's even enjoyed some chicken and beef too. Last night we tried yogurt, but that didn't seem to go over well. Especially when it came up in the bathtub about 20 minutes later. Yuck - floaty purple goo.

The biggest challenge is diaper changes, as she knows now that she can roll over, and likes to be squirmy during those times. Also - she's been VERY clingy lately. Not just to me, but Billy too. She doesn't like to be left alone and has had a hard time learning to play with herself, or her brother and sister. She just wants to be held. Luckily, we are strong and don't give in too often.

Fun in the Snow

We purchased a new camera recently with some Christmas money - and it's so fun to take some clear pictures. I think you can even see the snow falling in these.

It wasn't too cold this evening when Billy took the kids out to run around - I love the shot of Jack's snot running down his nose (click it to view it larger). YUM! And then of him taking a tumble down the big hill of snow/ice. Billy then rigged up the big wheel with the pull sled for Jack. What a riot!

Animal Shelter

Standing over the cat - making sure he doesn't move.

Sitting down ... the cat hasn't moved.

This is taking too long, I'm going to lay down.

My home has become the animal shelter for my sister's cat and dog - since the recent house fire (click on the link to my sister's blog Skaar - to the left) they are staying in a hotel and even if they allowed pets there would be no room for the two of these guys.

Sydney, the dog, is obsessed with cats. She has to have her eyes on them at all times! I can't imagine how she'll get any sleep tonight. Midnight, whom you'd assume is black, but is white - is pretty laid back. Thankfully, because in a home with 3 small children and a cat-obsessed dog, you've gotta be able to roll with it.

I like the snuggles, wagging tails, and purring - but I will not miss the hairy couch, barking at the mailman during naptime, cleaning the litter box, and muddy paw prints. I can't believe I used to have both of these creatures in Ames - when did I find the time! These two better bring on the love if they intend to stay for more than a week! :)

First Teeth & other Milestones

I'm not sure when they cut thru, but yesterday Billy found both bottom front teeth poking thru Amelia's gums. This is the earliest teeth of my 3 kids - so it was a bit of a shock. She's been a bit fussy lately, but nothing terrible and so we weren't even looking. Darn, the cute gummy smile will soon be gone.

Amelia hit the 7-month old mark right before Christmas on the 22nd - which was also Billy & my 1st wedding anniversary. We were in Arkansas visiting his dad & the Faubus side of the family that day. We had dinner with them and then later shared a bottle of champagne to celebrate the day. The weekend prior we traveled north to Minneapolis with friends to celebrate our anniversaries together - knowing we would be gone.

It's been an amazing year - considering the challenges of getting to know each other, new baby, parenthood, etc ... we have been great partners to each other and we both feel very blessed to have been put into each other's paths. Praise God!