Between Here and There

Wow, a jumpaline! Netting will go up for safety before we return. Lillian, of course is beyond excited. Come over and jump with us soon!

and a Happy New Year!

The kids are playing outside on a beautiful day.  I couldn't help but try to capture their energy and smiles.

RRRarrrhhh!

Making Christmas cards, reading The Christmas story, singing a Christmas song, eating Christmas decorated cupcakes, and playing outside on a gorgeous morning in Waco!  

The kids played outside briefly after nap and before Kyle returned home.  They have so much energy at that time of day but are also so fussy.  Usually they just can't wait for dinner.  Wes had his 10 month old check-up this morning and weighed in at 17lbs 12oz for those of you interested.  We are all well and I plan for us to stay that way through the holiday season!  

Kyle and I can't believe this boy isn't a year old yet.  It seems like he's been with us at least that long and life without him must have been forever ago.  But he just hit 10 months.  He spends a lot of time on the floor these scooting backwards if he needs to but usually finds contentment with the toys around him.  He loves his big sister and brother and is always looking for attention from them.  He is a definite lip smacker and his hair is slowly growing.  Despite the toothless mouth, he loves his meal times.  He had a couple servings of the turkey soup last week and loved it - gotta make some more for him.  The pics are of the kids at around 10 months.

Lillian is obsessed with all things that 'make her pretty.'  Oh, it really drives me crazy sometimes because she is so devoted to it.  Purses, necklaces, bracelets, etc are all over the house and she always can find something to match her outfit before we head out the door. Here is a great video that Grammy took when she was here. Today after painting her finger and toes she asked someone to blow on her toes - I'm assuming because it was too hard for her to reach to dry them herself.  Kyle and I both offered Jackie to do it.  Her response: "No, I don't want slobber all over my toes!"

Just got back from Christmas on 5th at Baylor.   It was really fun.  We had cookies and hot chocolate.  Jack and Lillian got to ride a pony.  We saw a live nativity scene with camels and a baby in the manger (a doll).   (Lillian helped me write the post.)

I remember those days with Lillian when we would bathe her every night.  With three now, we are getting closer to the usual Saturday night bath.  

This kid is an exploratory eater.  You can often catch him with the garbage lid open looking for any "goodies" that may have been thrown away.  Today he discovered the taste of soap (though I think 'rediscovered' is more accurate) when he squirted some body wash into his mouth.  It did look good due to the picture of a grapefruit on the front.  But it did not taste good. And now...really!  Just at this moment he comes to me after a taste of Lillian's blueberry lip gloss, trying to get it off his tongue .  Oh how many more months, years until he learns?

A new spot for fun and photo shoots are the stick houses in Cameron Park.  They were just constructed less than a month ago by artist Patrick Doherty.  Read here for the NY Times article on him.  

Jack and Wes were baptized today. We were glad to have their grandparents and a number of friends join us for the service.

We had a lot of fun celebrating Jack's birthday yesterday. We started out at the World Hunger Farm, which is north of Waco. Jack enjoyed seeing the animals there. After nap time we had cake, and Jack opened his presents. We then went to Lion's Park and rode the train and one carnival ride. Finally, we had dinner at one of our (Jack included) favorite Mexican restaurants.

We had to say good-bye to some good friends this weekend.  Dorea just turned 4 and is basically the only girl that Lillian spends much time with.  Most of her friends, close in age are boys.  Jamison is 4 months younger than Jack.  The kids had a great time playing together one day while their parents packed.  

Jack had his first speech therapy lesson today.  She came here and will every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30am.  He warmed up to her pretty quickly.  She warned me though not to expect immediate results, perhaps 9 weeks down the road.  Our little big guy turns 2 next week!