December!!!

Connor and Brooke's cousin Will!

Grandma Pat and Aunt Wendy!

The Family on Thanksgiving

OSU game crew!

Sierra and Connor chillin'

Brookie and her Gramps! (Like the cow? :)


Auntie Anna, Tim, and Brooke

I can't believe it's officially December!!! Wow! Above are some pics from the last week or so...will post more later, after I finish downloading the bazillion pictures taken over the last seven days!!! :)

Catch up!!!

All is well on the homefront! We had a great Halloween, and are now greatly anticipating Thanksgiving and Christmas! In fact, I brought out the coveted stack of Christmas books the other night, and Connor has been having sooo much fun each night cozying up to "The Polar Express", and other favorites. He actually has been begging to go to bed so we can read stories each night. Tonight, in the tub, he was pretending to be Santa Clause--picking me up for a trip on the "Polar Supress"...pretty cute! We're so excited to be getting to see so much family this month! Aunt Marce was in town last week, which was awesome. (she PLAYED with Connor--like down, on the ground--she obviously had boys! :) Andy is coming this weekend, and we're thrilled to see him, (Connor can't wait), and, of course, Auntie Anna will be here next Wednesday! Woohoo!!!! Aunt Wendy and Uncle Michael, Emily and Will are coming on Saturday for a whole week...we're super excited to see them, too--it's been over a year, and they've never met Brooke. So, lot's to look forward to, including visits from dear friends coming back into town! Yay! Here are some recent pics for those of you we won't get to see this week.


The kids after their naps today...I had to bribe Connor with a lollipop to sit here!



Brookie and her ponytails! ;) (Sorry about the drool on the shirt--I just noticed a tooth popping through).


And, ponytails, again! ;)

P-O-T-T-Y (dare I say it) TRAINED?????

Wow--those smart cookies that say when a child is finally ready to potty train, they will do it quickly and easily were sooo right! We've started and stopped training many, many times now...with down right refusal to go poopy on the potty, and lack of interest all together in peeing. Then, the other night, I asked Connor to go before his bath. Before I knew it, he had gone all by himself--standing up! Wow! So, yesterday, we started out the day in undies, and stayed in them ALL DAY LONG!!! He went poopy on the potty every single time he had to go (toy catalog in hand for some entertainment), and had only a minor pee-pee accident!!!!!!!!!! Woohoo!!! Today has been successful as well--a couple little accidents, but I think that's to be expected. Overall, I think we're on the right track, with great hopes of being TOTALLY trained by the end of next week!!!! Just think of all the money we'll be saving in diapers...cue the "Hallelujah Chorus"! ;)

7 Random Facts...Tagged! ;)

The lovely Jess tagged me for this post...Seven Random Facts About Myself. I'll write these random facts and tag seven people--so watch out--you might be next! ;)

Seven Random Facts:

1. When I was growing up my Dad called me "Gretle" because I would leave a trail of crumbs, or clothes, or paper, or something where ever I went. I think this still happens for the most part! ;)

2. In fourth grade, my lovely friend Lyndsay and I were obsessed with Chad Allen from "Our House"...and I mean OBSESSED!!! We journaled about meeting him every single day in our fourth grade classroom (poor Ms. Shumaker :), and spent hours upon hours looking through national phone books in the library to try to locate him (and other famous people). Ahhh, good times! ;) I'm pretty sure Teah, Lyndsay and I tried to call River Phoenix one night from Lyndsay's house...did we get anywhere, girls? At least we weren't pranking at that point...right? Oye ve...

3. When I was little I was also obsessed with being a movie star...I wanted to go to Hollywood sooo badly! I couldn't understand why my parents wouldn't just pick up and move to California...Ha!

4. I think there is honestly nothing better than to hold a sleeping baby in your arms..all cuddly and sweet. Oh, and to kiss their downy little heads after a bath...ahhhh...God knew what he was doing when he made these little ones so precious!

5. I still talk to my mom at least once every day...sometimes many more times (right mom?)...and yet, she still reads my blog! Ha! ;)

6. Every Christmas eve, my sister and I would sleep together and wake up on Christmas morning with great anticipation and glee. We still slept together the first year Tommy and I were married, because I wasn't ready to give that tradition up! :)

7. Even after (almost) seven years of marriage, and two kids, I still look at my husband with stars in my eyes...and I love to see pieces of him in our kids!

Okay, I'm tagging Mom, Steph, Shannon, Michelle, Wilma, Tara, and Brooke.

Help, please?

When I was pregnant with Connor--almost four years ago now (yikes ;), I joined an online message board where I have since met many WONDERFUL Ladies and friends! One of them, Jenn, adopted two gorgeous children from Ethiopia, after her son was born. Please read her post here and consider making a donation to the Thomas Center. I was so moved after I read this...thinking about all that we have and how much I take for granted each day. Let's help this amazing organization get the washer and dryer they need so that these beautiful children can go home to their new families.

"But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish." Psalm 9:18

Has Blogging Replaced Writing in Baby Books?

I was just sitting here thinking about this....when Connor was an infant, I spent a great deal of time writing about every little thing he did, i.e., his first taste of green beans, squash, cereal, etc., the first time he giggled, belly-laughed, his reaction to every little thing, etc., etc. Since I was in the habit, he has a nice, full book of stories about him, with pictures, medical records, his own drawings--the works! Then, there is the baby book that I have for poor Brookie...the girl...the one who probably WILL care about how much time her mother took to record all of the little things she did each week that were new and exciting, and write about how dear she is to us, and how much her presence has impacted our lives, when she first tried green beans, and on what exact date she showed us that radiant smile.

Brookie's book is not so full of information. In fact, it's sparse. I've quickly jotted things down, and crammed some papers from the doctor in there. But I've yet to really WRITE in the book. Bad, bad mommy!!! However, I'm blogging!!! Most weeks at least once or twice. I post pictures, and dates, and stories...even video clips! Does this count? Is this the sign of the times? See, like right now, I could be taking this extra 10 minutes I found this afternoon to write an entry in Brookie's baby book. But, I have to think so hard to do that! I've been so neglegent, so where the heck would I start? However, the blog is up to date. It's easy--all the info is here.

So, for the record, Brooke is now eating applesauce, green beans, peas, rice cereal, bananas (she looooves bananas), and pears. I bought peaches for her to try this week. She is crawling, and driving her brother absolutely crazy trying to steal all of his toys. And we love her....DEARLY!!!! We cannot imagine life without her, and in fact it seems as if she's been with us always! :) Maybe I should print this and stick it in her baby book..... ;)

Playing Dress-up!

We spent the afternoon playing dress-up, (or Brookie did, at least!).

This was her Mimi's dress when she was a baby! Isn't gorgeous? Vintage and beautiful...I love it. Though, the fabric is so delicate it makes me nervous to even put her in this. It already has a few small tears, and with Connor being anything BUT delicate, we could only leave it on for a few minutes. So sweet!




Mimi went shopping yesterday while I taught my classes, and found this gorgeous hand-made dress in a little boutique. Isn't it precious? The kids are both getting baptised in November, and this is what Brookie will wear! It's so great, because the lining of this dress feels like Jersey knit...it's sooo cozy!






And, Connor had to get in on the action...so here's a shot of the two of them to leave you with! :)

Penny's Visit!

My mom's dear cousin Penny visited this week from North Carolina. She's so sweet, and we're always so glad to get to see her!

Recent Happenings!

We put Connor's tent up in the playroom this weekend, and guess what? Both kids love to play in there! I did have to do a little bribing with candy corn to get these shots, though! ;)








And, look at my big helper...he did this all by himself...no prompting! He went and got his stool, and rinsed that dish--AFTER he carried it to the sink. Now, if only he'd be so proud to go on the potty! ;)

So I Don't Forget to Write it in the Baby Book....

She's officially crawling! ;) Brookie's been working on crawling for awhile now...she assumes the position, goes a "step" or two, and then usually sinks to her belly and rolls on to her side. Well, in the last couple of days, she's really mastered the art of crawling. Today she crawled across the entire living room! It definitely wears her out and she'll start yelling after a bit to let you know she's working so hard! :) She's getting so big, sooo fast! It's hard to believe she'll be seven months old in a couple of weeks.....

A Much Needed Hair-Cut!

I coaxed Connor into getting his hair cut today...I say coaxed, because that's literally what I have to do. He always says--"No Mommy, how about tomorrow...?" :) We went to the mall to run some errands, and I picked a random hair place there and really hyped it up (didn't hurt that there was an array of colorful candy machines positioned right across from the hair "salon" :). Connor hates wearing the cape, so I told him he absolutely did NOT have to wear the cape, and he was fine. He was actually more than fine--he was exceptionally well behaved! He sat sooo still, and didn't make nary a peep! The stylist actually asked if he ever talked--ha! So, now he's all clean-cut and grown up looking again. I was so proud of my big boy today!

Pumpkin Patch Round One!!!

I can't believe it's "pumpkin season" again! We went to the Pumpkin Patch with Mimi and Grandpa the other day! Sorry I didn't get more pics of Connor, but he was not being cooperative in terms of posing! They had a petting zoo and rides, and Connor was NOT into sitting and posing for a picture of any sort! ;) We had fun, and got some beautifully colored pumpkins. I love the new pumpkins and gourds they are growing these days--warty, brilliantly colored, and striped...so much fun! We got quite a few to decorate with. I think we'll go to the other Pumpkin Farm this Sunday, as the weather is supposed to be sunny and in the low 60's...perfect pumpkin weather! Much better than last year--when it was 91 degrees and we literally BAKED in the sun!

Brooke had her 6 month check-up on Monday. She is now 16lbs. 13oz. (70%) and 26 inches (50%)...she's definitely our little chub! :) You should SEE these thighs...talk about ham bones! Ha! We love it! Connor had his 3yo check up a couple of weeks ago and is pretty much in the 25-30% for height and weight, so I'm enjoying this chub while it lasts!

Here are some pics from Sunday at the Patch...hopefully Mr. Connor is more cooperative this Sunday so I can get some sweet pictures of him!!!





Connor and his Mimi (we had to bribe him to get him to sit here!)



And, Brookie with Mimi!



She loved those gourds...yummy! ;)

A Few Cute Pics.....

I'm sorry--I'm over the top with posts these days! I have this new camera, and I'm having so much fun playing with it! Only, I turned off red-eye reduction, and I have an old vs. of photoshop that is too annoying to do anything with...so excuse the glaring red eyes!! ;) Brooke is sitting up by herself (until she goes kerplunk :), and is starting to crawl. She goes a couple of "steps", and constantly rocks back and fourth in the crawling position. A few more days and she'll probably be all over the house!!! Uh-oh, time to start picking up all those little toys Connor constantly leaves around the house! :)

I'll have a little "dress-up" with that, please....

The other day I was making a spinach salad. Connor was eyeing it, so I asked him if he wanted a bite. Crazily enough (the kid is not a fan of veggies--I'm always trying to "hide" them in food he likes), he took a couple of bites and LIKED IT!!! I said "Connor, would you like me to make you your own salad?" He replied, "Yes Mommy, with "dress-up" on it, please! :)

She's a Walkin' Fool...(Move over, Exersaucer)!! :)

Okay, so she's not *quite* walking, yet....without the help of her little friend, the walker! :) Grandma and Grandpa found this at a yard sale a couple of years ago, and yes, my friends, it's an old school walker. Despite all of the warnings and recalls, Ms. Brooke looooves this thing! It gives her a new sense of freedom and independence.

For the record, we are very careful when she's out and about--keeping doors shut, gates up, etc., and, you must watch your ankles when she's on the move. I've been slammed right in the ankle bone a handful of times now....not so pleasant! But, I loooove the walker, too, as it gives me a whole new sense of freedom and independence! (I say this while Ms. Brookie-pie sleeps in the ergo carrier against my chest as I type)! Ha!

Fall is in the Air!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my goodness, what a glorious day!!! (And happy birthday to Papa on this glorious day, by the way! :)

The kiddos and I went for a walk and soaked up the sunshine and the crisp autumn air...bright blue skies and perfect 70 degree temperatures....ahhhh!!! I love fall!

PagWag and Weezie (r.i.p. little weezie :)

Nana and Papa gave Connor a check for his birthday, and I promised him we could go to the toy store after his doctor's appointment on Tuesday. While in the waiting room, Connor was (as always) sooo entertained by the aquarium fish. He gets such joy out of watching those fish, that he *almost* forgets where he is....*almost*. :)
As we were leaving the doctor's office, and he was begging once again to stop and see those "fishies", I was struck with the idea to forego the toy store, and go to the pet store instead!

Some of you might remember our devestating story of the goldfish we tried to get for Connor's 2nd birthday that died an untimely death due to a "tap-water" incident...sorry little fish! And, the fish that I had in my room when I was three who I thought might want to try some of my "snoopy snow cone" juice...apparently "Chulie" and o.j. didn't mix. So yeah, our track record with fish hasn't been the best...so this time, I made sure we did everything right, or by the "goldfish" book!

Connor picked out two little fishies...both orange, and small. The fish cost $.49 each, and our total bill at check-out was $27.00, so really, I tried to get everything possible to keep these fishies kickin! He was sooo excited, and fondly named his fish "PagWag" and "Weezie"....I totally don't know where he ever came up with these names, but I think they are pretty hysterical! We got their bowl all set...I added BOTTLED water, pretty rocks, the little fake plant, and even special drops to help *de-stress* the fish (yep, those $.49 fish sure do require a lot of pricey accomdations :). And, so swam PagWag and Weezie...happily residing in there new little aquatic habitat.

Until the next morning. Tommy was carrying something in a spoon over to the toilet. Dear, sweet Weezie. He bit the dust, bless his little heart. So, PagWag was left to swim in his little bowl all by himself, and Mommy was left to explain to Connor what happened to his beloved fishy. Thank the good Lord for short attention spans, and lack of complete comprehension! I explained to Connor that "Weezie went to be with Jesus in heaven, so now there would only be one fish in his bowl". He was completely unaffected, and was just as excited to see PagWag! Now he spends his days creating play-doh sculptures of the departed Weezie, who went to be with Jesus in heaven! ;)

I'd take a picture, but the bowl is all cloudy already. I forgot why I don't like little pets...one more thing to maintain!! It was all my idea, though, so I can't complain about a thing! Ha! :)

Our "Baby" Boy is THREE!

My Connor. Words can't even describe how tremendously you have blessed our lives. I remember the first time I saw your beautiful little form. I was in the OB's office--my very first prenatal appointment. I was 10 weeks pregnant, and still trying to grasp the reality of it all. Our doctor was talking to me about my job, which led to her telling me about her artistic daughter, etc., etc.,...she dimmed the lights and began the ultrasound procedure...and all of the sudden, everything in the entire world stopped. There you were, on that little computer screen, dancing around in my belly. Your tiny little arms were moving, and your little legs were going. I had never seen anything so amazing or cool in my life. We counted your limbs, and looked at your tiny little heart beating away, and right at that very moment, you stole MY heart forever. Those 10 minutes of "meeting" you for the first time are minutes that I will never, ever forget.

Daddy and I have learned so much from you, precious boy. We were sooo clueless when you were born! Petrified to clip your tiny finger nails, and nervous to give you your first bath. But, we did those things, and many, many more things, until they became second nature! Of course, sending you off into the surgery ward when you were exactly three months old taught us one of the hardest lessons a parent can learn...that no matter how much we try to control everything that happens to you, and protect you from the scary things in this world, ultimately, we are not the ones in control. We have been given a gift, a precious, beautiful, and wonderful gift. We are reminded of this each and every day, and each and every night, we give you back to the One who made you, as we ask Him to bless your every step. We are so very thankful that God created YOU to be a part of OUR family, little Buggy. Happy, happy third birthday. We love you more than words can say, precious boy.