Christmas 2012

The last couple weeks the kids have all taken turns being sick.  It started with Molly who eventually ended up with an ear infection.  Johnny was next to get the respiratory bug and last was Samuel who is still recovering.  I presume they have all had RSV and it is taking Samuel the longest to fully recover.  We had to cancel our Christmas trip to Nebraska because we were afraid the kids, mainly Samuel, would catch something else on the airplane. 
In a nutshell, we have been stuck home for a better part of 2 weeks.  Molly missed her preschool Christmas program but I did take her to the school party.  At home we have made gingerbread houses, made fudge, baked and decorated cookies, and created several Christmas crafts. 
We had a quiet Christmas.  On Christmas Eve we went to church and had a turkey dinner followed by presents. 
On Christmas morning we opened gifts from Santa then headed to Granddaddy's for the night.
All in all, we have had a good time and have especially enjoyed our time with daddy who takes very few days off!  The kids are enjoying all of their presents, the Ipad is likely the favorite!
Although I have not enjoyed every moment of being stuck home with sick babies, it has made me reflect on how amazing my kids are and how much I love being with them.  I go back to work next week and although I am only gone 2 days a week, I will surelymiss my family when I am away.

 

 

Santa

Christmas is quickly approaching. Santa visited Molly's preschool a few weeks ago and she was less than enthused with him.  I have since offered to take the kids to visit him and give him their list but both are adamantly against it.  Oh well, maybe next year!

 

Molly did a great job writing her letter, she wants an Ipad and a Disney Princess suitcase.

Samuel's 2 month stats

So I have record of Samuel's 2 month stats:

Weight: 12 lbs 11.5oz - 50-75th percentile
Height:  22.5" - 10-25th percentile

To compare, at 2 months, Molly 10 lbs and was 22".
Johnny weighed 14 lbs 7 oz and was 23.5".

Samuel is 2 months

Samuel is now 2 months old.  We go for his check-up next week so I will report his stats then.  He has started to smile and coo.  He especially loves to be sung to and enjoys songs with actions.  I think his favorites are the "hokey pokey" and "itsy bitsy spider". 

Playing in the leaves

Thanksgiving 2012

We hosted Thanksgiving for Paul's family again this year.  We were in charge of the turkey and mashed potatoes while the rest of Paul's family brought sides and desserts.  There was a lot of good food and good company. 
To reflect on the day, I am thankful for many things including my husband, my 3 healthy children and wonderful extended family.  Our family is blessed to live a very plentiful life and never want to forget how lucky we are!

 Samuel and Grandma Karleen

 Daddy, Johnny, Granddaddy, Samuel

 Me with my 3 little turkeys

 Grandaddy, Aunt Cathy, Granny, Grandma Karleen

Walking Granddaddy's dog, Freckles

Thanksgiving Feast

Molly's preschool had a Thanksgiving lunch and they invited all the parents.  Molly knew I was going to meet her for the lunch but she was super excited that here daddy also attended.  It was cute and we are glad she is really enjoying preschool.

Pecans

Last week we went to a nearby park and gathered pecans.  We took a bagful home and worked on cracking the shells and getting the pecans out.  It was fun but a bit of work!

 

Molly's first trip to the dentist

Molly went to the dentist for the first time today and did wonderful.  Before we went she was a little worried about the electric toothbrush but once we got there she was a pro.  I was very impressed with the dentist who did the cleaning herself and was very sweet to Molly.  We received a good report and a little extra encouragement to brush twice a day and start flossing.  As a side not, Molly has brushed her teeth at least 3 times since the appointment and flossed twice!

Thrush

Unfortunately Samuel has developed thrush and we are having a hard time getting rid of it.  After trying the prescription medication with little success, I have decided to try an over-the-counter medication called gentian violet.  The only problem with the medication is that it stains.  Samuel got a little messy after our first use but too funny not to share.

Cute

Me: Johnny, your shirt says "tough like daddy"
Molly: (to me) Yeah, and I'm cute like you!

Air Show

Last weekend we went to an air show in Georgetown. There were several planes and helicopters on display and the kids enjoyed looking at them.  The highlight, Paul, Molly, and Johnny went for a ride in an old WWII C-47. 

 

Silly smiles

Being goofy with Halloween suckers.

Samuel 1 month

 

Samuel turned 1 month this week.  He weighs well over 10lbs now and is starting to make expressions; I have seen a couple smiles although I'm not sure if they were intentional.  I am loving holding a baby again.  Molly and Johnny are doing well with Samuel.  Johnny kisses him several times a day and says, "I love him"!



Halloween 2012

We had a very fun Halloween this year.  Here are some of the highlights.

 

Decorating pumpkin cookies:

The trunk n treat at the church where Molly attends preschool:

 Carving a pumpkin:

Halloween night trick-or-treating in the neighborhood:

Minnesota visitors

Uncle Shawn and his family had to travel to Austin for a funeral and it just so happened to coincide with my parents visit.  The kids had a great time playing together and I was glad they were able to spend time together.  Molly loves ALL of her cousins and often asks to see those who live afar.  Of course I didn't get any good pictures of all of the kids together but I will share one of Grandpa with Noah, Molly, and Johnny from the cattle drive in Georgetown and a picture of Uncle Shawn with his newest nephew.

 

Grandparents visit

Last week we were so blessed to have my parents visit for a whole week.  They were a huge help to us, cooking, cleaning, watching kids (especially in the middle of the night), and even painting the fence!  Samuel makes grandchild number 10 for my parents so of course that makes him a little extra special!