Spending time with uncle

I think she likes him...Uncle Christian got to spend some time with pretty lady and here is a snapshot of the two of them.

Maleah is 6 Months Old

Dear Maleah,

You are 6 months old today. You have brightened our lives with so many smiles, giggles and squeals. I cannot believe that you only entered our lives 6 months ago as it feels like you have always been a part of our family.

Here is you right after we got home from the hospital:

And, here is you now at six months and over 2o pounds:

To date, here is what you have accomplished:

-You roll over both ways and are able to grab toys

-You love to jump in your jumper

-You have started drinking juice from a sippy cup

-You have started solid foods. So far you have eaten rice cereal, oatmeal, squash, carrots, bananas and prunes. You don't seem to mind whatever it is you are eating as long as I shovel it in fast enough. You are extremely interested in food and will grab at anything that you can reach. I think, if you had the chance you would be eating even more!

-You have found your voice. You love to squeal and talk to us. You especially love to squeal at brother because he cries about it hurting his ears.

-You pretty much sleep through the night. You go to bed around 6pm and sleep until 6am with only one waking at 3-4am. You are a great sleeper.

-You love to interact and play with your brother. No one can make you laugh and smile like Noah.

Well, my sweet baby girl, I am enjoying every second of watching you grow. I love our cuddles, putting bows in your hair and watching you experience the world. Happy 6 month birthday.

I love you!

Mom

Christmas 2011 Continued

Here are some pictures taken before church on Christmas day.

Christmas 2011

Noah putting out cookies for Santa

Maleah opening her gifts

Oh boy! A doctor kit!

Check out my pearls!


The kids had a great Christmas. Christmas Eve, Noah put out a cookie for Santa in great hopes that Henry had been giving good reports to Santa. Christmas morning he was overjoyed to see that Santa had filled his stocking. He got lots of goodies! Also, the kids got some great gifts from relatives, as you can see above. Maleah loves to sport her new pearls and Noah will not go anywhere without his fire truck!

Portraits

Noah drew a picture of mommy (right) and daddy (left). He was very proud of his art work and so am I!

Sibling Rivalry

All the beatings that Maleah has taken from Noah have not been forgotten. I think Noah is going to get a taste of payback a little sooner than we thought. All I could think about while watching their interaction during this is how much Maleah was enjoying herself. Though we don't quite understand her words, I imagine it went something like this: "Hit me in the head...AHHH...pull my hair...AHHH...Take my toys...AHHH...wake me up from a nap...AHHHH..."

First time with a sippy cup

Now that we are on solid foods, I thought I would just try a little juice in Maleah's sippy cup. It was a hit. She loves to hold it herself and drink her juice. Yum!

Henry

This year we have started a new tradition, Elf on the shelf. Noah and Maleah have a new friend named Henry (Noah named him) that arrives after Thanksgiving and stays over the month of December to watch the kids and report back to Santa. Each day he reappears in a different spot in the house after returning to Santa to report our children's behavior. They are not allowed to touch Henry as his magical powers would be taken away, so they are only allowed to talk to him. Also, if there are good reports to Santa, when they wake up, Henry has a special treat waiting for them in their advent box. Noah has really taken interest in Henry. Each morning when we get out of bed he runs around the house looking for Henry. Then, he checks his box for a treat, and finally runs to Henry to say thank you. Here is a picture of Noah and Henry.

Early Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa

Since Dave will be gone over Christmas, we decided to Skype with Grandpa and Grandma and have Christmas early before he left. Noah, of course, did not object! Here are a few pictures of the big day. The kids made out well, including some super cute PJ's made specially by grandma. Noah is in love with his remote control monster truck and Maleah is enjoying her new dolly. Thank you for everything grandma and grandpa!!

ps...I will take some pictures of noah in his pjs...they look so cute on!

Nightly Prayers

Last night when I was putting Noah to bed, he said "mommy, I want to pray this time". So, here is what he said:

"Dear Jesus, thank you Lord, thank you for a wonderful day. Thank you for daddy. Thank you for mommy. Thank you for sister. Amen!"

I couldn't help but cry during this prayer. The sweetness in his thoughts and voice was so touching. Thank you Lord for my wonderful children!

Santa!!!

I took the kids to Dave's work to see Santa. Noah was very excited to tell him all that he wants for Christmas. This year, he anxiously waited in line to tell him that he wants a dump truck and a huge fire truck. (hmmm...santa better get moving on this!) They had a photographer there, so I will get the picture soon, but here is a quick snapshot that I was able to grab. Oh, and Maleah didn't seem to mind the man in the big red suite either.

A New Adventure

Well, we have made it one week tomorrow since Dave left for Afghanistan. I have to say that the Lord has given us so much strength. Each day the kids and I are getting into a better routine, and it truly is getting easier. Dave seems to also be adjusting over there. We are able to Skype with him each morning and night which is such a blessing. I am truly thankful for technology. The kids are adjusting well with Dave being gone, which was something that I was worried about. Noah likes to tell people that his daddy is in "a-fa-ganna-stan" or sometimes...the North Pole! We look forward to reuniting with daddy on January 5th. Until then, we are just praising God for his grace and goodness. If you are out there reading this daddy, we love you so very much and are proud of what you are doing. Come home soon!!