Recent Things

We had some friends come visit from out of town!  The Brian and Justin met at an internship at the UT State Capitol in 2008.  Five years later, we each have two kids, that are almost exactly the same age and opposite genders!  We have to make a lot of 'jokes' about arranged marriages, etc.  

We love them, and it was so great to get together and catch up!  It was an added bonus that Tori and Ollie got along so well!

 Ollie and Tori

 Aeris and PJ

 Ollie's Easter basket!  The Easter Bunny dropped some eggs on the stairs, and Ollie thought that was the funniest thing ever.  He was talking about it for weeks.

 Uhhh...

 Easter girlies.

 Ollie picked me a flower!

 Those thighs!

 Ollie and Tori again.

 The Nielsens

 While Tommy and Kassi were here, we worked on a little project...

 Giggles!

 Snuggles.

 Kisses

Reading a book in his rocking chair

6 Months

The time goes by too quickly!  I love this age!  Sleeping through the night, giggles, starting to sit up and playing more with toys.  She is still not into solid foods, but thats just fine with me.  I can't put into words how sweet she is!  How much joy she brings into our home!  I feel love just gushing out of her, and I think others are drawn to her because of that too. 

Or maybe they just like really cute babies.

And I hope it hasn't seemed like I've forgotten Ollie!  

He gets a blue ribbon for being the Best Big Brother.  He is always trying to smother her with kisses and love, and is anxious to help me bathe her, get her toys, and make her giggle.  His vocabulary has just exploded recently.  He already talked a lot, but he's more descriptive now, telling stories (real and imagined), describing things, and singing.  

The singing! 

 It makes my heart sing to hear it.  He loves his "Cow Song" from the Philadelphia Chickens CD, and we've listened to that CD more times than any normally functioning and non-psychotic person should be capable of.  His other favorites are "Something in my Shoe" by Raffi, and the Arthur theme song.  

Ollie's imagination is going crazy.  We play "don't step in the lava", farm animals, and cooking, all with elaborate back stories and plots.  And when I'm busy he plays with his imaginary friends, Peak, Pock, and Gock.

I love being a mom.  I love my kids!  

Boy, it's hard sometimes.  But is there anything better? 

5 months

They don't make 'em sweeter than this girl!  So patient and sweet, always pleasant and smiles on demand.  She is just a joy, all the time.  She sleeps through the night, nurses like a champ, and is completely enamored with her big brother.  He takes every opportunity to smooch on her, bring her toys, and make her smile.

Our little "Beyaeris"

(Ollie-ism for Baby Aeris)

4 months