Teenager already?

When did this happen? He's only 6 and yet he looks like Justin Bieber. Or, "Justin Beaver," as Grant says.

An angel in the choir

My angel, that is. Grant's second year in the preschool angel choir. Next year... Kindergarten!

What she's up to now

Vivian is 15 months and certainly has a personality! She's smiley, feisty, and independent. She entertains herself easily, but also loves to stand at your feet and beg to be held when she needs a cuddle. She's starting to talk, and her favorite word is "mo, mo, mo," which means everything from "more" to "I want, now, give me, please & pick me up." She also says "dah" for dog and "whoo" for bark. She loves to toddle around the house, opening drawers, playing with old electronics, putting things in bags, wearing things over her shoulder like a purse... she pays little attention to toys.

She still takes her paci for naps and bedtime and likes to grab it from her crib and walk around -- and then throw it so no one can find it. We own about 6 pacifiers, but can only find 2 at any given time! She's a good eater -- with some things. She could eat Cheerios, watermelon, and cheese all day long if it was her choice. I can tell that she understands many of the things I tell her -- when I ask if she wants Cheerios, she smiles and sways back and forth for her happy food wiggle. Her newest thing is to take a tissue or cloth and blow her nose. I am amazed because neither of the boys could blow their nose on command until they were 3!

Vivian loves her brothers -- laughs at their antics (in spite of my frustrations), loves playing in their room with their toys, and smiles whenever she sees them. Her brothers do not quite share the same adoration as they are often caught closing the door just before she can get to their room, yelling "Moooom" when she's in their room and saying "No, Vivian!" when she touches their iPod. And at the same time, I witnessed Grant fiercely protecting her safety while at the park the other day -- he said, "Don't do that -- she's my sister!" Grant also is very concerned about her safety around the house regarding what she can/can't touch and put in her mouth. Evan loves to make her laugh, and does so frequently.

I find that both Jason & I watch her endlessly -- she is so curious, funny, and just darn cute! She doesn't have to do much to make me smile. I remember how much I love this stage of discovery -- I did with all of our kids.

Super Bowl party!

We introduced the boys to the concept of the Super Bowl party. Which means that mostly, they pigged out on snacks. 

A baby in tights

Has to be about the cutest thing. I am loving the cold weather accessories for a baby girl. 

Crazy dress, take 2

Evan's turn. This was one of my favorite wacky outfits we've put together over the years. 

 Aaaand and photo bomb by Grant.

Crazy dress day

And Grant does it up right. He really got into his role. 

5 months

And still as sweet as can be!

Sometimes, the simplest things

Are just so hard!

First real food

It seemed to be time for Vivian to try cereal. I know I'm not ready for it, but perhaps she is.

Evan's creations

Evan is creative. He's always creating something new. And everything he creates has a purpose and a story. And usually, tape. Lots of tape. I can't remember the story behind this creation, but rest assured, there is one. 

Getting comfortable

Pip has had no problem making himself at home. 

Vivian's smile

Is ever-present... and stinkin adorable! She's about 4.5 months old now. She is perhaps the world's happiest baby. The most frequent thing people say about her, after "her eyes are beautiful!" is, "is she always this happy?"

Welcome to the family, Mr. Pip

We (I) couldn't bear the emptiness in our house and our hearts any longer. It's hard to have a dog -- a beloved member of your family -- for 9 years and then suddenly, nothing. I always knew that the next dog we would have would be a bigger dog and that we would adopt from the pound. I went to our local shelter, visited twice, and ended up coming home with our sweet boy Pip. Pip (formerly "Oscar"), was found in a parking lot with a collar, but no owner. He had been in the clink for about 6 weeks. When I visited the dogs, he was the only one who was not barking and not jumping. He had such a sweet personality. Best we can tell, he is a lab/husky mix. Since coming home, he has been amazing. He's sweet, great with the kids, fully house trained, and hardly ever barks. For those who knew Bullit, you understand how that must be strange for us. And the neatest part about Pip is how much the kids love him. They came with me to the shelter and so they feel like it's their dog. We're so happy he came into our lives. 

Nana comes to visit

And boy did we have fun! The boys loved having her here (and I LOVED having her help -- and company). The best part of her visit, according to Evan, was when she took them to pick out their own Christmas gift. Nana's visit allowed these weary parents of three kids to go out on New Year's Eve -- what a treat! And considering we came home to a wailing baby at 1 a.m., we owe her big!