December Hustle & Bustle

We're sure excited for Christmas around here . . . how 'bout you? Things have been busy lately, including potty-training Katie, getting Abby's forehead stitched after she smacked into a bookcase, and adjusting to Luke's new, topsy-turvy schedule.

{For two weeks, he has to work all night and sleep all day. He's off every third night but still has to stay awake all night to keep himself on the same schedule. Last night he spent a good share of the night folding mountains of laundry while we all slept . . . scoring major points with his adoring wife!}

Alex's latest trick is doing this when we say "reach for the sky" . . . cute! Then he applauds himself when we say, "Good job, Alex!" . . . (or "Awex," if Katie's saying it.)   :)

{the three crazy characters modeling their new jammies from Grandma}

Welcome, Baby Bradley!

This is our new nephew, Bradley--adopted by my sister Melissa and her husband, Sammie, two days ago. I can't wait to meet this precious little boy!!! I'll kiss his tiny cheek and whisper in his ear, "You're the answer to many, many prayers."

Happy Halloween!

Here's the little crew on Halloween. Poor Alex was a miserable little monkey with the flu, but he's doing better now!

Today Katie said, "I'll put these candies up here so the ants don't choke." (Brief pause.) "Ants don't choke . . . babies choke!"

You can tell the points I've been trying to drive home lately:
1. Don't eat in the TV room, or the ants will come back.
2. Don't leave tiny Halloween candy on the floor, or Alex will choke.
I guess some of what I say is getting through, even if it's a bit muddled!

Alex is One!

Our baby boy turns one today . . . it's hard to believe! We celebrated his birthday two days early, because Luke's parents were in town. We all enjoyed his Elmo-themed bash, especially the game that Abby orchestrated: a variation of Duck-Duck-Goose called Big-Bird-Big-Bird-Elmo. It was a hoot!

Katie thoroughly enjoyed the Elmo cake. I know I've said it before, but can you believe those eyes?!

Here's the whole party crew! (Yes, the birthday boy was VERY ready for bed by this point . . . )

Random Thoughts . . .

Recently, I turned a movie on for Katie, then came back to see her sitting like this: wedged between Baby Doll and Jane the Gerbil on the floor with an empty couch behind them. It struck me funny! She's such a spunky little character, such a cutie.

There is nothing better than a sleepy, snuggly, precious baby first thing in the morning. I'm glad Big-Sister Abby has discovered this truth.

.

I love this creative shot that Luke took of Abby and Katie at the Laumiere Sculpture Park. By the way, didn't he also do a great job on Abby's haircut? He took off about 3 inches. I was headed to Fantastic Sam's with my $8.99 coupon, and he said, "I'm sure I can do that myself!" I'll admit I was a bit nervous . . . it's a little different than running the clippers around Alex's head . . . but it turned out cute. Just one more hidden talent to add to the list!