Stats

I was asked by a friend to update everyone on the vitals of the babes:

Nixon:

Age - 18 months, 25 days
Height - 32 inches
Weight - 25.5 lbs
Shoe Size - 8 Toddler
Astrological Sign - Taurus
Favorite Food - Meatballs, and anything not cold or sweet.
Favorite Item - Monkey Blankie
Favorite TV character - Elmo
Turn Ons - Food
Turn Offs - Teletubbies (scared to death)
Motto - "Eat, drink, and be merry!"



Reaghan:


Age - 18 months, 25 days
Height - 32.5 inches (just shot up)
Weight - 22.5 lbs (soaking wet and on a full tank)
Shoe size - 7 Toddler
Astrological sign - Taurus (duh)
Favorite Food - Chicken nuggets, broccoli, rotissorie chicken.
Favorite item - Kitty
Favorite TV character - Elmo

Turn Ons - Juice
Turn Offs - Eating anything before 8:30 AM
Motto "I'll do it myyyyyyy waaaayyyy..."

Ho Ho Holy Smokes I'm Beat!

We had our big extended family Christmas party on Saturday here at our house. I decided to host it here because it would be much easier on the kids schedules - they would get a full nap, and could be put down for the night not too much later than normal. It was alot of fun and I was very happy that I had made the decision. It was a huge undertaking; decorating, menu planning, cleaning, and all the errand running that a large party entails...but it was a blast! Not only did the adults have fun, the kids heads were practically spinning off from excitement!

Speaking of spinning, here is a pic of Reaghan and her cousin Cassidy doing just that. The two gals danced in circles holding hands for half of the night. Reaghan adored having another girl around to play with, I think especially since most of their firends that they see on a regular basis are boys. Reaghan was on cloud nine.

Nixon didn't really play as much as the two girls did. He basically walked around stuffing his face with snacks and sipping on a cup of lemonade. You know...typical guys stuff. He did enjoy opening presents and was really impressed with a book that they received from Lauren (AKA baby sitter extrordinare), but mostly I think he loved the plethora of food. He looks a little stuffed in this pic.

Well, the kids are banging on the wall upstairs - thats my cue that they are done with nap. I'll have to continue this later....

Lazy Day

Ahhhh...rainy days. The kids slept in this morning (8:00) and they will more than likely take a long nap. Rainy days seem to induce sleepyness, for the most part. Two hours ago they were running circles around the kitchen table and screaming at the top of their lungs. But for now...silence.

Even though its cold and rainy today, last weekend was beautiful! We went to McClumpha park on Sunday afternoon to get our play on before the cold sets in.

Sorry for no details...but it is a rainy day.

You'll have to excuse me , but my tea is done and the sofa calls!

Houston...We Have A Dipper.

It's finally happened.

After all of the explanations, demonstrations, and exasperation...we have a dipper.

Not only do we have a dipper, but it wasn't with trendy mayo, or hoity toity ranch dressing.

That's right...it was good 'ole Heinz 57.

Well, to be completely truthful, her first dipping experience was a dino nugget into BBQ sauce, but I wasn't out of my mind proud until she discovered the magnificent french fry and catsup combination. Why, she was so impressed she actually dipped her cauliflower, zucchini, and broccoli into the Heinz as well!

Why is this such a big deal, you ask? Our children have been born to a pair of dipping fanatics. Bill loves his salsa and hot sauces, I will try any dip, any time, any place. We are both rabid Heinz fans - we have been known to never revisit a restaurant after discovering an inferior catsup product on the table...and we're not even from Pittsburgh!

Speaking of Pittsburgh, I have to thank my friend Leighla's son Aaron for his part in the learning process. We had all gone to Red Robin for dinner a few weeks back, and Reaghan seemed interested in watching Aaron perform the classic dipping motion. I think he may have finally set her the path to dipdom. You know how kids are, anything their parents do is très passé, but what their friends do...well that's an entirely different story!

Reflections

Here we are...Thanksgiving eve. A great time for reflection and thanksgiving (thus the name). I am trying so hard to remember last Thanksgiving, but all I can remember is that I was called into work on Thanksgiving, and that the babes were a handful. I think the Chateaubriand was underdone.

So here I am in 2006, Bill and Brent ran out for a manly beer moment, I have cornbread baking in the oven for dressing. The babes are sleeping. The house is quiet and full of the smell of the cornbread and the fire in the hearth. I have a full glass of wine.

Looking back over the years I realise it hasn't been easy...and trust me I have no expectations of ease for the next couple of years, but I think I am finally realising exactly what is important - what to be thankful for.

I am thankful for our health, happiness, and humility. I am thankful for what we have.