NYE 2010

A new city to ring in the new year! In all, we counted a total of 8 cities we have spent NYE- pretty cool. All of our family go together and played games and ate tons of food and sweets (of course). It was nice to sit around and catch up with each other. I sure do miss those time of hanging out and it certainly makes me appreciate the times we do have. It's fun to see 3 generations of our family strong as ever regardless of the distance.

A park for those that are truly "special"

Morgan's Wonderland was AMAZING!!! It's an amusement park specifically for those who have special needs and the best part it's open to anyone. It wasn't too crowded, which was nice so Jonah and his cousins could roam around without the "death grip" like we had to do at Sea World. They had everything modified for any "need" that a person might have to get so they could enjoy an amusement park. Even the merry-go-round had animals that did not go up and down in case a person had a fear of that. They had modified cars so wheel chairs could go in there and the person could still drive. Too cool! Jonah enjoyed driving the cars and the water works the most. We will definitely be going back.

SEE/SEA World -

We thought really hard if we should go or not. It's soooooo expensive and Jonah would love the animals and such and he wouldn't remember it anyways, etc. So we found discount tickets, found out both kids are still FREE and headed out to see the sea animals. It was amazing- Jonah LOVED it. He really watched the shows, loved eating all the snacks, got upset with the dolphin splashed him, clapped so hard for Shamu and had the biggest smile when Elmo & Big Bird came out to sing! So glad we did it and it opened our eyes- that yes he and Harper will not remember the moment due to their young age, but seeing them in "that moment" enjoying and experiencing something so much fun for them was well worth any price (well actually just Jonah since Harper slept and ate during the time we were there).

San Antonio or Bust- hangin' with my cousins

We continued our road trip to San Antonio for a wedding, NYE, and to introduce Harper to all of her family! The kids did real well on the way down. Harper slept and Jonah was entertained with books, puzzles and his "music." And it was awesome for him to see his cousins Elijah and Noah- the Texas Tornadoes when they all get together ~

Roadtripin' to Austin

Our first road trip as a family of 4 ~ God help us. We are committed to traveling (local) for now while the kiddos are small. So off we go to see family & some friends in our favorite Texas city ~ Austin!

Random!

Not only does Harper do tummy time, we also do neck time-

gotta keep those chubby cheeks up!

Putting together a puzzle ~ one of Jonah's favorite past times.

Christmas all day long

A tradition that Rick & I started years ago~ to make Christmas last a little bit longer~ we check and clean out our stockings before we go to bed Christmas night! It's fun to end Christmas Day with sticking your hand into your stocking and seeing what "little" or "big" surprises await. So Jonah kept the tradition going.

This Christmas Jonah was fascinated with Frosty (the original one). We watched it everyday and sometimes every night! And the one thing he told everyone that he wanted from the 'Ole Jolly Man was - candy! So the little man got some lollipops.

Christmas AM ~ Santa came!

The kids actually slept in until 8:30- yahoo!!!! And then the "magic" began. We opened our gifts while Harper slept right there during it all. It was nice to wake up and be together as a family and not have to rush off anywhere. After Jonah wheeled his scooter into our room he immediately went to check and see if Santa ate his cookies- and he did!

Getting ready for Santa

A new tradition ~ Rick reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" to Jonah & Harper. It was a little long and wordy this year and most likely the next few years, but hopefully they will get into soon enough.

Jonah putting cookies out for Santa before he went to bed. We didn't do any milk only because Mommy & Daddy forgot--- oops!

Santa delivered this new scooter for Jonah! And the best part of the story is that come Cmas AM, Jonah brings us the scooter into our room. I could hear him talking- "gotta show mommy, show daddy, show Harper, come on- just a little more, yea." So he wheels the scooter over to my side of our bed and says, "look what Santa got me" and then wheels it over to Rick's side of the bed to show him. He was beyond excited to have his own big boy scooter!

A traditional Cmas Eve

We host Cmas Eve with our friends and family joining in the fun. Everyone brings some food as we snack all night, laughing and playing games. We play Pictionary (and this year with a twist- only Cmas theme words). We had our white elephant game too (where the gift needs to be from your house- you cannot buy it). And the rule is - you must show us your white elephant gift as you leave our house so those "wonderful" gifts don't get left behind. It's a fun filled night as we laugh, eat, drink, eat some more, and make wonderful memories!

Harper's 1st Cmas Celebration

Cmas Eve Day

Waiting for family & friends to come over for some fun, food, games, drinks and more fun!

Daddy & his little pretty girl

Merry Christmas

Smile ~ it's Santa ~ NOT

We were brave tonight as we ventured out to see Santa. Well Harper enjoyed her visit and did a nice smile- Jonah not so much! He told Santa "no like you" - well so much for requesting presents. Jonah really isn't into Santa- he knows about him, but really doesn't like him. I think we'll only be the only family in the world who threatens Santa will come to your house if you don't stop crying! t'hee So needless to say, I had to be in the picture too so Jonah will be in the picture.

Harper ~ 2 months old

Harper's details at 2 months old:

• 12.15 oz (95th percentile)
• 23.5 inches long (75 - 90th percentile)
• is sleeping 4.5 to 5.5 hours at night
• cries only when she is tired, hungry or wet diaper
• likes to sleep on her belly during the day and in her swaddle at night
• is currently sleeping in her pack n play in our closet (not to worry - it has a vent and we can all sleep b/c we don't hear all the noises Harper makes when she sleeps)
• holding her head up (less bobble)
• smiles a lot
• follows us with her eyes and responds to noises
• is wearing 3-6 months clothes
• likes to go in her swing
• pretty passive letting everyone hold her and taking care of her
• eats between 4-6 oz of formula
• grabs your finger when you hold her
• sneezes many times a day

My baby big boy is growing up

He used to sit in my lap and need to be bribed with a lollipop in his face, I used to have to sing songs to him so he would be distracted, I used to have to prep him hours beforehand so he would be "ok" when we sat down, we used to only be able to have Teresa cut his hair. NOW, he doesn't need me to sit with him (he can sit on his own and was sure to tell me so), he doesn't need the lollipop in front of him, but he is sure to go and run and get it once he's done and he's fine with whomever cuts it's hair! Yea Jonah-

~ then & now~

Date night for Jonah

Jonah got a special treat from Andrea and Geoff~ he went to see lights and such in Richardson. They ate at IHOP (what a special treat to have pancakes for dinner). It was a cold night, but we were so proud of him going out with them and being such a big boy! Thanks A-ya and Geoff for giving up your time to spend with our little man! He is one lucky boy!

A day in the life of Harper

Harper is a trooper being in this family! She handles going and coming in and out of the house, having a big brother kiss all over her and sometimes "bother" her, but really thinks he is helping her, has a large amount of noise all around her and still sleeps. She goes from person to person holding her and never complains. Only cries when she is wet, tired or hungry!