Er...

My Dad says this is a girl toy. I say my gums hurt, so I'll take what I can get. 

Word.

That's right peeps. I'm 4 months, and closing in on 18 lbs (tonight's feeding should push me over the edge). Also? I've been slurping away at rice cereal. My parents would like to stop time so that I stop growing so quickly. But on the plus side, I now belly laugh at Olivia's antics - which erases any sadness over this fleeting baby stage. 

A Li'l Montage

Sip cocoa and watch a Christmas special? Nah. She'll take crazed jumping/dancing any day. 

She's Not Buying It

I showed Olivia this picture and pretended that Santa texted it to me, as in "he's baaaack". We then tucked the Elf on a shelf and told Olivia that she has to behave, the Elf is watching and will report back to Santa all he sees and hears. Olivia told us "the elf isn't real" and furthermore, claims that he is "creepy"-  I'd have to agree. 

Girl Date

Tangled 3D - great movie! 

Looking a Lot Older

Than his 4 months.

Indeed

I Spy

A 4 yr old playing baby and baby playing chipmunk. 

Sunday Dinner

When I make chili, I always use my Mom's recipe - so delicious and reminds me of growing up. But yesterday I tried Pioneer Woman's chili (from her cookbook) and it was fantastic. More meat and less veggies - and definitely something Olivia wanted no part of. 

Leo + Bea

 "now Trix, I'm tellin ya, bat those eyelashes at your Ma and she'll give you anything you want. Anything!"

Chauncey

We had a little family get together on Saturday, and much to Olivia's dismay, Esme was unable to come. While he's no Esme, Chauncey fit the bill quite nicely. 

She Works Hard for Her Money

Nearly impossible to catch, Olivia's dark tights/tennie shoes combo looked fit for a brisk walk down Adams to Union Station. 

Baby Bea

Can't you just smell her new baby goodness from here? 

Junie Gallery

In addition to barbies, Olivia and I have been crafting up a storm - here is the most recent "alien" series, on display through the holidays. 

Those Hands!

It is rare to get a picture without Leo's hands in his mouth. 

Hanging Out

Olivia has really been missing Esme - so I've been trying to fill her shoes and play with her -barbies, house, etc. I must say it's a blast and I often have to stifle my laughter at what she says. Her face is so ridiculous in the picture above - she had given me a choice of pets (minnie mouse, or scooby doo) I chose scooby, because who wants a mouse? And here she is telling me - no Mom, you can't have the dog. Steve and Leo also join us from time to time. 

Beautiful Girl

Mike and Meghan welcomed Monica Susan on Tuesday - she is gorgeous - dark eyes, dark hair, and a perfect little face. As you can see, her proud parents are over the moon! Sweetness! 

Thanksgiving

 A real peach. 

 Drats! Tried to get the elusive Grammie in the shot...

 A little bit of office

 A little playtime.

I managed to snap a few pics at my parents house for Thanksgiving, where we enjoyed some snacks and each others company before heading out to Nana and Papas house. It was a great day filled with wonderful family time and good food. 

A Lot to Be Thankful For

Pute

Olivia can't stand it when Leo smells like "pute", so I am especially touched when she gets up close and personal with him. In this bottom pic: "he's going to pute!"

Little Touches

Olivia's fall centerpiece.

This Is What Happens

When Steve dresses Leo.

Kiddos

Religion

Sometimes Olivia talks about what they learn in school, but most often not. The other day she shared this little nugget: "Joseph is one of the prayer people, he is Gods friend in Heaven - his brothers are jealous because he has a colored coat."

Fall Crafts

One of my favorite things is to look in Olivia's folder after school, always such treasures in there! 

Lunch Request

Olivia went to the grocery store with me last weekend, and we talked about getting the ingredients for quesadillas, one of her favorites. She said "but you have to get chihuahua cheese"

No Such Thing

As too cozy for Leo, especially when he is still under the weather and needs to pick his sister up at school!

Soon to Be Reunited (hopefully...if we can keep the germs at bay)

I Remember It Well

The tensest card came of 2010. Those two gals, real dolls I tell you, except for the fact that they tried to fleece me for everything I had.  

**I happened upon this scene after leaving Leo on the couch for 2 minutes to check on dinner**

When I'm The Mom

"My kids will have cupcakes for dinner - we could start practicing now, Mom"

This Guy

Is the sweetest. Notice his little red finger on his right hand, courtesy of an over-zealous nail trimmer (me) - he never mentioned one word about it.