Another Oldie

It's not often that I like candids of myself, but I must say that this one puts a smile on my face. You've got Katie nestled into my lap, a perch she doesn't like to relinquish to anyone. Michael is tackling his favorite target, probably to get a hair tug in. And I am just looking bemused by it all. Thanks to our good buddy Ms. Kim for sharing her photo with us!

Hola, Que Pasa?

In the better late than never category, we present this hilarious video filmed the night before Katie started preschool. Just watch and listen closely...Katie has some funny insights into what she will soon learn in school. As for Michael, he's just being his typical trouble-maker self. If anybody ever wants to come babysit our kids, this is what you would be in for at bath time!

Finally...Some Art!

One of the earliest benefits that we have noticed since Katie started school is a new-found interest in art. She has NEVER been one to engage in arts/crafts for more than a few minutes. She basically did the minimum necessary to get Mommy and Daddy off of her back to do something creative. But now she asks to paint and/or color daily, and even had a ton of fun decorating some of the thank-you cards we sent out this week. Shhhh....just don't tell her that we have basically pitched everything she's done...good thing she never peeks into the recycling bin. (Mommy cannot stand clutter and wants to wait until more ambitious projects come down the pipeline to start decorating the house!)

Bye-bye, Bottle!

It's official....our house is now bottle-free!! Michael switched completely over to the sippy cup and whole milk this weekend without missing a beat. If only we had been so relaxed with Katie on things like this. (Oh, who are we kidding, nothing is relaxed with Katie!) Anyway, Michael is becoming more and more of a big boy everyday. But we won't call him a toddler just yet....he has to let go and walk first (like his buddy, Teddy)!

Games, Goodies, and Giggles

Katie and Michael had the best weekend with their Papa and Grammy! This morning they got to have a second round of birthday cake so that the grandparents could celebrate Michael's first. Katie also got some rounds in of her favorite new board game, Cariboo Island. (Today she bested Grammy, 2 games to 1.) We really wish that we could all get together more often, but we'll just have to keep thinking about our next trip north...Thanksgiving!

Woe is Me

Michael, starting to reconsider the Brian Kelly coaching hire....

On a lighter note, the kids are thrilled to have their Grammy and Papa visiting this weekend. We've done a lot of playground-playing and yummy-eating. We will hopefully get a nice photo of them for tomorrow's entry. Stay tuned!

Speechless

Michael had his big 1-year appointment today, and the doctor was very pleased! She liked that he was cruising, clapping, and climbing. The only "red" flag for him? The fact that he's not saying any words yet... Let's just say he is the opposite of his big sister, Chatty Katty. Combine his motor skills with her communication ones, and we might have actually had a kid hitting his/her developmental milestones on time. Oh well, we guess we'll actually have to talk to Michael now. As for his measurements: he is 22 lbs. 12 oz. (40th percentile) and 30.5 inches (74th). His exercise regimen must be burning those calories!