Busting A Move with Trojan

Mr Jibber Jabber

Recently, the little guy had a breakthrough with his verbal skills. He has always understood more words than he actually says. But now to put it mildly, the flood gates have come open. It started with saying kitty. That quickly progressed to one, two, three. And now, he is actually cutting his own television deals over the phone. Ok, I kid. But he does say hello when playing with the phone. Me thinks, the little guy has star potential written all over him.

Visiting A Good Friend

Today, we introduced the little guy to one of my good friends from high school. She came into town for the day for a family event. It was so nice to see her. And the little guy, made himself right at home. Here he is with her daughter, who is a cutie as well.

Piano

Playing piano with Grandma. We definitely plan to give him piano lessons as soon he is old enough. Maybe mama will take more lessons as well.

Whit!

To my good friend who I haven't seen in forever. She still looks great. And has two active little ones as well. They keep her young at heart.

Another new pair of PJs

Bye Bye Uncle Michael & Aunt Jaime

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Today, Uncle Michael & Aunt Jaime headed back to LA. To say that the little guy will be depressed to see his play mate go is an understatement. The little guy giggled with delight each time Uncle Michael tossed him in the air. And Aunt Jaime has a new food buddy. She's already promised a Korean feast the next time we are in LA.

What you are not seeing in this picture is snow. Yes, snow. Every since we awoke there has been a light snow. Let's hope that it doesn't delay anything. It really isn't accumulating at this point, but the little guy likes to point at it.

I think Mattie found a new friend. We all know that she is a charmer.

Uncle Michael please don't go!

An attempt at a group photo. I wonder why someone wouldn't sit still. Could it be from the photo below?

Wheeee

Night Night with Teddy

Do I spy reinforcement

Down to the serious business of a puzzle

The last few years it has become a Christmas tradition to do a puzzle. The ring leaders are usually Dada, Uncle Mike, Aunt Jaime and Uncle Larry. But during various times, everyone seems to pitch in until it is completed. This year is no exception with a 1000 piece puzzle. Here's the crew with Uncle Dick carrying Teddy. Would it be wrong for the little guy to hid the last piece of the puzzle?

Back to the blocks

The little guy is finally figuring out that blocks are about building. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long for the little guy to be tempted into leveling them. Maybe this guy has a future in demolition.

Christmas Bliss

The little guy received many presents from everyone. Some would call it Christmas Bliss. Now to the business of trying on new clothes and playing with new toys.

Playing with Blocks

Merry Christmas

It's been a running joke with the little guy and his hat. Let's just say that the little guy is not a fan of hats. We caught this sequence as we stealthily put his Santa hat on from behind.

Christmas Eve

Last night, we celebrated Christmas Eve. First, there was church service in which the little guy wiggled through. Then we went back to Aunt Margie's for a feast. Delicious!

We were a little worried how the little guy would react to a big group. No worries mama.
He merrily made his way around to everyone. He fit right in. And then, it was gift opening time. Here he is with Elf Michael.

Here's little M with her new XMAS socks. Too cute

Is that an OSU ornament from Aunt Leta! This little boy's heart better bleed cardinal and gold. A close second can be scarlett and grey.

Aunt Margie gave him building blocks and this cute Christmas book. Did I mention that the little guy made out with his gifts, including a special XMAS bib that has his name on it.

He really likes his Uncle Dick. Here he is playing cars with him.

Watching my brother's team lose to the EAGLES. The hubby was happy.

The little guy has discovered kitty. And he loves his kitty

Early Present

A couple nights ago, we finally had an opportunity to introduce the little guy to our extended Ohio family. We had a great night at our favorite pizza joint. To be honest, I think our group took over the joint. It was so nice too see everyone. And Aunt Suzie gave the little guy a wooden stacking train. A big hit!

Pizza Delight

Pizza with Family

XMAS Music

Santa and his sleigh

Today is a big day for Korea

It was announced this morning that the North Korean dictator has died.  I can't profess to know enough about the situation, except to say that I had an Uncle who was a soldier in the Korean War.  I also know that a former Sergeant Major (who now works in our office) had this to say: the worst place that he was ever stationed was Korea.  He hated being anywhere near the border.  And he said that the tension was palpable.

We can only hope that his death brings change for the better.   As for the South Korea, we continue to pray for your safety.    

Napping Video Monitor

We use the video monitor to keep a good eye on the little guy when he's sleeping.  And sometimes his sleeping positions just crack me up.  Here he is head forward sleeping on his baby lamb.  Keep in mind, if I slept in that position, I wouldn't be able to move for over a week.

Christmas with Mike's family

Today, we had our pre-Christmas party with Mike's family.  And as usual, we had a wonderful time.  For his part, the little guy participated in his first gift unwrapping foray, with help from his cousin K.  The two made quiet the team.  

K is such a great cousin and kept the little guy on course.  I mean, it's hard to be distracted when there are so many G R E A T   T O Y S to play with....

Pop Pop, so let me get this straight:  I need batteries to make all of these toys drive mom and dad up the wall.   And you said that fire truck has sirens?

The famed fire truck, with all of its many bells and whistles.  So, which switch do I need to turn the magic on?  

Wow, is that an airplane from Great Grandmom!  This Christmas thing is something that the little guy can really get into, especially with the help of an older cousin to pave the way.  Who is this Santa Clause that you speak of.  Luckily, Aunt T was nice enough to give us some of her stash of Christmas cookies to have ready for the big, jolly guy.  (And I'm sure that he won't miss the few that mom and dad stashed away for themselves). 

Is that Trojan?  Why yes, that's how we roll in this family.  The pups spent the day with us well.  And could Trojan be mellowing in her older age...was that her allowing others to pet her.  My baby girl must have been in the Christmas spirit.

You know what they say, gift unwrapping really builds up an appetite.  So we ended our day with an amazing lasagna dinner.  The little guy couldn't get enough of it.  The brownie for desert went over pretty well too.  And we won't say home many of Aunt T's cookies.  This Christmas thing is pretty cool.

As for the little guy, he nodded off on the way home.  I'm sure he was dreaming about Sugar Plums and everything Christmas.  

What's this about a doctor?

So, last night the little guy went for his second check up. Everything went well. He's in the 90th percentile in height, weight and head circumference. Big boy, big boy.

He had his 2nd round of booster shots, to put it mildly he was not a fan. She got away with the first shot. But the little guy is a quick learner. By the 2nd shot, his face contorted, little mouth opened and for 20 seconds there was silence. And then, a very loud scream.

The best part, the little guy got two different colorful band aids, which from the distance looked like tattoos. You know the little guy has a tough guy image to uphold. Too bad, the band aids were pink and yellow. What's a tough guy to do!

Families in need

Today, we received a note from our daycare asking for donations for families in need. These are families that can't afford food or gifts for their little one, which always makes my heartbreak. No one should have to endure such hardship.

So it goes without saying that we'll be making a donation. This is a life lesson that we want the little guy to learn at a young age. It really is better to give than to receive. Won't you join us and find a little way to give to someone in need. Put a smile on a child's face during the holidays. After all isn't that what life is all about.

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give: Winston Churchill

Still helping with laundry

Did I mention that the little guy is a big helper? He loves to be right in the action when it comes to cleaning. To good to be true, I know.

This weekend we spent getting ready for the holidays. Cards ready to be mailed. Almost finished shopping. And gifts wrapped. Whew, amazing how fast the pace this time of year. To be honest, I'm still stuck in October. We're really excited to spend our first Christmas with the little guy.

Helping with laundry

Snack Time

Close your eyes. Have no fear. The monster's gone.
He's on the run and your daddy's here.
Beautiful beautiful beautiful
Beautiful boy

Before you go to sleep
Say a little prayer
Every day in every way
It's getting better and better


Out on the ocean sailing away
I can hardly wait
To see you come of age
But i guess we'll both have to be patient
Cause it's a long way to go
A hard row to hoe
But in the meantime

Before you cross the street
Take my hand
Life is what happens to you
While you're busy making other plans

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy

John Lennon

Big boy chair

Day Trip to Lancaster

Cows Mama

Very Special Gift

Today, we received a very special gift for the little guy.  It was from his foster family.  And it put a big smile on our faces.   It was an awesome photo album of the little guy and his time with them.  Wow!  What an amazing gift.  

We often think about them and wonder how they are doing.  And it goes without saying, that we are truly blessed to have had such a great family caring for him.  I see it everyday in the ways of the little guy.  We cannot thank them enough.  They truly are treasures in this world.  

To much love, happiness and good fortune for their family.  We will definitely be thinking of all of you over the holiday!

Gift from foster family

Mr Sweet Tooth

Thank You Great Grandmom