Happy New Year

We really didn't plan on doing anything on New Year's Eve this year, just a low-key relaxing night at the casa. But, leave it to Keri to talk me into it... "Just throw a hat on & get over here!!" Oh... alright. :) But we were really glad we went! Reilly had a blast with all the other kids, and the adults had fun too! The gals gabbed and fought over Avery and the guys played golf on the Wii. The kids performed puppet shows for us, then we played The Office boardgame- which was pretty funny. Avery did something pretty cool...she has only had a few bottles so far (since I'm nursing), but she had one that night and held it all by herself!!!! WOW! :) All the kids stayed up until the clock hit 12:00... must have been the sugar. ;) It was a really great night! Thanks Mark & Keri!!! :)

Chuck E. Cheese

Okay, I have learned a serious Mommy lesson- listen close, I'm about to share some wisdom people.... (If you already know this one, good! Why didn't you tell ME?)
Here goes:
Don't tell your children that you're going to do anything special/see anyone special until the moment it is ACTUALLY happening! We mistakenly told Reilly a day in advance that we would be taking him to Chuck E. Cheese, and when we walked in the door... their electricity was out. Complete darkness. No children laughing and playing, only hysterical cries of woe could be heard. WOW. We told Reilly what was happening as we walked back out to the car. As this news started to sink in, I could actually SEE the heartbreak on his face. He cried tears of sorrow as we loaded our 2 sweet babies back into the car. He was devastated. Of course, we told him we would bring him back in a few hours and try again... but his sadness was so very genuine that I couldn't help joining in with a few tears of my own. Anyway, we took him to McDonalds to play until we felt sure they'd had time to get things back online at good old Chuck E. Cheese.
Once we got back there, it was great! We all had a lot of fun! Reilly discovered that Skee-Ball can be fun, even if you don't run right up to the holes to drop the balls in. ;) And we learned to never EVER get our kids' hopes up, because you just never know whose electricity will be out!

Snugglebug #2

I just had to post this picture of Avery & her favorite pink teddy bear, which was a gift from her sweet Grandpa on the day she was born. Like Reilly, she is definitely a snugglebug... she LOVES to be held and cuddled, and we just LOVE that to pieces!

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is spent at Mimi & Grandpa's house, and Uncle Mike & Aunt Honey are there too! First things first, we have our very favorite "biscuits & snausages" for breakfast... mmmmmm. Then in came the presents (WAY too much, Uncle Mike & Honey!!) It is always so interesting to see what everyone gets for Grandpa, he is notoriously difficult to buy for! Joey was super excited about the video game system Mikey & Honey gave him- it has all these fun old games on it, like Mario Bros, Duck Hunt, Contra, Donkey Kong, Hogan's Alley, and about 100 others!!! Reilly's favorites were a remote control Batmobile, camo walkie-talkies, Hulk bath set, & "computer cool school". Mikey & Honey gave Mimi & I these awesome rolling bags for all our scrapbooking albums & paraphernalia! And Avery LOVED all her new clothes! ;)
We spent the rest of the day watching fun movies, eating, and snuggling our sweet girl. Reilly, of course played with all his awesome new toys all day & night! It was such a great time with our wonderful family!
The next day, Chris came over to meet Avery. And even though he was nervous- he did a great job holding her... for about 5 seconds.

Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning we always spend at our house with just our little family. It is SO much fun! Reilly comes to wake us up, being very careful to not even go NEAR the living room without us. Avery woke up at about the same time, ready to eat so she was a bit fussy for the pictures!! Anyway, Joey and I set up in the living room with cameras and we gave Reilly the go ahead. He walked into the living room with the biggest grin, and always goes to his stocking first... just like I did when I was a kid!! Then when he sees what Santa left for him, his face is PRICELESS! I look forward to it all year! He gave Avery the picture he colored for her, and helped her open all her presents. (Such a sweet big brother!) It was EXTRA fun having our baby girl with us this year, and I just know it will get even better each year!

Reilly was most excited about his racetrack, Star Wars light saber, and Candyland game. After a quick round of Candyland, we packed everything up and headed for Mimi & Grandpa's house...

Christmas Eve

We always spend Christmas Eve with Nana, Granddad, & Aunt Lana, with the traditional feast of fajitas and crazy-good peanut butter cookies!! It was extra special this year, because they got a Wii... which is super fun. Reilly's favorite was bowling, which he did really well! Joey also had a very high score... YAWN. Sorry if I sound bitter, but that man is good at everything- which can be annoying if you're trying to beat him. ;) We had a great time, and Reilly flipped out when he got his Shake N Go jet from Nana & Granddad! (I think I'll be hearing that thing in my sleep!) As for Avery, she slept almost the whole time (no surprise there) in Lana's doll crib. Pretty cute!

Then, Joey read The Christmas Story... and Reilly has become very aware that we celebrate Christmas because of Jesus. It is so wonderful to continue with Reilly the traditions and legacy of faith that our parents gave to us.

Anyway, we had lots of fun! But, I just couldn't wait to get home to make the cookies for Santa, and set out all the surprises, and TRY to get some sleep! When I was growing up, I was that kid who could NEVER go to sleep on Christmas Eve- I was too excited. Seriously, this continued all the way through high school. :) (This was probably because my parents always made Christmas so incredibly special.) And now I have trouble falling asleep because I'm so excited to see Reilly's face when he opens his gifts on Christmas Morning!

Early Christmas Gift

It's so funny the things we do to try to capture the cuteness of our babies and their surroundings. Yes I placed a diaper-less newborn on my pretty red tree skirt. Yes she peed on it the moment I removed her diaper. I had a feeling this was going to happen, but just couldn't help myself.




We sure hope Santa brings you all you've been wishing for this year.



MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Mimi & Grandpa

Avery hasn't really smiled yet, except while sleeping... until Grandpa. :) Yesterday, Mimi & Grandpa stopped by for their fix... the traditional "baby sugars" that they can't seem to go more than 2 days without. (They did this with Reilly too!) I handed Avery to my Dad, and while he was talking so sweetly to her... she GRINNED, and almost laughed. And she just kept on smiling, every time he would start talking to her!!



She just gazed into his eyes, and my Dad was so tickled- he just ate it up! This is one of those memories that I just know is going to stick.


I'm always amazed by how much I enjoy watching my parents with my children. I never really had the privilege to know any of my grandparents, since all but one passed away before I was even born. So knowing that my children will not only have memories of their grandparents, but that they will actually take part in shaping who Reilly and Avery will become pleases me to no end. What a blessing this is to me... and the kids.




I catch myself sometimes imagining what they were like holding me as a tiny baby, with 3 a.m. feedings and diaper changes, and am truly grateful (and by experience can finally somewhat comprehend) a small portion of what they've done for me over the course of my lifetime. Thanks so much Mom & Dad... for everything. We love you!!

Wonderful Friends

I would just like to say a big THANK YOU to our sweet friends Jaclyn & Charlotte who brought us meals this past weekend! What a wonderful gesture... I can't imagine anything more helpful to a family who has a new baby in the house than a ready-to-eat meal. (And no cleaning of the kitchen afterwards!!!) God Bless You kindhearted ladies... WE LOVE YOU!!

Sweet Big Brother

I always imagined that Reilly would be a sweet big brother, but I never realized how much he would absolutely ADORE his baby sister! He is always so careful when he touches her, and is very protective of her. He ran over to her the other day because her sock was coming off, and he had to "put it back on fast so her little toes wouldn't get cold!" It brings such joy and peace to my heart, that he is not even the slightest bit jealous and is actually a huge help to me! We're so proud of our big boy!






This is not the hand of an adult... it is actually one of Reilly's HUGE paws holding Avery's tiny hand!



Just snuggling during tummy time! :)

Bathtime!!

Although it took Joey & I a few minutes to remember how to bathe a very slippery tiny baby-- once we got going it was great! :) (It's amazing how much you forget after 4 years... even things that used to be so routine!) Joey loves being the one to give our kiddos their very first bath, which is so sweet!



My favorite smell in the whole world is a clean baby, right out of the tub!! YUM!

Just Because

I just can't get enough of Avery's sweet face, so I thought I'd share even more pics! Reilly picked out her outfit and bow this morning... he said she looked so pretty. :)

Baby #2

I will be the first to admit my slight apprehension about having a second child... just in a few areas. I had a few worried conversations with my Mom that went something like this... "What if this baby comes out, and I don't feel anything for her?" Or, "What if I love Reilly more and just can't help it?". Well, I got my resounding answer the moment Avery was born. As any mommy will tell you, when you hear that baby's cry... the relief and joy are indescribable. But the most profound emotions I felt were when they brought her over to me and I saw her face. It was like a tidal wave, that I just can't fully comprehend. The love I felt for her was overwhelming, and yet surprisingly familiar- like I had always known her. And the fact that she is an eternal soul that is a piece of both me and the man I love the most in the world- never ceases to amaze me.




And watching Reilly love on her with such gentleness makes me love and appreciate him in a brand new way. To say the least, my heart is more full than it has ever been.

All that to say... I HIGHLY recommend having a Baby #2. :)

Now That We're Home

Wow... what an unexpected couple of weeks! After spending a total of 2 weeks in the hospital, it feels so great to finally be home with our sweet little family! We'd like to say a huge "THANK YOU" to my family for all your help, especially Uncle Mike and Aunt Honey for keeping Reilly for a whole week! And Mimi, for coming over to help me everyday with laundry, meals, cleaning etc!! And thanks Grandpa for providing batteries for all the baby paraphernalia! You all are the best EVER!

Now that we're finally home and getting settled, here are a few more pics of our precious baby girl!