The Dilemma

Addison Naps...

Last week was not unlike any other. I had several lunch appointments which makes things seem crazier I think.  Friday night my parents and my sister came over for an impromptu pizza night. My parents were in the area and my sister was hungry. Alivia was exhausted and went right to sleep...until Topher and I got to bed. Chris helped me to see how the PS3 worked playing with others on the web. I actually played and it was kind of fun playing with other people. As soon as we went to bed and our heads hit our pillows, both girls were awake and crying. What was the deal? Chris swears they were talking to one another and had this planned. Needless to say, we were all rather tired come Saturday morning. We got up and did a little shopping before going to Grandma Kathy's and Grandpas to get the cat cleaned up before they arrived back from their trip to Jamaica.

Aunt Nikki came over shortly after we got home to play for a bit before Alivia took her nap. A nap she does not take. She is typically just naughty in her room until I tell her to forget it. Nikki ended up coming back after dinnertime and stayed for more PS3 Adult playing time on the web. Nikki and I are not good...but it is fun for a while. Again, shortly after falling asleep, the girls once again woke us up. I don't know what Addison's deal is...she rarely wakes at night. Alivia, on the other hand, is back to trying to stay dry at night...so will be waking us up for a while until we can get used to that again.  So, it is back to doing lots of laundry again, but we are hoping she catches on quicker this time.

Chris and I spent part of the weekend trying to organize the house. We are trying to see if we need to move into a larger space at some soon point or we just need to remove some of our stuff. I am hoping for the later. So, we will have a big garage sale come springtime and many trips to Goodwill probably before then.

Okay, the dilemma. Do we get rid of the baby clothes and baby things? Chris says, "YES!" I, on the other hand, am dragging my feet.  I think Topher should be flattered that I want to have more kids..:) However, at this point, he is done. I think the timing is bad to ask considering how much sleep we have had the last few nights. So, the decision...I am keeping the clothes, etc. At least for this year.

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Alivia is 32!

32 weeks old that is. Chris tells me to just say she is 2 1/2...but she is more than that technically. Our little girl is growing up too fast. She is now outgrowing her 2T clothes, clothes that just a couple months ago had to be rolled up and pinned up! It is just so sad to see her grow up so fast. It seems like yesterday that she was Addison's age and size.

Alivia is back to WORKING on potty training at night. She reverted for whatever reason, so we went back to putting on a pull-up for a couple weeks so we can sleep. Also, I could not keep up with the laundry! We are hoping to go back to no pull-up this weekend. She is finally getting better with her colors now and recognizing some of the ABCs. In her free time (all her time is free though) she likes to eat snacks, ride her scooter, play on her slide and in her tunnel system, cook at her kitchen set, play with her babies, and eat snacks (oh, did I say that already? :) ). She is a great cuddler and loves to gives hugs. She also looks forward to reading books at nights...always talking us into more books. She is a good sleeper on most nights now, too, which is nice. She loves her gymnastics class, too, already balancing on the beam and almost doing a sommersault. This morning she slept in a bit. While I was in the shower she woke up and went downstairs to get herself breakfast. The boxes of cereal were not opened, so she stood on a box of cereal to reach the baked Cheetos! Yes, that is what she had before breakfast this morning. The last time she tried to make herself breakfast was on New Years Day morning. She got out the Cheerios, got a bowl (dirty one) from the dishwasher, put the cereal in the bowl, got the milk out of the fridge, and poured the entire carton of milk on her cereal. She then tried to clean it up with a towel. When Chris arrived on the scene, she was sitting in her chair eating her cereal without a care in the world. She was hungry!

Happy 32 months Alivia. We Love You!

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Just another week...

Addison & Alivia

Every week seems like a blur lately. Last week I was busy every night on my work stuff. Thursday night Grandma Bet & Boppa came and brought pizza. Alivia had fun playing with them for bit, too. On Saturday we went to open gym. Alivia is really getting into her Monday gymnastics class, and the open gym gives her a chance to practice. She has now perfected the balance beam by herself! It is amazing to see what they do on such a small space. She is now trying to do a somersolt. She likes jumping on the trampoline best, I think. After all this snow we have gotten, you'd think we would be out sledding, but Alivia is scared of the snow. I don't know where this fear came from exactly. She did go down a small hill at Grandma Kathy and Boppa Bobs on Sunday. We were over there so Chris could snowblow since they were out of town. 

Addison has been going through new changes, too. On Friday she actually started to swallow her baby food! Oh, this is big progress. She now takes many bites at a time - up from 4 at the most. She is still not a fan of rice cereal, though. She now is very vocal about her needs. For example, she cries when Alivia takes her toys. Alivia often is telling her to "be quiet" when she squeals. I could write something new Addi is doing everyday probably.

I am getting prepared mentally and somewhat physically for my meeting out of town next month. I found out today that I will be rooming with a total stranger, so it ought to be a fun 4 nights. It would be like going up to someone in Target and asking them to spend 4 nights with you in a hotel room, a girl of course. Uh, no thank-you.

We have no big plans for the upcoming weekend really. There is not an open gym, so we will have to find something else fun to do to keep active. 

You can now see all of our posts/pictures by getting a vox, too.

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Please...Say Thank-you!

Okay, I am not Miss Manners or even close to her, but what happened to having manners? Is it not cool or fashionable to have them anymore or something? We have a rule at the Austin household, handed down from my Mom I think - you cannot wear it, play with it, or spend it until you have written a THANK-YOU note, unless the use of the item is a part of the note - in a picture or something. (Personally, I would accept a verbal receipt of the gift along with a verbal thank-you at this point).  Why am I so strict? I want the people that give us gifts to know that we appreciate their kindness and generosity and to express our gratitude. What really bothers me is when we send a gift and never hear from the people we sent it to. Did they receive it and just not get around to acknowledging the receipt, or did they think the gift was so bad that they did not know what to say to us? What is it? All I can do is guess.

 Please...Say THANK-YOU!

 

http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/how_to/how_to_write_a_thankyou_note.php

http://www.elite.net/~runner/jennifers/thankyou.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/thank-you

Okay...off my soapbox, at least for now...

 

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A quiet, cold weekend

Finger paint time

Last week was a busy week. Aunt Nikki came over for dinner on Wednesday and had a "play date" with Alivia. She helped to wear Alivia out so she slept well.

I did go to hospise to see my Grandpa George this week. I stopped in on Friday alone and he knew who I was. Sometimes he doesn't, which is hard. He asked about Chris and the girls, too. Friday was pizza night...but we decided that we have to tell Mamas Pizza that we want cheese and sauce on our pizza from now on. Chris and I rented "Little Miss Sunshine." Sorry, we do not see what all the hipe is about.

Saturday, after doing some finger painting, we went to open gym at where Alivia is taking her gymnastics class. She has a lot of fun there. It was quiet, too, so she could investigate all the equipment on her own.

Sunday we were planning on all this snow, so we stopped by the grocery store after church. We came home and Chris tried a new pizza recipe I had found. I was planning on making it, but Chris just did it. It turned out pretty good. Beth came over for dinner, too, and gave Chris good marks. Sunday was a quiet day, which are nice to have every once and awhile.

Addison is finally starting to really eat solids. She will now take 4-5 spoonfuls before turning her head and sucking her thumb (all done). She is moving more each day. I can no longer lay her down to play and expect her to stay in place. Alivia likes bringing her toys, too, which is cute. She is back to sleeping through the night, too!

Progress towards goals: I decided that there are a few things wrong with following the Dr. Laura house cleaning method: First, one needs to be home most of the day (as most at home Moms are as Dr. Laura recommends). There are a few other things standing in my way of the perfectly clean house: one busy child who likes to move toys and other items all over the house, time, tired, and a desire to play with my kids when I am at home. Humm...

After a little snow (maybe 5-6 inches), we are going to take a little late start this morning. Daycare is closed, so Alivia and Addison will spend the day with Grandma Kathy. This week, Alivia is back to gymnastics. I hope to take the girls to see Great Grandma Marci this week. We will see what the rest of the week brings.

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Happy 1/2 Birthday, Addison Rose!

 

Addison is 6 months old today. She had her 6-month check-up and is now 13 lbs and 26 inches long! So, what can Addison do at 6 months? She can sit up alone for longer periods of time, she scoots on her belly, belts out squeals, reaches for objects and scoots towards them, and is now quite aware when Mommy and Daddy leave her sight. Although she started cereal at 5 months, she started swallowing it only yesterday. Her first ear infection has now cleared up, but the habit of waking up at night has not, unfortunately. So, that is something we have to work on and fix ASAP before more of my hair falls out (oh, never mind, it seems to be doing that anyway). Addison had her 6 month pictures taken, and they can be viewed at http://capturetoday.com/weeklyupdates/addison_jan.html.

Happy Half Birthday Addison!

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Alivia, our little monkey

Tonight was Alivia's first gymnastics class. Alivia went from being shy to being open and playful instantly. She loved gymnastics class! It was good for her to be active after being cooped up in the house, too. She played on the rings, the ball pit, tried going over the bar, worked on the balance beam and jumped and jumped on the many trampolines. She had a blast and is looking forward to next week. Let's just hope next week the ride home is a little smoother.

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The True Test...

One can always tell what goals they are going to actually work towards after 1 week. I remember back in the day when Topher and I consistently went to the gym. We were always so annoyed by the New Years crowds,  but we knew in a week it would be better (and in a month it would be back to the normal crowds). After a week, we have stuck to most of our 2007 goals. However, neither of us has yet to step foot on the treadmill (unless you count when Alivia, Addison and I got on the treadmill and walked at .5 for 2 minutes).

It was a busy week. Chris returned to work on Wednesday, but then had to stay home with Addison on Thursday. He took her to the Dr where she had an ear infection among other things and was placed on her first dose of antibiotics. It is so hard to see the girls so sick so much of the time!

I had a new Dey employee riding with me on Thursday and Friday for my only dose of training.  Oh, does anyone have the $ to buy a pharmaceutical company? Dey, the company I have worked for for the last 7 years, is for sale. Oh, and the main drug that I sell, DuoNeb, has been approved for generic sale. We'll just see what the next few months bring.

Yesterday, Alivia, Addison, Aunt Nikki and I did a little shopping. Nikki helped put Alivia down for her nap in the afternoon. It was a fun afternoon. Today we ran a few errands and finally have wireless internet in the house. That is so nice! Now Topher can play PS3 with other PS3ers on the internet. That is so weird I think.You would be amazed to how many people want to shoot at people in a game on Saturday night at 10 pm (Topher included). This afternoon, Lucas and Uncle Brent came over to have our little Christmas. Alivia got a new baby! She continues to love her twin babies that they gave her last Christmas (she takes them EVERYWHERE).

So, what have the girls been up to? Alivia is into singing. She loves her ABC song and twinkle twinkle little star (she sings along with Baby Einstein). She talks along with Topher and I like she is 16. So scary how much that little girl knows. Alivia has now perfected riding on her new plasma car. Now she makes Topher and I chase her on her scooter which actually requires some effort. She also has started to dress and undress herself. Addison is now scooting away. Now that she is feeling a little better, she is back to being quite a little chatter box. She is now on a better schedule - napping at 10 and 2 usually. Her nighttimes are still random, sometimes she wakes up and others I have to wake her up in the morning. She is still a very good baby and a joy to our family.

Alivia starts her gymnastics this week, so she is excited about that. We will see how she does. I hope to see my Grandpa George in hospise this week. Addison has her 6 month check-up (so hard to believe she will be 6 months old this week!) and will have her 6 month pictures taken, too. So...another fun filled yet busy week. Untill next time...

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Topher & his PS3

The new PS3 (and that is a very happy Chris holding it).

I thought this post deserved to be alone. Chris finally got out his PS3 tonight. He was so excited just to hold the thing that I had to laugh. He only let me hold it for a moment like he thought I would accidentally drop it. He is like a little boy seeing the new Elmo Doll or something. Now, I just hope this thing works like he thinks it is going to. For as much as he had to pay for it - it should be 2 big diamond earrings in MY ears! Oh, but one of the things I did learn from my Dad (the man who owns an airplane, a Harley, 1 and now maybe 2 jetskis, and a boat) is that men like toys. Enough said I guess. I love you anyway, Topher.

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Time off is WONDERFUL!

 

Tomorrow is back to the daily grind for me anyway. Chris is taking another day off. He will have 11 days off! I just had yesterday off extra (my boss was in last week) but I have loved the extra time. I would love staying at home with the girls all the time. I think Alivia will have a very hard time going back to Judy's on Wednesday (Daycare). She likes playing at home. She told me tonight that I should stay home with her all the time. Oh, if she only knew how much I agreed!

Alivia has really gotten into the Christmas lights this year. I posted a couple pictures from our light seeing on Saturday night.

We finally got our first snow yesterday. We went to the 9 AM Mass and saw a car off the road on the way (and our church is only 5 minutes away). We had rain, sleet, then maybe 4-5 inches of fluffy snow. Chris went out and got pizza for our New Year's Eve dinner and he snow blowed the neighborhood a bit. That is how we like to spend our New Year's Eve. The girls had fun playing in the snow today for a bit since the weather was mild.

Today we started our goals...some proved to be too much right now. Like, I did not run a second, at least on the treadmill. I divided my household duties through the seven days to make things easier, so I thought. Today I had to clean the bathrooms. Easy enough, right. Well, maybe if we had just one or two bathrooms - but we have 4! I also had to finish up the laundry that is never done and get some of my Dey work done. Needless to say...the bathrooms are not perfect but they are cleanER now. Seriously, I think I would be a great housewife full time because I am so organized by I am pathetic at it part-time because I need more hours to do the job. I also would rather play with my kids and wait to do the house stuff when they are sleeping. How are everyone else's resolutions going?

This week I have a new girl riding with me Thursday and Friday. I was supposed to help with the training at my job but just declined. I have too much on my plate right now to take on training.  We will see what my boss thinks about that.

Addison has started waking at least 1 time at night now. She has not been eating well during the day with her cold, so I think that contributes to this new pattern. She has yet to actually swallow any rice cereal, so we think we may move onto something different. She may just be taking after her Daddy and being a bit picky. She also is crawling around in her crib at night - so I find her all over the place when she wakes.

Well, I best get to bed before somebody wakes me.  

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Happy New Year 2007!

It is so hard to believe another year has come and gone! It was a wonderful year for us full of blessings...especially one little one, Addison!

I wrote down the family goals for 2007 (goals we will achieve where resolutions are forgotten) and have 9! Most of these goals are something Chris or I or both have to do every day (like get and stay organized), and only two goals are something we can do and check off (like I would like to run a half marathon since my goal of running a full marathon has not happened yet). Running the 1/2 marathon obviously takes a lot of prep time, too, so is not an easy goal, either. I am hoping to do that goal with my friend Heather, who has run one before. Believe it or not, I am going to try to shop for only necessities this year. I am becoming more and more of a minimalist and shopping nonstop for little girls clothes, however big the bargain is, does not go with that thinking so much. We will see how I do on this goal because I love shopping! I am not sure Chris agrees with my minimalist thinking. He continues to beg for cable (yes, we just have basic cable) and the PS3 is definitely not in minimalist thinking.

Well, here is wishing a Happy New Year to you all! And may you all reach your goals in the New Year!

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Colds, fevers, chills, oh no!

Okay, did I leave anything out? This week I believe everyone, myself EXcluded, have experienced all of the symptoms of the common cold. Let's hope that is all that they have anyway. Alivia and Addison started getting sick last weekend and by Tuesday, Chris was sick, too. Somehow I have not gotten any of the yuck. Chris was home with the girls alone all week while I worked and he felt crummy. Addison refused to take the bottle all week, for whatever reason, which did not make Chris' week any easier. Hopefully everyone will be on the mend soon. Chris actually is out making a phamacy run for some OTC (over the counter) help.

For obvious reasons, we do not have any plans for the weekend or for New Years. I hope to get the tree down and put away tomorrow. Chris took down the outdoor lights earlier in the week since the weather is to be rainy all weekend. We just plan on playing more with all the girls' new toys and trying to get everyone to feeling better so we can get back to some sort of normal next week.

Oh, big news, Chris got his PS3! I guess I know what he will be doing this weekend! Yeah right...after Alivia is in bed maybe.

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Addison’s 1st Christmas

Addison’s 1^st Christmas was a wonderful one…and a big day at that. We had to wake up the girls this morning to go to 9 AM Mass. I mistakenly thought it would be busy, so we arrived at 8 to find not a sole there! It was a beautiful Mass and really nice and quiet so we could actually enjoy it (unlike the Eve Mass’ we have attended in the past). Addison took a nice nap through Mass, and Alivia was pretty good in spite being there for 2 hours.

 

We arrived at home and were greeted by Aunt Nikki. My parents arrived soon after. We ate a little brunch before getting into all the presents. Alivia actually got tired after a while and just wanted to eat dinner. So, we took a break and went back to presents after dinner (and Addison took over a 2 hour nap!). Alivia liked her tunnel system, plasma car, scooter and wagon best (notice the size of all of these toys). Chris and I either have to build on to our home, buy a bigger home, or start finding smaller toys! Alivia now has many nice new toys to keep her busy, and Chris has the next week off work to help her play with them! Oh, that new Elmo doll is so funny! You can't help but laugh as the thing rolls on the floor in a giggling fit! Alivia is not sure what to think of it, though. Addison, still suffering from a really bad cold, did pretty well. She grabbed onto the wrapping paper and helped to unwrap. She likes her new pianos and this ball toy from Grandma and Boppa Graybill. She also has many new toys. We started our new tradition of making the Angel (angel food) cake for Jesus’ birthday. Alivia really liked that I think. We got our exercise tonight as Addison and I, on the plasma car, chased Alivia on the scooter. Addi really liked that and Alivia kept telling me to chase her more. I love that plasma car (although it needs to be bigger and have a pad on it!) They both went right to sleep tonight.

 

Tomorrow we will spend the day cleaning, playing and I will begin preparing for my return to work on Wednesday and my boss’ arrival on Thursday. We had a wonderful Christmas and I hope Addison enjoyed her first Christmas. She was my best gift of all this year along with the love from my family and friends.

 

Merry Christmas to all!

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Merry Merry!

 

I feel like I should post every couple days since we have so much going on. On Saturday, we met Grandma Jones and my parents out for lunch. It was a nice treat since we usually cook. Afterwards, I stopped at home and dropped Chris and Alivia off so she could take her nap and Addison and I took a trip to visit Grandpa Jones in the nursing home. He looked quite thin and was happy to see some Christmas goodies! Addison and I also stopped by Heather Dumas' house to drop off her presents. We did not get to stay since Addison and Kaidence were both asleep.

This afternoon we went to Chris' Aunt Pat and Uncle Denny's home here in Omaha. Alivia and Addison got some toys and clothes. Alivia got a tent from Aunt Pat and Uncle Denny that she really likes. Addison and Samuel hit it off, only being 2 months apart. It was nice to see everyone. It took 2 hours to put Alivia to bed tonight! Then Chris had to put up the tunnel system that the girls are getting tomorrow. All their other toys were ready to go.

We are going to Mass in the morning, then coming back to our home to open presents and celebrate Jesus' birthday with my parents. We are looking forward to the first Angel food birthday cake. This is quite a 1st Christmas for Addison!

Merry Christmas to all and Happy Birthday Jesus!

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Christmas has begun!

Christmas comes on more than one day this year...and this was evening number one! We celebrated with Chris' parents tonight. Alivia did not take a nap today so was pretty tired by the time we finished dinner and started to open presents. Alivia got her first dolly (it was like a bigger Polly pocket and she really likes that) and opened her kitchen set from Grandma and Grandpa. Addison got a shape sorter. The girls also opened presents from our neighbor, Beth. Addison got a lighted stacker (and she loves lights right now) and Alivia got these play plastic high heeled shoes. She was prancing around tonight in those. It was so cute! The girls also opened presents from Great Grandma and Grandpa Biga, getting adorable little outfits! A girl can never have too many clothes (or shoes) you know.

Addison even helped as she opened her first presents tonight! What a wonderful first Christmas so far! We will have to see what tomorrow brings...

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On Santa's Lap

Santa's Lap

On Wednesday night, Alivia and Addison, along with Mommy, Daddy & Grandma Kathy, went to sit on Santa's lap. I know what you thinking...aren't you confusing the girls by having them sit on his lap when you are telling them he does not deliver the toys. No! I would let them sit on Mickey Mouse's lap, too, and we all know he is not a real mouse. Alivia did not cry this year but was more expressionless. She was very intrigued by Santa and did not know what to think of the experience. I was just glad she was not afraid of him.(I was given an article writen by Dan Calabrese titled, "Santa: FriendorFoeOfChristmas? It is very good on the subject of Santa. However, I could not find it online).

Alivia did get her hair cut on Monday night. She got more cut off than I expected, but I know if will grow back. Tonight, Thursday night, we went to Great Grandma Pat's and Grandpa Lou's house and brought them Mama's Pizza. It was a hit! We ate too much as usual.

My boss got snowed in Denver, so she will be coming now next Thursday and Friday before New Years. So, now I have been able to get more mentally prepared for the Christmas Partying to come. Tomorrow night Chris' parents are coming for dinner and we are doing our gift exchange with them. That should be fun. On Saturday, we are going to visit my Grandpa George in the nursing home and then meet my Grandma Jones for lunch maybe. I also hope to go to my friend Heather's house in the afternoon. I am not sure if I will take Alivia and Addison both as I do not want to exhaust them. Then on Christmas Eve Day, we are meeting the Austins at Denny and Pat's house (Chris's Aunt and Uncle). The plan for Christmas is to go to 9 AM Mass and then my family will come for gift opening and dinner at our home. We are just having a ham as I try to keep things simple. We are looking forward to celebrating Jesus' birthday with an Angel food cake (Jesus would want a Angel cake, right?) and celebrating Addison's 1st Christmas!

Chris, Alivia, Addison & I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

(Feel free to post comments of your memorable Christmas moments).

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Graybill Christmas at the Farm...

What a crazy week! I feel like I can say that every week lately. This last week was such a blur I cannot even recall what we all did! On Friday night, we went out and looked at the Christmas lights in Omaha. We went to the nice neighborhoods first. Alivia kept saying, “More baby Jesus” and “More Santa’s.” She really had fun. There is one house near our home that has every decoration under the sun. It is crazy! We joked about how our lights do not compare to what we just saw in the “nice” neighborhoods. We at least try year after year, though.

On Saturday, we got up and went out and looked at a couple places for more Christmas lights for our trees in the yard. I should take a picture of our lights so that everyone can see what we DID do. Chris does do a nice job. We then went to Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Bob’s house for Grandpa’s birthday. We stayed a while before giving up (they never came home!). In the afternoon, we went to Church for reconciliation.

 

Today was Graybill Christmas at my parent’s house in Iowa. It was nice to see everyone. My Grandmother did not seem well today and that was difficult to see. She is now 91 years old. Alivia opened her first present and it was a Doctors kit. She loves it! She also opened Addison’s little choo choo. Addison does not know what to think about all the commotion. It all just makes her tired. We came home, cleaned up and got ready for another busy week.

 

Tomorrow, after nearly 2 years, Alivia is going to get her hair trimmed. I say trimmed because that is all Mommy is ready to do to her beautiful hair. I have a long list of things to do, including get a couple last minute presents (my list is longer than the alphabet this year!). My boss is coming on Wednesday and Thursday to ride with me. I got a new boss a few months ago, which was a nice change. However, there is always more to do when she comes (and it is a busy week to have more business to do). Chris plans on taking the girls to see Santa on Wednesday at the Mall. Alivia knows Santa is not real – but he is like any other pretend cartoon (like Mickey Mouse or something). The presents come from Mommy and Daddy to signify gifts given to Baby Jesus. On Thursday we are going to Great Grandma and Grandpa Biga’s House to share some Mama’s Pizza for dinner. Alivia & Daddy are already looking forward to this! Then the Christmas parties will begin.

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Addison turns 5 months old!

It is so hard to believe that Addison is already 5 months old! She is growing so fast in our busy lives. She tried cereal for the first time last night. She seems so interested during meals while sitting on my lap. However, she was not a bit interested in her rice cereal as she gagged on it.

Today she had her 5 month pictures taken at Capture Today Photography (will eventually be on http://capturetoday.com/onlinepr.html). I actually checked them out and ordered them tonight!

At 5 months Addison can sit without support for a short time, squeal and scream well, transfer toys from hand to hand, and she reaches and grabs at things (including her sister's hair!). She is now becoming more vocal with her needs, crying when Alivia takes her toys or when Mommy leaves her sight. Knock on wood...she is still an awesome sleeper - going down awake and putting herself to sleep even! Last night she slept for 11.5 hours! Like I said, knock on wood. :)

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The Christmas Spirit

What a busy week as we tried to finish the Christmas shopping and help Alivia see what it means to have the Christmas spirit.

This last week we got little sleep. Alivia decided on a 3 nights to wake between 3-4am and cry. She actually stayed awake on 2 of the nights (and so did we!). So, on Friday night, she went and spent the night with Grandma Bet and Boppa. She had a good time and slept from 8-7:30! While she was away, it was so quiet. Chris and I got take-out from a little Italian place called Faro's and watched a movie. I was also able to get our Christmas letter completed and mailed. We missed Alivia and we were glad to have her back home on Saturday.

Addison can now sit up alone! She started to sit up in her chair, so I just tried sitting her on the floor without support. And, she just sat there and played! She continues to squeel rather loud and laugh a lot. She always seems to be happy. She came down with a bad cold on Saturday and was hoarse by evening. She was still smiley despite having a fever and the bad cold! Addison will be 5 month's old this Tuesday, December 12th.

On Saturday, we went to "The Present" Christmas program at Westside Church with my parents. It was a theatrical performance and Alivia and Addison were really good. Alivia watched the entire program and Addison slept. We enjoyed our Mama's pizza afterwards.

I was able to complete my Christmas shopping with expection of one gift this week! I think next year I am just going to give everyone some love (http://health.yahoo.com/experts/theprinciples/3287/stopping-shopping-at-christmas).

The Present

 I actually started and finished buying for Chris in one week (mostly shopping online though). He got his clothes makeover early, though, since it was much needed.

Chris is out shopping now for me. Hummm, I wonder what he is up to. This week we have Addison's 5 month pictures, Graybill Christmas next week, both of Chris' parents have birthdays, & I have a lot of work appointments. Happy shopping everyone! 

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Cold Weekend

It was really cold this weekend, so we did not do much but hang around inside. Chris and I are ready for Alivia to get some new toys…we are bored with her current ones! Alivia has found one new toy (her indoor slide) and has asked to “play on the slide please.” We are just ignoring her. Alivia talks a lot about Santa, but we are trying to focus on the true meaning of the season through books and Bible stories. On Saturday we attempted to get a family picture taken for our Christmas card after previous attempts had failed. Well, this time failed, too. Seriously, trying to take a picture with a remote sounds easy enough until you include two little girls in the picture! Alivia and I did a little baking, but nothing too major. She likes baking because she eats some of almost every ingredient…including the flour! Addison, after waking up a few times during the night during the week, has gone back to sleeping through the night this weekend. I do not think she likes the bottle much. Addison, like her sister, is quite vocal – squealing a lot. It is so cute. She has started to sit alone for a short period of time.

Chris treated me with a pizza dinner and movies this weekend. We had not rented movies in so long. It was a fun to do something other than laundry after the kids went to bed (and fun having them actually go to bed now without difficulty!)

I hope to complete the Christmas shopping this week. I just have a couple people to buy for, including CHRIS! (Oops, have yet to start on him yet!). I have one last preschool tour, too. I just do not want to make the wrong choice, but Topher keeps reminding me that it is preschool, not college. Next weekend we are going to a live animal Christmas program at Westside Church. We are looking forward to seeing part of that, assuming that one of the girls will want to leave before it is over.

Have a great week!

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