John Deere Party

Nothin' says boy like a John Deer birthday party - especially for a first birthday! We celebrated Cooper last Saturday at his grandparents' home. They have an awesome playroom, and everyone seemed to have a great time.

A rundown of the pictures:
Miss E was her usual shy self (only seen when others are around)...Miss McK found a new friend who made her laugh...Daddy would not be happy her new friend seemed to want a kiss... Miss E ready for some cake and ice cream... Big J blowin' his horn... the birthday boy... who wasn't that interested in his cake...until someone gave him a fork!... Miss E with Kristie...Kristie's son checking out who his mama is holding...my big kids enjoying the ice cream (surprisingly this time they skipped cake)...my country girls...

Sick and tired

The kids got hit with a stomach bug last night. We are thankful it is already gone, but the effects are still felt. Miss E and I pulled an all-nighter which is not all it was cracked up to be back in college! She wanted to rock with me so bad today, but I had a few things on my to-do list. She fell asleep waiting for me...melted my heart so I sat down to rock with her as soon as she woke up!

Exhaustion

Miss E battled a high fever Wednesday night. I gave her Motrin to help her sleep and it had the opposite effect. Sure she slept from 8 p.m. - 1 a.m., but we aren't sure she slept any after that. Clay put her back in bed, awake, at 3:30 a.m. At 4:45 she called out saying she needed to potty. She went, and 15 minutes later was up again ready for her day and breakfast. She ran strong (with a few moments of calmly sitting) most of the day, but finally crashed out about 3:30 p.m. in the arms of my mom's best friend. Pat came to help Mom pack up the house (she's moving in with Kristi tomorrow), and we got to visit Thursday afternoon. Miss E fought it hard...even waking with a start and an "uh, I don't think so" look when Pat tried to lay her back. Exhaustion finally took over and she got a good hour or so nap. Oh, to have the stamina of an almost 3 year old!

Christmas Dresses

Mimi bought the girls coordinating Christmas dresses before McK was even born. It was warm enough this past Sunday that we got to wear them without additional undergarments. Miss E wasn't too cooperative about taking pictures so I only have a couple of them individually. Aren't they adorable? They got LOTS of compliments!

Trying to get a shot of the whole dress*** McK's dress with her surprised look*** A fake smile*** A real smile

Men with facial hair

And a train... thought it was adorable that the big kids made a train with McK the other night while she was in her bumbo. They are so ready for her to get bigger so they really can play with her!





Pop came for dinner the other night since we didn't get to see him over Thanksgiving and he missed J's Christmas program. We had a great time...and the kids were SO excited! After dinner, J performed a couple of his songs for Pop. Miss E couldn't stop hugging on her Pop. McK finally woke up and spent some quality time with Pop. They were sad to see him head home, and we all look forward to having him share Christmas morning with us!

Will wonders never cease...J asked to sit on Santa's lap this year! His first 2 Christmases we tortured him with the traditional Santa photo op. Last year, we just skipped it. When we did a family photo at Prairie Lights last year, we made sure he was pretty far from Santa and he still looked terrified! When Miss E showed her hesitation toward the man in red when we made McK's Christmas present, I decided once again we should just let it go. We ended up at the mall tonight, and the kids started asking where Santa was. We walked to his "house" just to see what would happen. Miss E immediately let us know that waving to him from a distance was just fine with her. J seemed hesitant at first, but then started asking to sit on his lap. We had to wait a few minutes, but he kept telling us he wanted to talk to Santa. Sure enough, he walked right up and sat on his lap! He told Santa that he wanted cars and monster trucks. He never ceases to amaze me with how he is growing up... I'm so glad they allowed us to snap a couple of pictures!

Side by side

After some absence, I'm a blogging nut tonight. Enjoy these posts with more pictures than most can stand...all for the grands, great, aunt, and other family that don't get to experience our life on a regular basis.
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All 3 of our kids have worn the same outfit during their first Christmas season. Interesting part is the age difference and how well they filled it out. Thought a side-by-side comparison would be fun.

2005 - J - 5 months *** 2007 - E - 10 months*** 2009 - McK - 4 months

Christmas Program

Sunday was J's Christmas program at church. The kids all looked great that morning in their Christmas attire - so pictures had to be taken. Later that night, J finally got to perform on stage. He's been talking about it and practicing for DAYS/WEEKS! This boy loves to sing. He provided many laughs...especially with his "six geese a laying" choreography and adding his own throughout the show. He really did well...and is still singing the songs today. We were so excited Grannylou, Aunt Kristi, Kadyn and Dylan got to come. And we all enjoyed some amazing desserts after the program.


Here's a short video of the last verse of 12 Days of Christmas...our little man really gets into it!

This and that

Because decorating our house wasn't enough insanity by itself, I chose that night to feed McK cereal for the first time. She's been waking up at night again, and I was hoping it would help her sleep through the night again. This time I had a helper too - she is one little mama!

I started taking pictures one night of McK in an outfit all 3 kids have worn during their first holiday season. I hope to later do a side by side deal of them all in it to show their size difference. Anyway, Miss E wanted in on the fun. Followed by Big J. Later that night, E was riding dinosaur J. I love how well they play together...most of the time!

Had to capture Miss E asleep the other night. I love this picture of pure abandon and pure relaxation. She's totally surrounded by her special friends.

McK's world has just changed for the better thanks to a friend's generosity. Once again we are blessed to borrow a bumbo. E wasn't too big of a fan, but McK is ALL ABOUT sitting up and observing her world. This is just what the girl needed.