Setting the (Nativity) Scene

My mom handed her nativity scene down to me. It really means a lot because she's collected the figures for years and worked for a long time to get a nice set together. And, it's the one I grew up with, so I love that I can set it out for my children.
I'm pretty positive Luke didn't feel the nostalgia for it as we put it up, but he did recognize the baby Jesus (he loves to play the snowglobe that Grandmother gave him for his baptism, "Night night, baby Jesus!") who, unfortunately, dropped on the floor. But, we dusted it off with a kiss, and we're good to go this Christmas.

 "Uh oh, Luke. Baby Jesus fell."

Good thing Aunt Brookie was there to help.

All set!

Thanksgiving 2011

 I see you, Amy.

Sweet O getting sweet XOs from her daddy.

What a year -- so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! First of all, I had my beautiful baby girl this year. Secondly, my son is happy and healthy this year (same time last year, he was recovering from septic knee). Thirdly, I have an outta this world husband who makes me so happy. Full heart. Full stomach.

We had it at the Scotts this year. Great Thanksgiving! It's too bad that we didn't get a full family photo, though. These are the only ones I snapped.

After lunch/dinner, we all headed outside to enjoy the weather and let the kids run around on the golf greens. Luke and Max took off down one of the greens and kept running farther ... and farther ... and farther away. So, I channeled my inner track star and sprinted after them. (My friend Summer would've been proud. She always loved a good foot race. hee hee.) "Run, Nicole, run!" Oh -- those Scotts are funny. I might have overreacted ... just maybe. But, they were running so far away!

Bananas About Bananas

I've started Madeline on solid foods, and I think it's safe to say that she's not too interested. We're on week three. Pears, squash, and now bananas. Tonight was the most successful night. She seemed to like them ... a little. At least she didn't gag at every bite. Even cracked a 'nana smile.

All "Truck"ered Out

It's no secret that Luke loves his trucks. He rides around the house on a little four-wheeler firetruck and tonight he wanted it sitting next to us when we read books. I didn't think anything of it, leaving it in his room while he fell asleep. Madeline woke shortly after, and as I was putting her back to sleep, I heard Luke stirring around in his room. When I went to check, this is what I found. This is definitely the biggest truck he's gotten into bed with him.

Earlier this week, I had to move his little Christmas tree to the dresser. I had it on his nightstand next to his little bed and couldn't find some of the truck ornaments while he was napping one day. Lo and behold, he had three ornaments in bed with him.

Halloween 2011

  Halloween might be my least favorite holiday. But, since I have kids now, I have to get into the spirit. I'm sure that I'll start liking it more as they get older and get to participate in the trick or treating part. Luke didn't quite get it this year, but next year, I know he'll have fun. We met up with some of our friends from the neighborhood and hit a few houses. The first couple Luke cried, but once he figured out that he got candy if he mumbled "trick or treat," he was into it.

Adam's parents helped us out by manning the house while we were roaming the neighborhood. Who knew that getting two kids dressed and ready to beg for candy was such a process? Madeline was a bumble bee, using the same outfit as her cousin Lauren. Luke was a UPS man, and he apparently hates wearing tshirts, pants, caps and anything with a UPS sticker on it.

The night before, we went to the Goblins in the Garden event at the Wildflower Center (where we got married) with our neighbor Robyn and her son Colten who is Luke's age. They were so cute and had the most fun running around with the other kids:

5 Months

Madeline is 5 months old and getting bigger every day. She's such a happy girl, always squealing and talking. Right now, she:

1. Loves her stuffed animals and cuddles up to go to sleep. It's so adorable, and she's fun to sleep with because she likes to snuggle.

2. Rolls over back to front and front to back.

3. Can sit up for a couple of seconds before falling over.

4. Will wiggle and roll her way across the floor.

5. Smiles so big when big brother comes around. She just loves him, and he's been so sweet to her, bringing her blankets, trucks and animals.

6. Wakes up one to two times a night. She's slept through the night a few times, but I wake up anyway, worried something's wrong. One day, we'll all be on the same page.

7. Puts everything in her mouth.

8. Eats a little bit of solid food. She hasn't quite mastered not spitting it out, so we're slowly introducing it.
9. Wears 6-9 months clothes. The 3-6 are a little snug, but we're squeezing into some of them. She's a chub, and I love it!

Madeline's Baptism

Our sweet girl was baptized this Sunday. The same pastor who baptized Luke baptized Madeline. And, it was on All Saints Sunday, which my pastor friend says is an extra special day to baptize someone as it celebrates all the saints, known and unknown.

Our immediate family (minus Suzy, Michael and Katie), including her godmother Brooke and godfather Ryan, were there. The private ceremony followed the late service. Madeline was great during church and fell asleep on Grandmother. Luke, on the other hand, worked himself into such a tizzy that he definitely made use of the cry room. When I finally got in there, he had been crying so much he couldn't catch his breath. But, then, Nolan came in the room and all was well with the world again. During the baptism ceremony, the two of them and Olivia ran around the sanctuary. Madeline was, of course, an angel during the whole thing.

Her gown is an antique gown that Mom originally gave to Luke, but Adam put the kabosh on him wearing it since he's a boy and all. But, it's perfect for Madeline! And, so beautiful! And, she wore a handkerchief bonnet that Adam's mom gave her when she was born. The idea is for her to pass it along at her wedding or to her children.

  

 

 
 
Afterward, we had lunch at our house and let the kids play their little hearts out. I had to include this picture of Luke and Nolan. It's funny what kids will find to entertain themselves. Who would've thought that bushes could be so much fun?