Happy New Year

My favorite "thing" from 2013:




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Leo's crawling! He's been army crawling/worming around for a few weeks now, but today he started crawling up on all fours! I guess his one armed planks finally made him strong enough (everyone comments on how crazy strong he is!). We're so proud and worried at the same time. Now nothing's off limits!

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Snow!

This was the first year that Maya could really play and have fun in the snow!

She liked it but said she felt "heavy" in her snow gear!

And Leo- who nicely napped while we played outside!

Santa 2013

At least no one is crying in this year's picture...

I even bribed Maya.  I told her that she could play in the playground at the mall if she didn't cry.  Well, she didn't cry, but she didn't smile either.  She also had to sit on my lap, I'm on a stool leaning out of the picture.  You can see my jeans and hand.  I could tell she was going to freak out so I gave in on that.  Leo was fine.  He did pull Santa's beard really hard (thank goodness it was the real Santa!) and was looking everywhere but at the photographer.  

*Edit:  Maya asked Santa for "Hallie & Chilly" (from Doc McStuffins) and said Leo wanted a Lion.  As we were leaving she said, "But wait, Santa needs to give me my Hallie and Chilly!"  She thought that by asking him for those items she would get them right then and there!

Here's the 2011 Santa post and the 2012 Santa post.  

Maybe 2014 will be the lucky year?  

Maya's "Big Girl Bed"

Maya recently transitioned to her "big girl bed."  We were going to leave her in her crib as she's never tried to climb out but she began asking for a "big girl bed."  One day after her nap, we took the front piece off of her crib, installed the toddler rail, and poof "big girl bed."  I'm happy to report that it's been a smooth transition, except for a few refused naps.

Here she is posing with her "big girl bed" before her first night sleeping in it!

Family Pictures

Our good friend Ben is a budding photographer.  He was in town for Thanksgiving and was looking for some practice. We happily asked if he'd swing by our place to take some pictures.

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

This year we went to my brother and sister-in-law's new house to celebrate Thanksgiving.  The kids had a great time eating at the little kids' table and playing together!  We're so thankful for all of the new little ones in our family, for a healthy family, and our new home!  I'm very thankful to spend another year at home with my kids this year!

Leo is 6 Months Old

Leo turned 6 months old on November 25th!  I can't believe he's half way to his 1st birthday!  

 

This month Leo:

-grew two bottom teeth (and let us hear about it)

-started to roll as a means of transportation all over the house

-began to really love hanging out in his jungle gym play mat- he especially loves the hanging monkey

-started to try and crawl- he's almost there!

-became really NOISY!

-began sitting unassisted for very brief periods of time

-began eating solids.  He's loved everything!

Leo you are STRONG.  Our pediatrician can't believe how strong you are and says you are going to keep us running!  She said that you're very alert, engaged and make great eye contact.

Stats:  

-weight:  15lbs (10%)

- height:  28.5 inches (99%) 

Happy half birthday buddy!  

A Day out with Thomas

Maya and her cousin Alex have been really into Thomas the Tank Engine recently.  My sister-in-law, brother and I decided to take all of the kids to the Strasburg Railroad to ride on Thomas.   It was fun but Maya was really nervous about riding the bus from the parking lot to the train station and then the big loud trains seemed to scare her as well.  In fact, I was the mom carrying a screaming toddler onto the train while baby wearing an infant.  She did settle down toward the end but refused professional pictures with Thomas and Sir Topham Hat... maybe another year.  Leo was cool as a cucumber with the whole ordeal.