Papaw's 85th

Last weekend we celebrated Papaw's 85th birthday. We all enjoyed a great dinner of lasagna, bread, salad, and 2 kinds of cake for dessert. Of course, James really enjoyed his cake.

Blake didn't have cake, but he is definitely starting to notice it. Hands on the puffs, but his eyes were on the cake!

James and Papaw enjoyed reading recipes together. James carried in some of Gran's cookbooks and wanted Papaw to read them with him. We realized once we were at the party that his sweater had an 85 on it. How appropriate since Papaw turned 85!

Happy Birthday Papaw!!! We love you!

While I wasn't looking

I turned my back for maybe 30 seconds and Blake made his way across the room and up the stairs to the landing. Climbing the stairs is now his favorite trick! I guess it is time to bring out the baby gate.... I feel like Blake has gone from crawling, to pulling up and standing, to climbing so fast! It is hard to believe that he will be walking in 2-3 months, or sooner!

Making recipes

James recently received a special package from his older cousin Sarah and some of her hand me down toys. James especially LOVES his new laptop and container of play food. He is constantly "making recipes" just like I do with my laptop. I'm hoping someday he'll cook for me!

Bottle with Daddy

Todd took this picture last week while I was out. I never see Blake take a bottle so this picture made me laugh. He can feed himself now. Just another sign that our baby is growing up!

Just Dance videos

Mackenzie Marie

Our great friends, the Hilbrich's, welcomed a sweet little girl this afternoon. Mackenzie Marie was born at 2:25pm, 7 lbs 14 oz and 21 inches long. I got to spend some time at the hospital tonight and she is so precious and just perfect. We are so happy for them! Let's start planning the double wedding!!!

Gillian's Birthday Party

The birthday girl on her golden birthday! We celebrated Gillian's birthday last weekend at David and Abby's condo downtown.

James loves going to there place. Typically he loves playing with the dogs, but he discovered on this trip that he can watch the trains coming and going in to town. This kept him busy for a long time.

Jack liked watching the trains with James too!

One of Gillian's presents was Just Dance. Of course we all had to put it in the Wii and dance immediately!

James even got in on some dancing.

James loved helping GG open her presents. He has been talking about his birthday ever since. He can't wait!

Blake stayed pretty busy too. He is such a easy baby to be around.

A family pic!

Thanks Abby and David for hosting such a fun party!

Boys at play

James and Blake love to play together. James rarely wants to play by himself. He wants Blake right there(as long as Blake doesn't want to touch or play with any toys). They have fun wrestling, crawling and doing just about anything. We are working hard on being gentle and sharing at our house, but it has been a hard lesson for James. If you are wondering why James is always wearing pajamas its because he refuses to wear regular clothes at home. I guess I can't blame the guy, pajamas are definitely more comfortable!

Blake is 9 months

Blake, You are getting closer and closer to 1! This year has flown by. We have been blessed with a very healthy, happy, easy going little boy! Here are your 9 month stats:
Weight 18 lbs 9 oz - 16th percentile
Height 29 1/4 inches - 79th percentile
Head 45.1 cm - 41st percentile
-You are crawling EVERYWHERE and getting into EVERYTHING. You are also getting really fast. I think I've got my eye on you and the next thing I know you are across the room.
-You love your brother and most of the time you both play very well together. James can be a little rough with you sometimes so I can already tell you are going to be a very tough little boy.
-You got officially sick for the first time last weekend. You threw up at school and then again at home with Daddy. Mommy felt bad because she was gone for the weekend and wasn't able to comfort you. Thankfully it was a 24 hour flu bug and you felt fine the next day.
-You are still a good sleeper. You typically take a morning and afternoon nap. You go to bed around 6-7pm and sleep until 6-7am.
-You love to cuddle.
-You are nursing 4-5 times a day and eating real food at each meal. You especially love bananas, but will eat anything we put in front of you!
-You are trying really hard to pull up and stand. You can stand by yourself if I pull you up and you really like to be standing.
-You just discovered the playroom and you are constantly crawling that direction. You are learning to navigate the step down face first!
-You have 8 teeth. I was looking back and James only had 3 teeth at 9 months. The Dr said that your 1 year molars are next and could start coming in soon.

Feels like Spring

It got up to almost 60 today in Lee's Summit. Around our house that means its time for a stroller ride! James has been asking to take a stroller ride the last few weeks but with the snow and cold that wasn't possible. Today was Blake's first day to be forward facing next to James. He's a big 9 month old today!!!