Some Things to Think About . . .

Jaxton leaned his head on me today and told me that I was "as squishy as a pillow." Thanks Jax, I'll keep that in mind the next time I hit the gym.

The other morning I was baby talking to Jillian (you know, with the whole high-pitched voice and such), when Jaxton says, "Well mom . . . some people really hate it when you talk like that and they really want you to stop." Trying not be too offended I said, "Jaxton, does it annoy you when I talk to Jilli like that?" To which Jaxton kindly replied with, "Well, it just really makes people angry." And with that he got off his stool and walked away obvioulsy making the "people's" opinion very clear. Honestly, ever since that conversation I've been self concious of the way I talk to Jillian -- is Jaxton right? Are there other "people" out there who I make angry with the way I communicate with infants? I guess it's something to consider . . .

Mac lost his first tooth about a week and a half ago. He insisted on not putting it under his pillow because he wanted to show his cousins in Utah (actually a relief since the tooth fairy had no cash on her that night). But, we have now gone to Utah and have been home now for almost a week and the kid still has no interest in putting his tooth under his pillow. Let us remember that this is the same child who will do anything for a buck and has never been known to spend any money -- he just loves to have it and save it. I've come to the conclusion that he might be slightly nervous about a strange woman with wings and a magic wand sneaking into his room when he's sound asleep and taking something from him that is rightfully his . . . hmmmm, I can't say that I blame him.

Jillian's Utah Debut

Jillian, Mac, and I flew to Utah over the weekend to spend a few days at home with the family. We had a great time letting all the fam love on Miss J, celebrating my mom's birthday, getting a pedicure with the girls, going out to eat, letting Mac have his first (& second) sleepover, seeing the elk at Hardware Ranch, having lunch with Nate's family, letting Jilli-V meet her 94 year old grandma great Venice (whom she's named after), freezing in the snow, and just enjoying the wonderful company of my family. As we drove home from a family gathering on our last night there, McCade sobbed all the way home saying, "I just want to be with my cousins!" It was totally pitiful! The poor guy just wants to move 32 hours closer to his cousins -- is that too much to ask?

Playing "Christmas Catch-Up"

Merry Christmas 2009

* the front and back of our '09 Christmas card.

FOUR months

It's hard to believe that my baby is a third of the way to one year old. She's no longer an infant anymore and basically runs the show. At four months Jilli is weighing in at 13 lbs. 9.5 oz. (5oth percentile), she is 26 inches long (90th percentile), and her head is in the 50th percentile as well. Even though she's not much of a napper and she only takes about three 15 minute naps all day long, she does sleep great at night, so I'll count my blessings. We gave Jilli-V rice cereal for the first time today and she gobbled up two servings -- the girl was wide-mouthed and could barely control herself the entire time. Jillian seems to attract admirers everywhere we go, but honestly, who couldn't love that face. We are so grateful for this sweet girl and so thankful for her sweet presence in our family.

fabulous & F O U R

Jaxton James turned 4 on Monday. We celebrated by taking 9 buddies to Chick-fil-a for some lunch, army guy cupcakes, ice cream, gifts and playing. As we were leaving the restaurant Jax said, "That party was AWESOME!" -- I'm pretty sure he enjoyed himself.

I took him to the doctor today and as we walked in the office he announced loudly, "Now I am NOT here for a flu shot!" and that was probably my 5th reminder for the day and he continued to give that same reminder to any nurse or doctor that he came in contact with. The poor guy had apparantly had it with shots between the seasonal flu shot and two doses of the H1N1 -- he was not going to let any of us forget. Jaxton weighs 42 lbs. (90th percentile) and is 41 inches tall (75th percentile). He is definitely our big, sweet, sensitive guy.

While Jaxton loves everyone in the family, I have luckily found a very special place in Jaxton's heart. He is so sweet to me and always says such nice things. The other day I was telling him that I had just bought some new pants for me. He replied saying, "Mom, can I see them so that I can say they're beautiful and that you're special?" I think this little guy is going to make one girl very very happy in the future.

Jaxton got to choose what he wanted for his birthday dinner. After much thought he decided on popcorn, hotdogs, and ramen noodles. Birthday wish granted, eat up, big guy!

We are so thankful for our Jaxton and can't wait to see all the wonderful things he accomplishes during his lifetime -- he's oozing with potential to do so much good! We love you Jax -- happy 4th!

Two and a Half

If you ask Beckam how old he is, he'll usually tell you either "5 1/2" or "3 1/2." But, Beckam actually turned 2 1/2 on Tuesday -- totally bittersweet! While on one hand it's sad to see my baby boy grow up, on the other hand he's so fun to watch as he experiences life and learns knew things. He talks and talks all the time and can say anything, but there was a while where his favorite words were "momma," "daddy," "pee pee," & "bum bum" -- put it all together and it doesn't make a very good combo. What's worse is that Beckam would go around chanting these four words over and over and over as loud as he could. When we were in public and he'd start doing it, I'd try to cover it up by saying things like, "No, Beckam, mommy and daddy don't need any PUMPKINS!" People would usually just smile, but I always had to wonder what they were really thinking. Beckam prayed for the first time all by himself a few months back. It was a very lovely prayer that went, "Heny Faer, momma daddy, baby sick, AAAAAAA-men!"

We love our sweet and sassy Beckam and think he's basically the coolest 2 1/2 year old around -- we're pretty sure we'll keep him around and just keep on lovin' on him!