Connor in the jumper.

Just so you know (whoever "you" are??!)...most of the time when I'm on the computer Connor is right here next to me in the bathroom doorway bouncing happily. Unless it's already naptime, this is the ONLY way I can accomplish a few minutes of computer time. But in the short time it took me to upload these cute photos, his sweet smile has already turned to a loud scream! Yikes. So much for trying to update my blog. More on that...some other day!!!!!

Blogging Slacker

Well, it's been WAY too long since I've taken the time to upload some photos and stories of my sweet kids. I have no excuse. Just life. We've been enjoying some nicer weather these days and have taken advantage of it! Today we went out looking at different preschool programs as Madelyn will be ready for a basic two-day a week class starting in the fall. And apparently you have to get them signed up NOW to secure a spot. I'm trying to learn all these important mommy things! I'm excited to say that today we found our school and we're so excited (namely Maddy!) It's called the Gahanna Early Experience Center and they have a perfect program for her...and only 2 spots left. Whew! I better send in my deposit tomorrow.

After a fun morning at the preschool we came home and made fresh juice with my new fantastic juicer (thanks mom and dad!). Maddy helped with the whole process. Today we used 2 apples, 1 pear, 1 orange, many strawberries and grapes, 2 celery, 1 carrot and 1 cucumber. Our fresh juice concoction turned out to be delicious (and so healthy)! Now both kids are sleeping soundly, and Connor looked so darn cute that I had to take some photos. So, here you go! My beautiful slumbering baby.

Hilarious set of photos with my two kiddos

Just a random day at my house (Jan. 4th to be precise)

This gives some great personality moments with both kids. I don't know what was going on with Connor's serious bed-head hair and Maddy seems to have remnants of breakfast left on her face!

"C'mon Maddy, get your finger outta your nose and smile like mommy said!"

"Ewwwww Connor, did you just toot?"
"No more toots allowed!"
"Okay mom, we're both smiling now...sort-of..."

"Oh, I just LOVE snuggling with my sweet cuddly little brother. He's the best!"

"Here's a big smooch Connor. How do you like that?!"

"Mommy, please make her stop!"

There you go. A day in the life with my wonderful children!

Maddy Moments - January

Oh my goodness, Madelyn is such a ham. Every day with her is truly an adventure (some more fun than others...but never-the-less, an adventure!)

One of the rare moments when she stole daddy's glasses and managed to get them on, almost correctly!

Smooches (one of her specialities)
Here she is cuddling up on the couch with her new blanket hand-made by JulieAnna

The first big snow of January. We got her boots on and she loved trapping thru the snow.

SO cute.

Another snowy day. We were trying to catch snow on our tongues.

Maddy would spend all day getting in and out of different outfits if I let her.

Yes, she found one of my matching bra and panties sets and decided to model them for me. Priceless.

"I'm too sexy for this outfit..."

THIS was THE highlight moment of the month. We've been working on potty training and this was right after her very first poo-poo on the potty. She's showing off her special treat she received (a tootsie pop) and we're both so proud. I literally cried I was so proud of her. Meanwhile, my sweet Connor was very much abandoned during the whole poo-poo extravaganza that I set him on the floor right here in the hallway (just outside the bathroom) and he fell asleep all on his own. This is one of those photos that I know I'll always feel is "worth a thousand words".

We're not 100% potty trained during nap time and nighttime, so this is how we roll.

Still, she does the whole process by herself, and I'm just glowing with pride for my little girl. She's really growing up so quickly that it takes my breath away some days.

Cute Connor Highlights from January

Madelyn & Connor both wearing the hats I knitted for them.

Later that same night, this is Connor with Kellie Bieser at "Knitting Night"
Connor and his Grandpa Sammons. Love it!

Here he is with his good buddy Griffin.

Look at these eyes. Totally melt my heart.

Love this little grin.

And this laugh is totally contagious.

My sweet boy.

"Are we going out in the cold again mommy?"

(We think this above photo looks a lot like Maddy when she was the same age!)

Playing in the Snow!

Yesterday was the perfect winter snow day because we still had lots of deep, fluffy white snow, but it really warmed up. So rather than looking at in thru the windows we decided to bundle up and go PLAY in the snow. It was so nice that we all stayed out for almost 2 hours. What a great way to finally get some fresh air and much needed vitamin D.

Here's Connor all bundled up right before he fell sound asleep in his stroller on the porch.

This was Madelyn's first time building a snowman.
The kids that live across the street saw us playing and quickly came out to join in the fun. Madelyn was so happy to see her buddies (this is her with Bella)

From left: Braiden, Maddy, Bella & Hannah

Splashing in the fun snow puddles in front of the house.

The finished product. What a cute snowman!

The whole gang.

Connor & the Bebe Pod Seat

The Great Thing About Saturday's

Two of my babies asleep on the couch this morning.

Christmas Day....What a Day!

Goodness gracious...our Christmas day was so packed with fun and excitement that it took me over an hour JUST uploading these photos. Wow! We started off our morning at home and it was so fun seeing what Santa brought for Madelyn & Connor. The magic of Christmas was really in our home this year. Here Maddy is opening up her new toy box and the first thing she noticed was the Elmo book set. Elmo is her favorite these days!

Digging deep into her stocking to find more surprises...
Look how excited Connor was about his stocking!

WOW, he's actually playing with the toys! Way to go Santa!!

I guess all that playing wore Connor out. Whew.

Thanks for the sweet ornament Madelyn!

After opening up all the gifts at home we drove over to my parents home in Worthington to celebrate Christmas with them. Here Madelyn is with the new play-food set from Natalie. What delicious strawberry ice cream!

Surprised faces of joy are one of my favorite things at Christmastime.

Yay! A REAL ice-cream maker. Gotta love that.

Mom with some of my knitting projects (a few dish cloths)

Here Connor is modeling the gorgeous baby booties knit with loving care by JulieAnna's grandmother in Argentina. They are so warm and cozy and fit him perfectly. What a special gift!

The recipe book. I so loved making this gift for Natalie that I had to order one for myself!

After all the fun and excitement at my parents home, we drove to Pataskala to celebrate Christmas with Gary's family. MORE GIFTS????!!!!

I just love this photo of Maci and Maddy. It's like Madelyn is saying "I don't get what's so funny?"

Gary's parents with all their grandchildren.

Jon, Janie, Maci and baby boy on the way (due in March. We can't wait to meet him!)

Todd Smith and his girls (Lindsay, Kylie and Erin...oh, and Molly the doggie)

And here's our last family shot for the day. What a long, WONDERFUL day!

It truly was a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.

THANK YOU EVERYONE for all the amazing gifts.

We love you all!