Christmas!

We had quite the Christmas this year. Abraham LOVED opening presents, playing with ornaments from the tree, looking at Christmas lights - exclaiming WWWHHHHOOOOAAA any time he would see them, and especially helping bake Christmas cookies. Unfortunately Grandma's camera has all the pictures of his "helpfulness" in the process. He really is quite the baker, able to now crack the eggs and open them with his thumbs to put then into the bowl. There are very few shells in the mix when he is done.

We ended up having a couple of different celebrations. We did our little family Christmas on the eve of as David had to fly to MN/WI for a funeral. He left Christmas morning. Abraham and I stayed with Grandma and Grandpa since nobody was home and delivery could have happened at any time...which of course didn't happen! On Christmas morning, Uncle Jake and his girlfriend Kandin came down to open presents and spend the day with us. It was really fun. Grandma, of course, had tons of food and fed us both days so that DB didn't miss out on Christmas goodies!

It is new years eve morning and we are planning on having some friends over during the lunch time to make pizzas and just hang out. There was a big storm that came through last night that dropped about 6 inches of snow. We all got out and shoveled, including me, hoping that would bring on baby. Nothing yet. We have been in and out labor for the last few days with contractions ranging from 4-10 minutes apart. Come on #2, we are all excited to meet you! Only 6 days left until our due date.

Watching Uncle Jake's puppy dogs in their cage while sitting on his new stool for helping in the kitchen. He loved herding the new puppy in and out of his cage.

Helping Kandin open her present.

90, going on 12. He was super excited about his new winter hat! Love the smile.

His own big guy table for the grandparents house!

Cheese face and having fun

Opening stockings with dad.

The bows were so much fun!

Helping decorate Grandpa with ribbons and open his presents.

Jumping, but not sure what about.

Our painting we got in New Orleans a year ago, finally framed!

Hope you all had a great holiday! Happy new year! Stayed tuned for news of #2.

Love,
the L-Bs.

Hanukkah

David was in Salt Lake City for the first 4 nights of Hanukkah but we made up for it when he got home. Abraham loved lighting the candles, calling them up down because the smoke would go up when the candles burned out! He had a great time opening gifts and reading his couple of Hanukkah books. Thanks Pop pop and Bubbie for the box of goodies. We loved the clothes and had to try then on as soon as the presents were opened.

David found this old school record player in Salt Lake. Aber's loves to change the records and listen to different music.

Still love to be a duck!

New books! Always a favorite.

Thanksgiving

Wow, little late in the postings. Trying to catch up before Christmas and #2! We had a very quiet Thanksgiving this year, just our family, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Herb and Jen. The food was plentiful, the bird was beautiful, and we all enjoyed the day. Abers, of course, needed BaPa to sit right next to him and pay attention only to him the entire time.
David made an awesome turkey, again, that was beautifully presented and ever so tasty!

Big helper in the clean up

I think Grandpa might have done some of the dishes...

Yumminess...half gluten free, half gluten full.

The newest way to use a vacuum!

Checking and basting the bird.

Sittting in a pot!

Story time. I think mom's belly is a pretty good resting place for an elbow. Reading our current favorite book....Little Blue Truck.

November

Just a quick note to fill you in on the days here. We have been super busy playing outside, working on big guy things, and continuing to improve talking. Instead of signing all the time, Abers can ask for hep (help), mo mo (more milk), ishe (ice), tete (head) and I'm sure there is another new word I can't remember. I tried to figure out how to download the latest ultrasound shot of #2 but can't seem to have any luck. David will have to do that one for me. We are looking forward to DB being off for 10 days. I work one day over the holiday week but otherwise should get some rest and relaxation in!

Thanks east coast grandparents for my AWESOME hat and vest. I never want to take my hat off!!!

Smaller than last time if you can believe it.

Who is this big guy in my house? Took him for a second haircut and the woman just about buzzed it off. Stopped her in time to remind her I didn't want a military buzz! The man was going fast, fast, fast the other day, fell, skinned his face and gave himself a black eye. Oush (one of his favorite words!)

Enjoy the video. It was a moment of creativity for Abraham. He doesn't like having cold hands, so he found the empty kleenex box, put his milk inside, and then could drink it without freezing! Mr. Thinker.

Happy Thanksgiving from Colorado!!

Love
the l-bs.

Pumpkin patch and Halloween 2011

Clydesdale's pulling the hay wagon...just for you, Grandma!

Picking his own pumpkin.

The duck hanging with one of his kind.

Pumpkin carving!

Good view of the cutest little duck butt.

Neighbor boys showing off their costumes.

Cheese face with mom and our pumpkins. I carved the right one, DB carved the left one.

Jumping for the roof. One of his new favorite activities.

We had a fun filled weekend for the last one of October! I think it was the first time in 2 months neither David or I had to work one of the days. What a nice treat! We went to Parker to visit Jake and Kandin and hit up a pumpkin patch. While it was nothing fancy, Abers had fun running over the hay bales, petting some animals, and picking his own pumpkin! Then on Sunday, we painted and carved pumpkins, made a visit to uncle herb so he could see the duck, and passed out candy. Abraham much prefers to GIVE things to people, so he enjoyed handing out the candy. We were going to do boo at the zoo, but on Friday, David came home from school in costume with bloody face and body paint on. This totally scared Abers and we decided not to risk anything scary at his favorite place in town.

We have a couple of more new words: tuc (stuck), aaay (eye and then hands me my glasses). I think thats all for now. Baby #2 is still growing as you can see by the pictures. Only 9 weeks to go! The room has been redecorated with the help of Grandma, so I'll post pictures when I can get them taken!

Love,
the l-bs.

Books, bellies, and bike safety

Hard to believe that we are halfway through October already! Where has the time gone? Abraham has had a great month, with tons of new words and even more fun to be around. Let's see, for the words: uh (up), dow (down), all duh (all done), bu bu (book) oush (ouch), ha (hot), bapa (grandpa), HAALO (hello, yelled for ALL the neighborhood or store to hear), bye bye (with a wave and kiss), nez (nose), bou (lips), allez (go!), le luia (either lion or elephant in french of course). The favorite toy continues to be giraffe, one little one in particular, but the new big ones from Kandin are also AMAZING! There is even one big enough to sit on! The huge mag flashlight is a close runner up, even having to go to bed a few times with Abers. Careful though, that thing could knock some teeth out! Nap time is no longer a struggle. Most days he goes down for 2-3 hours in the morning, meaning mom also gets to lay down for a bit! Eating is still a challenge, but breakfast is always a favorite, especially pancakes, waffles, and hot cereal. He loves "special drink", also known as mom's hot tea. When asked, Abers will get his own cup out, get the tea, and then crawl up in his chair so he doesn't spill all over the house. It's even better when he gets mom's tea mug.

Loves to read, all the time, especially Good night, Gorilla.

Favorite giraffe, Aunt Mindy and another book!

A couple of weeks ago, #2 at 27 weeks. We go tomorrow for a 29 week check. Baby is growing big and strong, kicking all the time. Feeling good, sleeping good, just getting bigger and a little more tired!

Flash lightening in my bike helmet. Have to be ready for anything.

Super cheese face. This is what we get when we ask for a smile.

One of the super cool new giraffes from Kandin. As you can see, he loves it, and knows to always practice safe riding.

Yummy tea on a cold morning!

Mr. Big guy enjoying himself while we wait for our trash guys. He loves Wednesday mornings because most of the street has trash pickup. Our trashmen know to look in the window and wave.

More soon. Grandma helped me paint the nursery last week. Once the border gets here, I'll update with all the pictures.

Enjoy the fall! It is finally here, with beautiful yellow trees and cold mornings! Love it!

jess

Fall Colorado fun

Even though it is still in the 80s at the end of September, we are sure fall must be coming. The aspens are turning, the nights are cold, and we can find canned pumpkin again! Here are some pictures of hikes and such. We were glad that Grandma was able to join us for a stroll last weekend!

Mr. Big Stuff hiking on his own with poles.

Snack time, turn around point.

The 3.5 of us plus Grandma. Really 4.5 of us if you count Toiyabe. Abers was asleep on the back.

River walking and catching those little red fish in the Arkansas...eddied out for safety.

Thinking about diving back in.