Christmas 2010

The girls must have been really good because Santa and our family got them all sorts of great presents. Shelby got this well stocked kitchen. When she came down Christmas morning she didn't even notice it right away and started playing with some of her old toys. I had to start playing with it before she noticed it. When she did notice it she ran over to check it out and then gave us a great big smile. It was pretty cute.

The kitchen was so neat and tidy for about a minute.

Shelby loves balls. Bouncy balls, ping pong type balls, whatever. Santa must have know and filled her stocking with about a dozen different balls.

There was also some wrapped gifts under the tree.

Including Jesse from Toy Story and Elmo for the bath tub.

Shelby loves Jesse. She was excited to see her but a little shy when she heard her talking. She won't touch her for a few minutes. After she warming up to her she has been carrying her around a lot. Tonight at dinner, she wouldn't eat unless Jesse sat with her!

Here Shelby is having Elmo and Jesse kiss.

Madelyn enjoyed watching all the excitement. Shelby tested her gifts out for her.

Christmas Card Photo Rejects

Getting a picture of the girls for our Christmas card was not easy this year. We usually take the picture ourselves so this year we decided to do the same. We dressed the girls in a Christmas outfit and set up a spot to sit them together. We tried to put Madelyn on Shelby's lap, which was probably risky, but she wasn't having it. We tried having them sit next to each other but Shelby would only sit still for about 30 seconds. We have a couple of pictures of them together. Most are with Shelby clapping as we were clapping trying to encourage and distract her. Here are a few of the funny pictures we did not end up using:

I am actually outside the window. This was the only way we could get her to stay at the window long enough to get a picture. She is laughing at me.

Shelby escaping.

Our final picks:

Tiny Dancer

We were able to get a video of Shelby dancing. Thought it was cute and everyone would enjoy it.

I will post some the rejected pictures for our Christmas card mailing. That was quite a project. Getting a picture of the two girls together was pretty much impossible. You should all recieve our Christmas card soon if not already.

Our Newest Family Member

We are happy to announce the birth of Madelyn Grace. Madelyn was born on November 16th. She was born at 7 pounds and 13 ounces, exactly the same weight as Shelby, and 19 inches long. Madelyn is nice and healthy and doing well. She was quite a sleepy baby in the beginning but we will have to see if it stays that way!

Sorry it took so long for me to post this. We have been getting to know Madelyn and adjusting to have a newborn in the house again. Here are some pictures of Madelyn. She actually looks like she might have lighter hair and possibly blue eyes.

Shelby has been doing great as well. She is a great big sister and thinks Madelyn is funny. She gets a kick out of the noises she makes and likes giving her affection. She has already started to share some of her toys with her.

Here is a little video of Madelyn. She can be make some pretty funny noises. Here she is annoyed to have the hicups again.

We hope to post more soon once we get some more sleep, so check back.

Happy Halloween 2010!

Happy Halloween! We stayed close to home for Halloween since baby #2 is due in 2 weeks. Shelby dressed up as Elmo and greeted trick or treaters as they came to the house. She thought her Elmo costume was so funny. She kept running around with the costume before putting it on and giggling and seems to enjoy wearing it when we finally put it on. All the kids thought she was so cute. Shelby trick or treated with Josh at the neighbors house. Next year we will go to more houses I am sure.

Waiting for trick or treaters

Checking out her reflection in the oven.

Trying to steal some candy.

The Elmo costume discarded

Being silly

Happy to be free of the costume.

October 2010

We have been enjoying the fall, my favorite season. I am getting big now so we haven't been getting out as much but I got some pictures to share of some of our fun October days so far.

Spoiler Alert! Here is Shelby trying out her Halloween costume. She is going to be her favorite Sesame Street character - Elmo!

Here is Shelby modeling her handmade sweater from her Great Aunt Mimi just before we were going out to music class.

Just today we went pumpkin picking as a family. It was a nice day out and we all had fun. Shelby enjoyed picking rocks better than the pumpkins!

Going Up

Shelby has mastered going up the stairs. Shelby used to try to go up stairs like an adult which we too difficult for her on such big steps. She figured out to put her hand on the step ahead of her and climbing up. She couldn't do it one day and the next day she was flying up the steps. Here is a brief video of her going up the steps. Now we have to make sure to put the gate up at the bottom of the steps or she will be climbing up them within seconds.