Two Little Reasons......

Two little reasons why I feel like the most blessed girl/woman/lady (what are you exactly when you're almost 30?) in the world......

Reason number 1
Reason number 2

And I also just happen to love little snowflake bottoms......

Winter Wonderland

It snowed last night turning our world into a Winter wonderland. Everett was so excited!

I felt like I was in Narnia.....

I was happy that the snow plow came within hours.

While Hampton was taking his morning nap, we went out to play in the snow. Ev looked so cute in all his snow gear.

His gloves kept coming off, so we'll have to get some better ones. He loved it when I would make a snowball and then throw it against the fence.

Our version of sledding.....

And Eric did a great job of making a snowman.

After fun in the snow, Everett took a nice, warm bubble bath.

While our clothes dried by the fire.....

For lunch we had grilled cheese and hot chocolate.....

The boys took long afternoon naps and then Hampton enjoyed Eric playing him Christmas carols on the guitar.

The day ended perfectly with fireside smores and a movie.

Another fun day of making family memories. In Everett's words, "It was snow fun!"

Santa Encounter

Last night we went to Biltmore Park to visit Santa. It wasn't exactly what I had anticipated as it was very cold, and he was outside, and he was ready to take a break and we were a bit rushed. Everett ran up to him, but then got really nervous. He had this really odd combination of nervous laughter and almost tears. We really couldn't quite figure out how he felt about the whole thing and he Santa himself was perplexed. We'll try again next week with the mall Santa.

We warmed up in Barnes and Noble. Everett had a hard time picking out what sweetie he wanted.

He loves to play with the train set at Barnes and Noble. I was very proud of him because there was another kid playing with the trains who was not so nice. He kept trying to steal the trains Everett was playing with. Finally Ev had enough and said, "No kid. Those are my trains."
I guess this is his tough guy look.

And here is my little elf.....

Hampton At 9 Months

Hampton had his 9 month check-up on Monday. He is doing great! He weighs almost 23 pounds and is in the 75th percentile for weight and height. His head circumference is over the 90th percentile. He is not yet crawling, but I think is about to. He is starting to eat more finger foods and learn how to drink from a sippy cup. He will stop the medication for his hemangioma in about 2 months. He also has a cataract on that eye, but it hasn't grown and is very small at this point. Hampton is such a joy! He is happy and content about 98% of the time. The only thing he really does not like is riding in the car and we are getting him a bigger seat, which may help with that. I just love this baby! He is such a great addition to our family.

Well The Weather Outside Is Frightful......

But the fire is so delightful!

Insight/Lessons From This Week

Eric came home Friday night from a week long business trip in Raleigh. When he goes on these trips I definitely bond more with our babies, learn more about them and myself. Here are some of the things I learned this week...... -Everett has a dramatic personality. I already knew this, but he really confirmed this week. On Wednesday we went to Hampton's opthamology appointment. Hampton has a really great doctor and she always gives Everett attention as well. Everett loves attention! Well when we were leaving and walking through the waiting room he threw himself on the floor and continually screamed, "I need to see the doctor!" I along with the other people waiting were amused.

-Everett has a wild personality. Again, I already knew this, but he again confirmed it this week. On Friday a friend of mine Sally Ann and her little girl Abigail came over for a play date. Everett was very excited and was literally was bouncing off the walls. He was loud. He was destructive. I found myself being embarrassed at times. However, I later realized he is just being a boy with a ton of energy (and maybe on a little bit of a sugar high since I gave him a shortbread cookie). He is mine and I love him.

-I also learned that Everett has recently become infatuated with Target. Every time we got in the car he would ask me to go to Target. When he spots the big, red bullseye he gets so excited! On Monday we went to Wal-Mart and he was distraught over this.

-Hampton has this new pitiful whine. I am not sure really what that is all about. I always think he is teething, but he is still just all gums.

-Hampton has begun to eat more "finger foods." He loves bananas and peaches.

-Hampton is maybe on the verge of crawling. It's just that big head holding him back!

-Hampton is very affectionate. He loves touch. I knew this, but I found it interesting when my sitter told me on the way home from preschool this week Hampy was fussing and then suddenly stopped. When she went to get them out of the car she saw Everett was soothing him by holding his hand.


I was so happy when Eric came home. I was just nice to give him the babes this morning and go out and do something on my own. Evy and Hampy really missed him too. When Hamp saw him he just started squealing in delight. Everett said, "Dada no working no more."

Family Day

Today was a pleasant mix of rest, relaxation, and activity. We definitely needed some recovery time from the holiday. Our sweet Hampton was wore out this morning.

For the past couple of days Everett has been asking if we could go to Target. I guess he shares my love for the place with me, or maybe he caught wind of their 2-day sale.

I dressed Hampton in Christmas clothes because I was just so excited to finally do so.

Every store parking lot should have this!

Later on for lunch we had warm chicken salad on big, fluffy yeast rolls. So good!

After long naps for all of us, we had potato soup for dinner. We then watched portions of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Nutcracker. Everett loves The Nutcracker. He dances along with the ballerinas and has an appreciation for the music.

Then things got silly.......

A rare moment where Maggie and Everett are getting along.