Chistmas Week 2009

We were in Buffalo (WNY) for the 25-27th. During which time I was sicker than I've ever been in years, but the kids had a great time. I actually started to feel better on the 29th, and today I feel about 95%... which is the highest level I can run at, the other 5% is lost on a daily basis to lack of sleep, trying to concentrate, and frequent tv dinners.

Maddie and Chelsea played the whole time they were together... even though they only get to see each other a couple times a year -- they really seem to click. There was the occasional ownership squabble over toys that were unearthed after months of laying at rest, other than that -- their bond was a tough one to break.

We also made it to C's igloo on the 26th to celebrate AJ's first... unfortunately, we didn't snap any pics... I was still recovering from my serious (cold and sinus) ailments and left my wife with the majority of the kid watching duties. We had a good time, and also got a glimpse of how the older sister (Cailee) and younger one-year old brother (AJ) negotiate with their possessions... we took notes.

After two hours of ignoring each other, Maddie and Cailee really started to enjoy each others company.

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Here's the first pic on record of all the cousins. How old will they be the next time this rare event occurs?

Avery and Dylan having a good time. Avery was excited to see another boy in the family.

Dress-up time! There were quite a few costume changes in a relatively short period of time...

Maddie dressed up on Christmas day.

Enjoying a candy cane. We bend the rules with her sweets during the holidays.

Christmas Morning

Dylan was still snoozin' when Maddie ventured into the living room full of gifts. Our princess may have been spoiled a bit this Christmas, but so far -- the winner is.... drum roll please: The stocking!

Maddie's First Hot Cocoa

On a chilly December evening (last weekend), we decided to have some hot chocolate with our princess. For the vast majority of the time, I remember thinking - don't take your eyes off her, make sure she doesn't spill....

Cathy and I quickly forgot, and left her to fend for herself at the table. Within minutes, we heard hot chocolate spilling on the floor.... and her classic line: "I didn't spill anything...".

After Mom cleaned up mess, we took this video.

5 minutes after this video was recorded, a 2nd cup of hot cocoa decorated our floor... then it was Dad's turn for the cleanup session.

Dylan - Rolling Over Once Again

After a three month hiatus (link), Dylan has once again mastered the art of rolling. Over the last couple months, the added pounds hindered his ability to roll over from tummy to back... but now that he has some arm and neck strength - - it's no challenge. When he chooses to do so, he can accomplish this feat in a matter of seconds.

Visitor from Afar

Talk about traveling for the holidays - - Ukraine, to MA, to MI, to MA, then back to Ukraine.

It's never too far to travel to see Madison and Dylan.

Uncle Tim came to town for a couple days to see his niece and nephew. After 24 hours, Maddie warmed up and started to play... and as you can see from the pics below - - Dylan and Uncle Tim got along from the get-go.

Tea Party

Maddie set this tea party up all by herself. We left her alone for a few minutes, and next thing we knew -- there was a huge gathering in her room, sans parents! We eventually received an invite and attended her exclusive party.

Maddie - Notables 2

I was tending to Dylan in the living room while Maddie was playing at her table in the kitchen. A few (silent) minutes went by and I figured it was time to question her unsupervised activity:

Dad: Maddie! What are you doing?

Maddie: Coloring!

Dad: Oh yeah, what are you coloring?

Maddie: The chair!

Yup, that's right... and not only was she coloring the chair, but she was using a marker! Lucky for me, she only colored on the wood (not the fabric). I was able to wipe away the artwork in no time, with no evidence of my parental mishap.

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Mom recently taught Maddie where to find Dad's loose change (coins) in the night stand... from there she learned how to transfer this newly discovered wealth to her very own signature piggy bank.

One morning Cathy and I were in the living room, granting free reign of the house to our daughter. I decided to sneak a peak in Maddie's room since there was a long (mischievous)silence. Just as I was rounding the corner, I see Madison trying to wedge a $20 bill into her piggy bank!! Unfortunately for me, I also keep my wallet next to my loose change... apparently the nickels and dimes weren't cutting it!

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We've been (patiently) teaching Madison how to trace letters of the alphabet. We usually get through 5-6 letters per night before her mind wanders a bit, and some letters she can do better than others. It really depends on her motivation on the particular day. The pic below is from the first four letters she ever traced.

Cupcakes and Caroling

Mom and Maddie made some cupcakes tonight. Madison fully participated in the entire cooking experience -- prepping the batter, putting the frosting on, dusting the cakes with sprinkles, and then (of course) - enjoying her dessert.

She wasn't shy in front of the camera either. We took a lot of video, but this one was the most blog-worthy. At the end of the clip she sings Jingle Bells -- with some fresh lyrics in the last verse.

.... I don't know where she picked that up.

Dylan Pics and Update

There's one hour of the day (from 8:30PM-9:30PM) where the house is as peaceful as this picture indicates. Maddie goes to bed at 8:30, and Dylan snoozes until 9:30... it's during this time that we finally get to sit back and relax.


Dylan giggled out loud for the first time today... and is growing stronger by the day, lifting his head up while he's on his belly.

Avery and Chelsea Update

Uncle Jeremy recently sent some pics my way:

I'm thinking Avery hit Santa up for a nice monorail set for Christmas...

Chelsea pondered what to make of the jolly old saint nick.

Chelsea being a big girl and putting rollers in her hair after bath time.

Chelsea and Grandma before Chelsea went to see The Nutcracker. Chelsea loved the ballerinas and the Sugar Plum Fairy -- and has been dressing up like a ballerina ever since.