Transition baby to crib, check

Okay, so finally I've transitioned little O to his crib (and I've transitioned to the guest bed in his room). The first night we were up every hour, but the second night was great - 3 hour sleep cycles - yeah!

More "Ava"isms

It's so much fun having a 4 year old, they just say whatever is on their mind and Ava just has a way of saying things.

Ava to Owen: "Owen! Hey buddy, you're in this world!"

Ava to her Dad: "Dad, I didn't know I had a truffle bed." (meaning trundle)

Ava to her Mom: "Mom, taste this (spicy chocolate bar)"
Mom to Ava: "No, I'm scared"
Ava to Mom: (laughing)"Mom, don't be scared, it's just chocoloate"

Christmas

Well, it was a wonderful Christmas this year, Owen's first, and the kids had a great time. We celebrated with Mark's family on Christmas Eve and my family on Christmas Day. Canyon was with us on Christmas Eve and then went on a hunting trip with his grandfather. He came home late Sunday and will be with us for the week. We decided with Ava to start our own traditions and had her open her presents Christmas morning. We layed out sugar cookies and milk the night before and I took some great photo's of her discovering her presents.

It's so nice to be off work, but I wish it were longer. Mark is at home all this week with the kids and we are in the process of repainting Canyon and Ava's rooms (they switched) so it's been a little hectic. I have more and more respect for my own mother who raised three of us on her own, I don't know how she did it. I keep reminding myself that I need to slow down and enjoy these moments, when the kids are little. My sister has been visiting a lot lately, entertaining one or all kids so I can get everything put back in its' place. I am very blessed to have family that I can depend on.

Happy New Year!

Owen/Sleep Update

So, I said I would update on how Owen is sleeping now that he's 4 months old. Pretty much the exact same as when he was 3 months, no changes. We have his 4 month check-up on Wednesday so I'm ready to hear about all the things I need to be doing now that he's 4 months and I'm hoping that will be my motivation to get him sleeping on his own in his own room. Stay tuned...

Elf on the Shelf

Well, I can't believe how fast time is flying. Owen is already 4 months and every time I look at Ava I am amazed at how tall she is getting. Canyon was very excited to tell us that he made the A team in basketball - he LOVES basketball and we are so very happy for him. I'm hoping to actually make some games (I couldn't really with football b/c Owen was too little).

This year we started a new tradition, The Elf on the Shelf. For those of you who have never heard of the Elf on the Shelf, he's sent by Santa to keep an eye on your little ones and report back whether they are being naughty or nice. A very nice negotiating tool (especially this a.m. when he was stationed in our bathroom and I could finally comb Ava's hair without protest). Anyway, the one drawback is that every night the elf must move locations. Sounds easy, but we've already forgotten a few times. Thus begins the game of explaining why the elf did not move from the shelf. I think there should be a book called, "What to tell your kids when the elf on the shelf does not move". So far, at our house, there has been a blizzard at the north pole, he's found such a comfy, good spot he doesn't want to move and of course maybe the elf does not feel well. I'm waiting for the morning when I'm moving the elf on the shelf and get caught in the act - let's hope that doesn't happen.

Another tradition at our house is the "making of the gingerbread house", although it should probably be called the "ava eating candy/mom trying not to crush the gingerbread house". This year I had to really take stock not of what we were doing, but why we were doing it. The picture explains.

YaYa

How blessed am I to have my mom take care of Owen. She is a wonderful grandmother and I couldn't do it without her. She also took care of Ava for 4 years - talk about a giving spirit - thank you Mom for all that you do.

Can you pick out the differences in these two photos?

Ava is a quick study. Here we see how quickly she has picked up the art of swaddling.

Not Amused

Here is a picture of Owen during bath time, I think I was more amused than he was...