almost February already?!

A few photos of Arilyn from last week:
I attempted some cute pics, however she would not keep her hands out of her mouth. She's been sucking on her fingers since 16 weeks in utero as per ultrasound videos. Silly girl.

Saturday Jan 24, Kyler's cubscout rocket launch:

The girls and I

The troop and the rockets they built.

Lexi and her doll Lilly.

Arilyn fell asleep in her high chair watching mama cook.

This is a very old cemetery with some tombstones dating back to the early 1800's.

My handsome guy.

The beast, Zed

Sanding Kyler's pinewood derby car.

Such a happy girl!

Taking a walk in the woods near our house.

Kyler shooting leaves with his BB gun.

A tiny salamander we ran across. To compare it's size we placed Zed's leash near.

It's been a pretty calm week here with the usual busy days. On Friday we learned Kyler has walking pneumonia. He and I have had a cough since a few days after his birthday. The dr. was impressed he hadn't spread the illness to baby Arilyn and that he didn't complain and was very optimistic.

Arilyn is getting so big and is doing a little more everyday. She is getting really good with her hand control and is able to roll over when she wants to.

Upcoming...we have Jared's birthday...30 years old! Wow.

Hoping everyone has a great week.

a visitor and a birthday

My angels.
Arilyn fell asleep in her walker, so precious.

Matt came to visit for a few days! Thanks, we all had a good time. We hadn't had a visitor since my mom in October.

Daddy time, ha ha.

Precious.

I love her baby stretches.

Sibling bonding time.

We bought Arilyn a high chair. Not for eating in just yet but for socializing. She loves sitting and refuses to recline.

Playing in Lexi's room. Arilyn loves to stand, she's a strong girl.

My dad's birthday was Monday, we had planned on visiting Sunday or Monday but I came down with the flu. So we went yesterday instead.

He claims Arilyn looks more beautiful everyday.

Grandpa love.

Being as my dad is a diabetic chocoholic, I made him a sugar free chocolate cake filled with sugar free chocolate pudding topped with homemade whipped cream, slivered almonds and chocolate chips. Not a pretty cake but he loved it.

Zed

Last Friday was a big day for Lexi:

-It was pajama day; her class earned enough 'tokens' (rewards given by various staff for noticing good behavior) to host their own jammie day.
-She won student of the month! I'm so proud of the kids, seems they are always bringing home awards. Kyler was student of the month in October.
-She lost her tooth...at school, in the halls!
Needless to say, she came home going a hundred miles an hour about that day's events.

We adopted a new little guy. His name is Zed. He is now 9 weeks old (8 weeks in photos). An Australian shepherd/border collie mix. He's a gorgeous little guy with green eyes.

My baby girl LOVES to chat with herself in the mirror.

She gets all into her stories with hand gestures and serious expressions.

Puppy love.

Today I found Zed relaxing in our shower, silly boy.

Sleeping beauty.

Welcoming 2011 right!

The week in photos:

Arilyn is such a happy girl, always full of smiles...
Thanks to the Endo family for Kyler's art set, he LOVES it.

She gets so excited over her singing birdy.

Lexi riding her big girl bike! (from 16" to 20")

Snow atop the hill.

Such a gorgeous girl.

Reaching for the camera.

Big blue eyes!

I love her pout! Lexi used to do the same thing. Adorable.

Yes, Kyler had a new moustache!

We headed to the coast during the grey whale migration. We were able to see several grey whale sprays, it was breathtaking!

Depoe Bay, known as the world's smallest harbor.

And of course...

KYLER'S 9TH BIRTHDAY!

As our tradition is, I made him his birthday breakfast of choice: homemade Belgian chocolate chip waffles, bacon, sausage, hash brown patties, Mexican hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream and chocolate chips. He said it was the best breakfast ever, I explained that birthday breakfasts are magical. He smiled.

He got everything he wanted! Thanks to those who sent cards, gifts, gift cards, who called and/or texted. It means a lot.

The Super Mario Bros birthday cake I made him. He was happy, therefore I was.

The top layer was banana chocolate chip cake (SO good) and the bottom was chocolate with homemade whipped cream filling (my favorite!).

A quick little Arilyn photo shoot:

Kyler's party:

Grandpa and Arilyn. He adores her so much. Always ranting and raving over how strong and beautiful she is.

As usual, he danced when we sang happy birthday. Typical Kyler!

A good group of kids: Brock, Kyler, Jonathon and Jackson.

Goobers. :)

Hope everyone has had a great start to the new year. Here's to a beautiful 2011, full of fond memories and beautiful moments.

Last but by FAR not least...

Arilyn's Dr. finally called back after waiting over 2 weeks for the echo cardiogram results...everything looks normal! Words cannot express how relieved I am. Ever since the Dr. told me things were not right at her first appointment, I've been thinking of this. Now, finally, I can let it go. Thanks to those who prayed for her.