New Pictures

The last night Piper slept in her crib with her stuffed animals.
Isaac finished eating his spaghetti!
Grandpa J and his grandkids. I took the kids to St. Cloud to celebrate my dad's birthday a couple weekends ago.
Grandma Becky is a VERY good sport!
Piper still not interested in standing on her own two legs.
Quick. Grab your sunglasses before you're blinded by the light! Grandpa J's 61!
A view of what Isaac sees when Piper "falls" into his arms--one of her favorite games!
Our beautiful little girl with Godfather/Uncle Paul.
Our (best?!) attempt at getting a picture of the kids, my parents, and me.
Isaac "petting" Daddy's head after the big shaving. (Eddy opened his big mouth and made a comment about the baseball team's ability to fundraise. As you can see, he had to eat his words.)
I co-hosted a baby shower for a good friend. A few of the gifts, yet to be opened.
We made a circle of strength, which each of the women wrapping string around their wrists. Then the string was cut and tied into bracelets. The goal is to be reminded of the momma-to-be and send her strength for the rest of her pregnancy and labor/delivery. The string's cut once the baby is born.
Friends from college. Me, momma-to-be Molly, Sara, and Courtney with her little girl.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (aka Connor) and Batma (aka Isaac), striking a pose. Notice Batman's look of concentration.
More dress up. Batman (aka Liam), Spiderman (aka Connor), and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (aka Isaac) striking yet, another pose. (thanks, Auntie and Uncle Paul--awesome Christmas gifts!)
Piper loves Grandma Becky.
Piper trying out string cheese for the first time.
Modeling a handknit sweater Grandma Becky's friend made. How pretty!
Isaac had an orange lunch today: mac-n-cheese in an orange bowl with an orange spoon, oranges on an orange plate, and a special treat--orange pop in an orange cup. Lucky kid!

3.5 and 8 months

Isaac is 3 1/2 this month! And, I can say that he is definitely showing us his independence. A few things we've heard recently--"I don't want to, mama". "I don't want that one". "I wear this one". When he gets his way, we often here "that's a great idea". Recently when one of his toys wasn't cooperating with him, he said "I disappointed in you". Wonder where he learned that! He has started a new thing of rubbing his earlobes. I've been asking him why he does that, and once he responded with, "because I can". Oh no you didn't!! He is still infatuated with Thomas the Train and anything Scooby Doo. I have to say though, Batman is running a close third. We got rid of diapers overnight a few nights before Christmas. Happy to say he's only had a few overnight accidents and continues to be dry during the day. Hooray! He loves being read to, which we love. We picked up a few new books yesterday. I was at the library and checked some out as well. I think Isaac is going to be overwhelmed when I take him! Peanut butter sandwhiches are one his favorites. Although he asked (and actually ate) a turkey and grape jelly sandwhich. One of the best things ever, he is an awesome big brother.

Piper will be 8 months old this month! Where has the time gone?! She's doing great with sitting up by herself and only occasionally tips over. Since learning to sit, she's decided that rolling over isn't cool anymore, so if left on her back, she'll flail around like a turtle on its shell! She seems to be pretty impressed with herself and the noises she is making. Very vocal! Her hair is getting so long on top that it doesn't always stand up. She's also realized that "standing" can actually be fun and loves to jump in the johnny-jump-up! She was doing great with eating solids, but wasn't interested for a couple of weeks. Not sure if it was related to a cold or not. She's working on her first tooth. It's just about ready to cut through, but I've been saying that for almost a month now! She is a pretty happy baby. Isaac does an amazing job of getting her to laugh.

A few words about our amazing children. And now a few pictures.

I took the kids to visit a friend in North Branch. I think Connor likes Piper!

Jarett was trying to teach Isaac a few things about sledding down a hill. Isaac wasn't really havin' any of it!

I took the kids to the Home Depot Kids Project Saturday. Isaac is showing off his new apron, race car display, and the popcorn he got. Not sure what he liked the best!
With Isaac sitting next to Piper on our bed, Isaac says "take a picture of me, mama".
I had Piper try on the new swimsuit I found for her. It's difficult to see, but there are flamingos all over it! I like this picture because it captures what happens when Isaac gets in front of Piper.