Friends

The other day I was talking about how bummed I was that time was going so quickly, and I wouldn't have time to do all the crafty things I wanted to do for/with Fiona for Christmas (sorry Evie...you're still too young.  I tried wrapping presents with you today and you just ate wrapping paper and unraveled all my ribbon.)  One of the things I really wanted to do was make an advent calendar.  Today this came in the mail...and I cried...in the best kind of way.  There is no way I can express how much this friendship means to me, and I know too often I take it for granted.

Thanks, Emily. 

Allie and Kateri Visit!

Allie and my sweet God-daughter Kateri came to visit over Jon's birthday, and we had an awesome time!  My only complaint is that it was far too short!  The whole weekend consisted mostly of playing, eating and enjoying some adult beverages--for the adults, of course.

Jon enjoying life.

After playing so well together over the summer, I was so excited for Fiona to see Kateri again--and they did not disappoint! (minus some sharing issues Fi is currently having, but I can't help but cut her a little bit of slack with Evie getting into everything she plays with...it's just a phase, right?  right?!  With Leah thrown in the mix too, I have a feeling these crazy girls are going to be quite good friends. 

I don't think Jon could have been happier having his sister here...and me too!  Thanks for visiting, and come again soon!

Who looks more excited?

Because this is what they're doing:


 

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have SO SO much to be thankful for this year and had a wonderful time celebrating with the Joe Birds and the Danahers.

We've done lots of work on the house lately.  That combined with a festive start of the holiday season really is making our house seem like a home.  There's finally a light at the end of the tunnel.  Thank you, God for all we've been given this year--good and bad.  It's truly been amazing.

Also, Jon cooked the best turkey I've every had in my life.  Seriously--it was insanely delicious.  Go JB!  I had no idea a dairy-free Thanksgiving could be so good.  Yum.

9 Months!

I know it's not really a milestone, but for some reason, Evie hitting 9 months makes her birthday seem like it's just around the corner?  How is that possible?!

Anyway, since I've been stinking at blogging lately, here the latest of that lovely little munchkin.

She now has two teeth, climbs on everything, waves at everyone, cries when she sees me if I'm not holding her, finally sleeps for 8+ hour stretches at night, loves giving kisses (I love it when Fiona asks for a kiss!) and in general is absolutely delicious and delightful.  She also finally learned how clap.  Not sure why it took so long, but I think she just figured it out yesterday, and is pretty excited about her new trick.  She also continues to be very serious--especially for strangers (and the camera).  The fact that she loves waving at them so much makes her stare-down that much funnier.

 Oh, and this is her other favorite expression.  Accompanied by, "ooo, ooo, ooo, oooo."

Just because.

It was gorgeous out the other day, for the first time in months, and we got to walk down to our neighborhood park and play without having to worry about 3rd degree burns. 

Evie also go her first ride on a swing...which she LOVED.  See, she smiles!

This day also made me really appreciate how close in age these two are and our new diggs.  For as much work as there still is to do, this makes it all worth it.

Look, Momma!

A caterpillar!

The imagination on this one never ceases to amaze me.  It also reminds me to be very thankful for her dad. 

True story as we were driving the other day:

F: What's that?
Me: A gas station.
F: A gas station for the car?
Me: Yes.
F:  What's a gas station?
Me: That. (Complete Mom FAIL.)
Jon: !!!  A gas station is (fill in the blank of what a gas station really is.)

Sometimes I forget to remember in the midst of 10 million questions a day that her inquisitive little mind just likes to know things--and can actually process so much!  Thanks, Jon, for picking up the slack when I myself am a slacker.

Seven Months!

So these are almost a month old already, and the six month pictures may be lost for good.  But it's nice to see some reward for being a slacker and leaving these on the camera for far too long. 

 

I can't believe this little chunker is growing up so fast.  I love watching her try to keep up with her big sister--and let me tell you, she does a darn good job...at least enough to annoy Fiona :)

Up and running...

The computer AND Evie!  Check her out!

She got her first tooth over the weekend too!  Crazy that it took Fiona more than four months longer.  And SO happy to know there was a reason for the past week of crankiness. 

And this is just too delicious to not post:

Momma. :)

So I may have no pictures (and there is lots of back posting that I need to do about lots of Evie's firsts) but before I forget or get even further behind, Evie officially says "Momma."  It's definitely more like "ma ma ma ma ma," but it still counts, right?  Ah, she's adorable...I want to eat her up!

Also, my poor little bugger picked up her first little virus over the weekend.  Luckily the second time around, I'm a little more comfortable watching a 104 fever from home...and it helps that our new neighbor's a nurse :)  I think it was roseola, so on the bright side, Fiona was in the clear.  Evie has been such a trooper, but it sure will be nice to get her back to her sweet little self.

So long, hard drive.

Not that I think anyone was waiting with bated breath for a new post...especially given the recent lags...but it will probably be quite some time before the next post.  At least with pictures. 

Last week, I heard a clicking sound before the computer froze.  Then I couldn't boot it back up.  Sadly, I've been told it was a mechanical failure with the hard drive.  Luckily, we don't need a whole new computer, and the Apple Store is just going to replace the hard drive.  Very sadly, there is a chance that all the data (i.e. ALL THE PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF BOTH OF MY GIRLS!!!) may have been lost into computer oblivion. 

Say some prayers that the data recovery people can work magic.  And back up your hard drives!  Don't learn the hard way, like we did.  :(

Scituate!

We are SO fortunate to have such a wonderful vacation spot every summer (and the rest of the year too!). The people and location couldn't be better.  This year we definitely missed the other Dallas Birds and the Phoenix Birds, but took full advantage of having the Speiers and Nanny and Papa all to ourselves.

Since there are so many of them, I'm going to let the pictures do most of the talking here.

Audrey was in love with Evie! 

First dip in the Atlantic!

 While Fiona's always excited to see all to see all the cousins, one of my favorite parts of our trip was watching this blossoming friendship. 

Sorry, I couldn't pare these down...too cute!

This is the best I could get...and even this was a feat.

I see many of these in the future...

Riding the dragon Jon helped the girls build.

Possibly the best picture of Audrey ever.

Thanks so much, Nanny and Papa for such a wonderful trip!  We are so blessed!