Author: Shannon

Luckily, Paige’s early bathing experiences were not a good indicator of her feelings about bathtime.  It’s now one of her favorite things to do and we actually use it as a tactic to interupt nighttime screaming fits before bed.  Here are some pictures I took of a recent bath.

Spontaneous worry:

Splashing is one of her favorite things.  I’ll be able to get more pictures of it when I’m not worried that she’s going to slip down and drown while doing it…

Learning to appreciate letters like her brother:

Little P:

Little B:

All smiles:

Sheer concentration (on what, I have no idea…):

Lounging:

On the 11th we went to Gran and Granddaddy’s house to celebrate my birthday (the 10th) and Greatmama’s birthday (the 9th).  After the celebration it was time to get down to the business of Christmas goody making.  Liam had a fantastic time decorating cookies to give to his teachers and I am so grateful to my mom for letting us use her fantastic kitchen!  Here are pictures from the day.

Liam helped open presents:

Greatmama, I wonder what can it be?

Liam helps blow out the candles:

Now it’s time to make goodies!

Slinky break:

He’ll find trains anywhere:

Gran love:

M&M apertif:

Cookie chat:

Cookie Cutter Contemplation (with a side of Chocolate Chewing):

Let’s get this party started:

I love this one:

Bucket Head:

Time to clean up:

It was an exhausting but fabulous day!

I have tons of other pictures to post from all the birthday celebrations and day-to-day cuteness but I had to start with these from our recent visit with Sylvie & PJ.  As usual, I had a very hard time choosing which pictures to post so I’m just posting them all!

Sylvie models her lamb hat & booties:

What a smile!

Talking to Auntie PJ:

This is what the difference between the 1st growth percentile and the 75th growth percentile looks like:

Could she be any cuter?  (No, no she couldn’t.)

Thick as thieves:

Auntie PJ to the rescue:

Sylvie is already giving me the look that my own children give me when I pull out the camera.  What can I say?  She’s a very quick learner.

Paige smells something.  I can pretty much guarantee that it’s of her own making…

Sylvie just got a whiff.  I still blame Paige.

Lean on me, when you’re not strong…

I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on.

I’m so looking forward to watching these two grow up together!

I know I promised to put up pictures of Liam’s first race awhile ago.  I believe I used the word “soon” (possibly even “very soon”).  Two weeks later is apparently my new “soon.”  Bear with me here, folks…

On Thanksgiving morning Liam ran his first race.  It was called the “Drumstick Dash” and was a 50 yard dash.  It might have been the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, but the way my children have been lately the “cutest thing” happens every day.  They’re exhausting, vexing, sometimes infuriating, but man are they cute!  Back to the point:  Liam’s first race.  It took place after Gillian and I finished walking our first 5K (which by the way is kind of awesome — no stress, no trying to fight your way into a good spot in the pack, just going for a walk and then getting a shirt and free snacks afterwards).  I can’t wait until I’m running again, but it was a nice way to ease back into things, for sure.

When Matt arrived with the kids, Liam ran towards me and said “Oh Mama, I’m so excited!  I’m gonna run a race!  It’s gonna be so much fun!”

Paige wasn’t entirely pleased about the whole thing, but she hung in there…

Liam and Matt warm up:

A little dynamic stretching:

Liam adds his own flair…

Ready to race:

“Hooray!”

Heading for the start line:

Getting instructions (Liam’s on Matt’s shoulders near the middle of the picture):

On your mark, get set (Liam’s in the front towards the middle):

GO! (Liam’s in the middle employing his classic ‘look behind’ running technique):

He was excited to finish the race.  Getting a medal was pretty cool.  But what he was really looking forward to?  The snacks at the finish…

It was a great way to start a Thanksgiving!