Nine Months

Leo, Leo, Leo, how can it be that you are nine months old?  I am a week late in writing this and that is in large part because I've been chasing you!  You are so active and have become a speedy crawler who will do anything to keep up with your sister!  You love your freedom and the ability to explore everything, dangerous or not.  You've caught on quickly, you go for a cord, grab it, I look at you and say, "no, no" and you shake your head no, smart boy.
You seem  to be particularly fascinated with electrical cords and the vacuum, any time the vacuum is turned on your whole body lights up and you beeline for the noisy machine, the closer you are to it, the happier you are.
If ever you're upset you will always be happy if I put in the bath, you love the water, splashing and moving around, this has been true since you were born.
You've started to pull up on things big and small and we've started taking bets on when you will walk.. we all know it will be soon.
Getting you dressed has turned into a WWF scene, you flip, squirm and arch your back trying to get away and giggling the whole time.
We still struggle with sleep, waking up several times through the night.  You have your two bottom teeth and one of your top front teeth has come through, the other is not far behind and is certainly bothering you.  I have said several times, "Santa, the song goes, all I want for Christmas is my TWO front teeth, just one isn't getting me what's on my Christmas list... sleep!

You had your nine month wellness check last week, here are the stats:

 

Weight: 21lbs 10oz (65th%)

Height: 30 inches (95th%)

 

I love you my boy.

You and Grandpa after your first sledding adventure

 

 Pure sweetness

December



So far, I'd say December is off to a great start!  We've welcomed a visitor that Georgia named Noddy, he's an elf sent by Santa to watch over Georgia and Leo and report back to Santa each night.  Georgia seems to be getting a kick out of him and has sent pictures to the North Pole for Santa... clearly trying to do a little sucking up before the big day, not that she needs to.

Last week we put up our tree, Leo is very taken by the whole thing and can hardly stand the lights, this kid is obsessed with cords, most often electrical ones!

We've also already celebrated one Christmas with Nana and Bawdy before they headed to Arizona, Georgia was thrilled to be able to tear into presents so early!  

 

Noddy, and yes, I clarified with Georgia, his name is not Naughty

 

 

 

Sibling "love"

Leo checking out his new ride on Airplane

Both the kids got sleeping bags, they are so cute and Georgia has slept in her every night since, I'd say they're a hit!

Georgia going over so Christmas basics with Leo

 

What? Not a teething toy?

Annie!

A few months ago my dear friend Jody invited Georgia and I to go with her family to see Annie, I jumped at the opportunity!  Leading up to the play I think Jody and I were more excited than the kids, this production is a classic!  I did my best to explain that there would be kids singing and dancing and that it would be a lot of fun.  Georgia was excited, a little confused and certain that Annie herself was going to call her up on stage to dance with her.

After arriving the kids got settled in and the play began, I looked over and saw Georgia tapping her toe to the music, enjoying the show.  A short while later, in a loud whisper she told me she had to go to the bathroom, I stalled as long as I could, wanting to see all of the "It's the hard knock life" number then we headed to the restroom.  Once we were out of the theatre Georgia told me she was scared and didn't like Ms. Hannigan, I convinced her to go back in and luckily she was back into the show in no time. 

At the intermission the kids got "Sandy" dogs to take home, they came with adoption certificates which we were told a member of the cast would sign afterward!  The play continued and I couldn't help but well up with tears when I heard Annie singing Tomorrow, I remember playing this for Georgia when she was so sick, now I heard the words and looked over at my girl, who would have thought.

When the play finished we headed to the lobby and met the orphans, Sandy and Annie herself.  Thank you Jody, we had a fantastic time!

 

Heading out to the show!

 

Anna, John & Georgia

Sandy dogs

 

The girls waiting for the show to begin

Georgia and the orphans

Sandy the dog

Annie herself!

 

This is what happened the next morning....

 

 

Out and About

Freedom at its finest... the weather has been beautiful, cold but beautiful, so we have been enjoying getting out and about!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving 2013

This year we headed down to the South Sound for a beautiful Thanksgiving with the Handsakers, the weather was gorgeous and we all enjoyed a wonderful dinner. 

I'm always thankful, it's hard to look at my children and not feel thankful but this year felt extra special, having two children, celebrating Leo's first Thanksgiving and this year being able to say a name when referring to how thankful we are for Georgia's donor.  Life has gotten a little crazy since having two children, always rushing here or there, making sure everyone is fed, bathed and getting enough sleep, but even in the chaos of life I am brought to a screeching halt when I think about how profoundly a stranger has utterly changed the course of my life.  If he were not her donor she may not be here, if she weren't here, Leo wouldn't be here, it's all mindboggling how the kind and generous act of one human being can alter the course for so many others.

I am beyond words when I think about how thankful I am for him, for his selflessness for his generosity and for literally giving the gift of life to my family.  Cheers to you, Mr. Germany, thankful will never be enough.

What a Year

To celebrate the amazing year we've had I took a look back, happy birthday Georgia girl, keep going, the world is waiting for you!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GVYbQHUJDqA&feature=c4-feed-u

Four

Today you are four, four!  I can't stop thinking about how grown up four sounds, you're not a baby, or toddler, you are a four year old girl, and what a girl you are!  You're incredible Georgia, a force to be reckoned with, a kind and sweet ball of fire.  There's not denying your life so far has had an impact on who you are today, but there's a lot of you that simply just was that way from the start.  There is an intensity about you, you get it, what ever it is.  You are keenly aware, of everything, you always have been.  This is true from people's emotions to driving directions, you are just always aware.

It has been so fun to see you become a friend, you are kind and playful, talkative and a good listener. You know what you should do and most of the time make the right choices.  I've seen a glimpse of what boundaries you're going to start pushing and I'll admit, I'm already strategizing on how to teach loving lessons to a girl who isn't afraid to give it right back.  The other day I'd asked you not to do something, when I got frustrated after seeing you weren't following through, you said, "ugh, but mom, I need to do what I want to do!"  You have started to go under the kitchen table when you are going to do something I don't want you to, this is a bit hilarious because there's no tablecloth or anything to hide what you're doing.  At the end of the day you are so full of love, always telling me how much you love me and wanting to snuggle, I hope this happens forever.

You are strong, you are brave, you are smart, you are so beautiful. To you, to four and to many, many more, happy birthday Georgia.  I love you my girl.

Sparkle & Shine

We did it!  We had a full fledged, lots of kids, cake and balloons birthday party... the theme, Sparkle & Shine!  Georgia loves all things pink and its even better if they sparkle so that's what we did.  I was thrilled that almost everyone could come this year.  The house was full of little girls putting on tiaras, bracelets, rings, hair clips and more, and cousin Blake represented the boys with a kings crown and pirate eye patch.  There was lots of twirling, running around and smiles, it was perfect!  Georgia was so happy, she loved having the house full of friends, opening presents and eating cake, it was the perfect way to celebrate the big 0-4!

The girls huddled around the "sparkle & shine" table of dress up things

Eight Months

Oh my sweet boy you're growing up so fast!  The last month has been big, your crawling has really taken off and so have you!  You love your new found freedom and enjoy exploring everything... and putting anything and everything in your mouth!    You are "talking" more and have the best giggle, we often hear it when your sister is around, she loves to make you laugh.  You continue to be a snugly boy and I refer to you as my little koala bear, perched on my hip.  

You are broadening your pallet with lots of different foods, bottom line, you like to eat, no wonder though, you fit into 12-18mo size clothes!  You are slimming down (I use that term loosely) as you are more active but are still really long.

You have started to mimic things like sticking your tongue out after I do, or shaking something once you've seen that it makes noise.  It's like I can hear your brain working, it's really, pretty incredible.

Your nature is mild (in comparison to your sister) and you're happy.  Sleep is still not your strong suit but you are improving.  You LOVE seeing daddy, in person or when he calls on FaceTime from his trips, you squeal and smile.  You are simply the perfect completion to our family.

I love you my boy, I'm so happy to call you mine!

 

 

 

 

On The Move

He's been working on it for a little while now, rocking back and fourth on all fours, spinning in circles on his belly but now Leo is officially on the move.  I would say he officially started crawling the day before Halloween and in just a few short days he's already gaining speed.

Last night Brian called us on FaceTime from his trip, we put the iPad on the floor and Leo's face lit up, he smiled and squealed as he crawled toward it.  Georgia and I kept moving it throughout the living room and kitchen and he would follow.

Things are changing.. Georgia officially has a new job of looking for and picking up small things that  Leo might want to out in his mouth.  As Leo is gaining freedom it's becoming clear that I'm losing mine, this boy is into everything!  Truth be told though, it's pretty thrilling to see him put it all together and become successful and so pleased, look out world, here comes Leo!

Related? I Think So!

As the kids get older and features are becoming more clear one thing is certain, they're related!  They also are having a lot of fun together, Georgia loves to be the first to get Leo after his naps and when he wakes up in the morning.  She opens the door, climbs into his crib, unswaddles him, all the while talking in her high pitched, sweet voice, saying "hi buddy" and "hey bubba..."

Life with two is busy, crazy and fun, these two are fantastic!