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.