Alex and Audrey looking longingly outside. How cute they are. Last night "we" put up our Christmas tree. Alex was so excited and telling everyone about how he was going to put up his tree. Funny how that turned into Daddy putting up the tree by himself. I had to wrangle babies. We have not put any ornaments on the tree yet. I am debating even putting any on. Audrey is a nut. She uses anything that she can to stand up. The tree has about a 90% chance of being pulled over by her this year.

Alex is excited for Christmas. He is making me more excited. Right now he is laying on the floor yawning and telling me, "I not tired." Hmmm. He is going to his Grandpa S. today to have some fun. He keeps talking about his tree that turns round and round. Thanks to Aunt Janet it is also laden with toys as ornaments. Both Alex and their dog love the toys. Audrey would love the toys if I let her get close enough. And she would slobber on them just as much as the dog.

This Christmas Alex has agreed to give away some of his toys to other children. But he wants to "test" each one. They are now strewn about the house. He does seem excited to give the toys away. At least while they are still here.

Now off to Christmas shop!! We hope that everyone has a wonderful CHRISTmas and Happy Holidays.

"God, here I am. God. It’s Jesus’ birthday. God, where are You? Here I am. I say, God, it is Jesus’ birthday. Yeah! We’re puttin’ up the Christmas Tree! Yeah, God!" This is Alex talking to God while jumping on the sofa cushions. This Christmas is going to be fun. I can't wait. He keeps saying that He and Jesus are having a birthday and they are getting presents. He is very excited. And when we get into the car he only wants to listen to Christmas music. This is a nice change to always wanting to listen to the Curious George soundtrack. I suppose beggars can't be choosers.

Our family has just gotten over being sick. All except Audrey. I am most thankful for that. It was a most debilitating time. And now it is running its course through the extended family. I won't say it is from us, but unfortunately, I think there are those who blame us. And it took a week to recover. But we are on the mend.

The picture above is of a new favorite. Well, it was a new favorite until Alex realized that Audrey floats. He decided that she should not sit up in the bath tub. It is now his duty to knock her over. So bath time together may not be such a good idea anymore. Alex does enjoy the new found facial hair. And Audrey is content to eat the bubbles. Such a refined palate.

Audrey is on the move now more than ever. Which makes sense but is very trying. She is moving from couch to chair to everywhere very fast. Her favorite is to climb onto the DANGEROUS brick hearth and bang on the fire place doors. This is all despite the fact that we have placed two chairs in front of the fireplace to detour her. She finds her way around. Trouble, with a capital "T"...

Audrey is quite the show stopper. No matter where we are we have people stop us and tell us how pretty she is, good, adorable, etc. All of those spoiling adjectives. It is one thing for us to think it and another for people to tell us. Of course, people often comment on how well behaved these urchins are too - oh, if they only knew what happened behind closed doors. Yes, Mom, pay backs.

We hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for! So much!! I have racked my brain trying to figure out what we "need" this year. Thank the Lord I cannot come up with anything. We are so blessed. Not a need to speak of, healthy children and family - what more could I possibly ask for?

Even the kids are asleep now! Sweet. 10:51PM and all is well. Christmas tree decorating tomorrow! Maybe. 

Alex was a lizard/frog/toad/'iddle boy baby this year for Trunk or Treat. Thankfully he still doesn't grasp the candy concept of it. At least for now. He is getting so big. Lately he has been acting like a baby - crawling on the floor, whining constantly, not wanting to go potty in the 'ittle boy potty. He keeps telling me that he can't do that because he is my 'iddle boy baby and I need to hold him. And it would just so happen that he would want me to hold him when I am feeding Audrey or holding her or changing her diaper or something of the sort. He is a very good little boy though. I do take every chance that I can to hold him. Soon he isn't going to want me to do that. I think I will be sad.

The other night he asked me to lay in bed with him. My back had been hurting that night. When I laid down beside him he said, "You ok, mommy?" I told him my back was hurting and asked him if he wanted to pray before going to sleep. He said ok and began to pray, "Dear Jesus God, thank you for...mommy...and pease touch her." I thought he was going for the "thank you for my food" but nope, he thought it out. And wouldn't you know it, the next day my back felt much better. He is getting so smart. Too smart. He listens to everything. And now, more than ever, we are going to have to watch what we say around him. I am sure I will have to learn a lesson or two before I actually remember to watch what I am saying around him.

Audrey is getting big too. She is standing up every chance that she gets. And if she doesn't have the chance, she makes it happen anyway. She is climbing upstairs, over people, under tables, off of couches. She has no fear. She laughs all of the time and sounds like a little monkey when she gets excited. She also claps her hands and smiles - imagine the monkey with the clapping cymbals and you got it. She loves music and claps in time with the music. Another trait that she didn't get from me, but I can honestly say she didn't get it from her daddy either.

Audrey now has three teeth with a fourth one about to emerge. The top right tooth came in on Saturday night/Sunday morning. And she has been mean about it too. Cutting teeth on top of a cold would make most people mean, I suppose.

I just love these babies so much. Some days it is hard but a little hug and a big kiss from my 'iddle boy baby makes it worthwhile.

Andrew Michael. Alex's big cousin. Audrey's even bigger cousin. And he wants to be famous. Andrew that is. Alex still calls him "Doo-doo". Andrew isn't too sure about him. Andrew loves to play video games, visit with his grandma and papaw, visit with his dad, and eat small worms. At least I would imagine he would enjoy eating small worms. Andrew may soon be a karate black belt. He will be chopping through wood and concrete blocks before we know it. Of course, he has to begin taking lessons but that is just a minor setback. Andrew loves his Gameboy. I would imagine that he is playing Sonic in this picture. Oh! And pizza, Andrew likes pizza. And Halloween, hamsters, Christmas presents, cicadas, and anything that begins with the letter "R". There you have it, Andrew Michael, a famous person you can now say you know. 

Audrey Grace. She is so cute. This week has been a rough one, for this mom at least. But one look at her and I realize it really isn't that bad. It is only rough because for the first time in almost three years I have missed myself. I mean really missed myself. I didn't realize that I was lost until recently. I have a whole new perspective now and think my mom is a hero and my Aunt Judy is a super hero. Sorry Mom, but 7 always beats 3.

Ahhh, but enough about me. Audrey is pulling herself up anytime and everywhere that she can. She still has the balance of an inebriated bullfrog but I am sure that will not last much longer. She can stand without support for a few seconds longer than before. I sometimes think she is very needy. Not princess needy, but needy. She always wants to be with me. Or near me, or on me. With those smoky blue eyes I cannot say no. Alex on the other hand has no problem telling me no. Of which he often gets the pleasure of having to put his nose on the wall. I think it would be easier to spank him than have him put his nose on the wall. But putting his nose on the wall actually works to curb some of his behavior issues.

Alex asked me if "when I was 'iddle was I a princess?" I of course said no. He then proceeded to ask me twelve more times. Each time I tried to explain to him that little boys are princes while little girls are princesses. Finally on the thirteenth time I asked him what he thought. He said, "Mommy, I was a toad. 'iddle boys are toads." Issues? We have none here. He just got some rain boots. Fire engine rain boots that he loves. They are a couple sizes too big but he should still be able to wear them. He has fared just fine running around the house tonight. Little boys are funny toads.

We may go to a train expo next weekend. It depends on what our schedule looks like but I think Alex will love it. He went on his first fishing trip with his daddy, his Grandpa S and his Uncle Scott this past weekend. He was a little scared of the boat at first but got over it almost as soon as it started. He got to try out his new fishing pole. He did not catch any fish, but his Uncle Scott, the Pro Fisherman, caught a few in the short time they were out there. They all seemed to have a good time.

Well, it is bed time for the kids. Daddy is trying to escape from Alex's room without being forced to sleep with him. And Alex is trying to escape from his room so he will not be forced to sleep at all. Go figure. 

Meet Lorelai Danielle, Alex and Audrey's cousin. She will be turning 1 on December 6. Her mom has already begun to plan the big event. Poor Audrey. She still doesn't have any shoes and her cousin has shoes and will be having a big party. Audrey doesn't get anything. I can already see her pouting.

Lorelai has it rough, though. Her mommy is always giving her a bad rep. Lorelai is a princess. Literally, I think. I sometimes call Audrey a princess but doubt she can pull it off. She already tries to beat up Lorelai while Lorelai yells at her. If they were to actually throw down - I would have to put my money on Audrey (Sorry Lorelai, I have to go where the money is). Of course, Audrey has the advantage of a big brother who has no qualms about trying to pull her leg off (Audrey's that is) or pushing her over so that she skins her nose on the carpet. Lorelai just gets the love of her best friend, Alex.

Lorelai loves to talk on the phone. She loves to talk to her cousin, Alex and he loves to talk to her. It is funny, you can almost make out what she is trying to say. Her third word, after "mommy" & "daddy", will be "Alex". I am pretty sure of that. She just lights up when she sees Alex. She and Audrey argue over toys. It is a precursor of what is to come and I don't like it. Nope, not a bit.

Lorelai looks like her daddy. But there is something of her mommy in her. I just can't pinpoint it. While Lorelai looks like her daddy she is much prettier than he is. Of course, I have never seen him in a dress so I may be speaking out of line here.

Lorelai is soon to have a little sister. I know she will love her as much as Alex loves his 'iddle 'ister. Everyone - let Em know you love her and send her a congrats!!!

OK, Ok, I am kidding. She isn't expecting. Sorry Lorelai, no new baby sister. You will just have to be happy with taking toys from Audrey :-)

The boy loves to fish. Or so it would appear. His GG just got him a real fishing pole and he always wants to use it. Unfortunately, his aim is usually at his sister so for now I have hidden it in the closet. Sorry GG! Although we do get it out on certain occasions - when Audrey is asleep. The picture above is at Bonny Brook Country Farm. Out of everything to do there he was most attracted to the cast iron bathtub and dowel rod fishing pole. And despite the fact that he talked about riding a pony the whole way there he chickened out and would only get near one if I was holding him. I never thought Alex would be apprehensive about animals - just the other day he screamed for me when he saw a Daddy-long leg spider. I just shook my head. Can't be my son. But I was there...He did love the "tunnel" carved through the hill. He loves any tunnel. And the wagon ride was fun too. Once again, the "tunnels" (as he calls them) or barns were a big hit when we drove through them.

Audrey enjoyed the day too. She took absolutely everything in. It was a little chilly ("chilwee" per Alex) so she had to be bundled up but did everything she could to get out of it so she could see. She loved the animals. If she would have had her way we would have taken one home - I am sure. We will leave that for when she is two, then she can throw a fit for one. That should be fun.

Audrey is trying to walk now. Yes, walk. She got mad at me the other day when she fell over from standing up and taking a step. The girl can't even sit up without me worrying that she is about to fall over. She doesn't even have that all worked out. The doctor said that she thought it would take her awhile since Audrey never sits still. Never. But the child doesn't care. She sees her brother walk so she wants to. I am afraid that she will be walking before nine months. Wait - she will be falling down more often before nine months. She scares me. She is afraid of nothing.

Alex got sick the other morning. His second time ever. Between their daddy and the kids being sick I haven't had much fun lately. He later told his daddy that he had eggs and cheese for breakfast and then, "I throwed them, daddy!" And throw he did. Thankfully we were in the bathroom.

Audrey is trying to talk more now. She is starting to say "Da-da". You would think that they would say mommy or something related to the mom when you spend most of your waking hours with them (and some not so awake hours). But no, the reward goes to the daddy. I suppose that is ok. She is becoming more of a mommy's girl. Can't stand to be without me. If she sees me or hears me talking she most often wants to be with me. I am ok with that. I really enjoy it. I may act otherwise but deep inside it makes me all warm. Even with Alex - I love it that he wants his mommy and he wants to "seep wif you a 'iddle bit, mommy". Yep, all warm inside.

Being a mom is really a blessing.

Let's see - kids asleep, check - laundry done - no check. Never mind, let's forget the list.

This is Alex singing "Jesus Loves Me". Still a favorite of his repertoire. Other songs include, but are not limited to, "Zacchaeus was a Wee, Little Man", "Pop Goes the Weasel", "Bob the Builder", and "Row, Row Your Boat". Today he has been sick. A sudden attack of a virus, or so the doctor says. One minute he is fine and the next minute he has a fever over 102 degrees. Thank the Lord he is doing better.

This week has been slower than last week, that is for sure. We had revival all week long. It was really good but really exhausting. Especially with two kids in tow. Alex has been excited to go to church every night so he can play in the nursery with his best friends, Michael T, Anna, and Michael. And yes, Alex calls them his best friends.

I have found it interesting that he is just like every other child. I know, I shouldn't be surprised. Everyone told me it was coming. If another child has it, he wants it. And if it is his sister who has it - you better watch out. His trick is to "trade" her for what he wants. She always comes out on the short end of things. For example, Audrey is playing with a train. Alex will "trade" her sock lint for the train. That way he didn't take it from her, right?! They begin to reason at a very young age. Fortunately for Audrey, or rather for me, she doesn't realize that sock lint is not a comparable trade. But she will soon.

Audrey is another story all together. I really do think that she will be running around like a noodle head entirely too soon. She is a very determined baby. She crawls over to me and pulls herself up and then she stands up. The funny/scary part is that she then lets go. For just turning seven months she has pretty good balance. But I already cannot keep her out of stuff. I have moved the pack-n-play out into the living room so I have a easy place to contain her when needed.

She loves to talk. I know, many of you are scratching your heads and wondering where she got that from - her dad. She talks and talks. She also yells. Which is very funny, even when it is in the middle of church. She always has to be in the middle of things. And she LOVES to eat. I just started this week giving her baby food. She loves it. Now if she sees any of us eating, especially Alex, she has to eat and if she isn't then she gets upset. So far she has had peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, and bananas. This does not take into account the food that Grandma M has given her when I haven't been looking.

We have a packed weekend, once again. Although not as much as last weekend. I am not sure I can handle another weekend like that for a while. So many people from out of town are now in town. And they want to see us. Actually they want to see the kids. The mom and dad are now just seen as breeders, nothing more. Go figure.

It is 10:37 pm, do you know where your cat is? 

How do you top this picture? I don't think you can. At least not yet. Audrey is getting so big. She is moving up to her stationary car seat. I know, I know, you are thinking what is the big deal. Let me tell you the big deal. Now the rotten child will need a high chair at every restaurant. Doesn't sound like that big of a deal but if you consider the cleanliness factor of most restaurant high chairs (you should be gasping in horror at the thought); while also considering the "Audrey" factor which is if it can come close to my mouth then it can fit in my mouth. We have some issues.

Her balance is still a little questionable as well. Although, yesterday she sat up by herself. Not the lean to the side but a full booty on the floor, feet out, arms waving wildly in the air sit up. I was impressed. She then proceeded to crawl over to me and stand up. Once again, not just stand up and hold on to me, but stand up and let go. I don't know what she was thinking because she can't stand up without assistance at this point. And that was pointed out to her since gravity kicked in after about a half-second and she hit the floor.

She smiles all of the time. She is mean only if she is hungry or tired. Don't let her get too far past empty or you will pay for it. And yes, a this cute thing can be mean, trust me.

Alex is a crazy noodlehead. "Noodlehead", a term of endearment used specifically for Alex. Who now is using it to show his love for the "crazy dogs who keep barking dere heads off, mommy." Yeah, I guess they do repeat everything.

The following is an excerpt from a personal conversation Alex was having with himself today: "And a parrot said, what are you doin’ outside. What do you see on the, on the…, on the tree? And you say, you goin’ on a swing set? No, I say... The monster says we need to get out of here. The monster says, "You need to get out of here, boy." The monster get inside and tell me to get outside and swing on my swing set. …The monster push me and swing on my swing set and I swing on my swing set, and there’s a birdie flyin’ up in the sky. And a monster say to me – get outta here. I hidin’. The monster tell me to get out of here and go and swing on my swing set, mommy. A gorilla talked to a monster, and, um, a gorilla talked to a Rusty the Train and he lookin’ at your cup mommy."

Not so sure about the boy. I do love to sit a listen to him play. I do not know where the monster part is coming from. We don't talk about monsters or anything. The other day he said, "Look mommy, what do you see? Do you see the monster up in the tree? He scary!" I have tried to ask him where he is coming up with this stuff but he changes the subject. Odd. And speaking of where he gets some stuff... if his Papaw S only knew the stories Alex tells about going potty in the pond. Perhaps this same Papaw could shed some light on that...

This past Friday the family went to see Thomas the Tank Engine during the Day Out with Thomas. It was fun. Alex loved it. Absolutely loved it. We thank Aunt Janet so much for the tickets. Alex just sat and watched out the window. I loved watching him. I was sorry that the train ride was so short. After the ride we went and looked around the souvenir shop. Alex also played putt-putt golf. This game consisted of taking other children's golf balls because he like their colors better than his. Didn't go over so well with some kids. We will have to go back some other time so he can see Sir Topemhat who had already left for the day.

Oh well, another day is almost over. What have I accomplished today? Let's see...Alex and I finished a thank you card. We colored pictures of Thomas and Percy. We read a book. We played trains. Alex got to eat a fluffer-nutter sandwich. Ummm - oh, both children were bathed today. And I got a shower!!! Sweet. For those of you without children you may never understand. And for those of you with children who get a shower everyday - don't talk to me.

Today has been interesting. Alex has decided that he is crazy. Or perhaps I have decided that, not sure. He was running around the house today with the bucket on his head saying he was a robot. Then he would be a parrot. Not sure how the parrot became involved with everything but there was a parrot. And the boy doesn't miss anything. We are going to have to be so careful with what we say around him. No more negative talk about Aunt Em, that is for sure. Today he escaped from the bathroom and began to run around the house yelling to me that there was a "hummerd on my booty". To translate for the rest of you - his McDonald's Happy Meal toy, a red Hummer, was firmly planted on his un-diapered rump (this was of his own doing, he was holding it there). "Mommy, 'ook, dere's a hummerd 'riving on my booty." He ran away laughing. I had to look the other way. I don't want him to think that he has to do that for a laugh. We will leave that up to his dad.

Audrey is still the same - well, wait...she is seriously trying to stand up. She has no time for stinkin' crawling. Her primary goal is to get any of Alex's toys that he might be playing with. Can you see the drama that will be unfolding in my life in the near future? Alex already can't stand it when another child has anything that he doesn't. Think of how it will get to him when it is his SISTER, of all people, who is playing with his trains. At this point she doesn't do much when he takes them from her. But that will change.

It seems as if we are finally getting on a decent schedule with Audrey. She now goes to bed around 10 to 10:30. May sound late to some but to me it is glorious considering that 11:30 was the norm. And it was not uncommon for it to be around 12 AM. She is taking longer naps in the day as long as I can keep Alex from running into her room yelling, "Audrey, hey, Audrey! You 'wake? Hey, Audrey!"

Oh well, it is time for me to go to bed. Let's see - 12:23 AM. Not too shabby.

Oh to wake up smiling every day. Most babies have that advantage. Or at least, both Audrey and Alex have been prone to do so. Of course, Alex doesn't always wake up with a smile anymore. In fact, today he actually wanted to stay in bed. But he wasn't too bad about it. He didn't have much of a choice considering that he had a 7:45 am doctor's appointment. AND we had to be there at 7:30 am. But I digress... Audrey is a happy baby. I feel so bad sometimes because I think I neglect her. It just seems as if Alex needs more of my time - or attention - then she does. Now when she becomes super mobile then I will have a real dilemma on my hands. But I am thinking a stake with a rope tied to it. I can tie her ankle to the stake that way she can only go in a circle of which I will determine the diameter. Sounds like a good idea to me. But she probably won't stand for it. She would gnaw right through the rope with those little beaver teeth that she has. They are sharp. Like two little razors. Trust me, I know. Razors.

Alex and Audrey are experiencing a single parent home for the weekend. Their daddy is away at a men's retreat for church. A place for men to scratch in the comfort of their own kind, I suppose. It is supposed to be a church event but all I hear about is golfing, fires, meat, football...I don't think there is a speaker at all now that I think about it. I certainly feel for single parents. They are my heroes!! The kids have been good for the most part. Alex has not been as whiney these past two days as normal. Thank the Lord!!!!!

Alex's new thing is that he wants to listen to "wock n wool". No more Veggie Tales for awhile - another answer to prayer. He has three favorite things to play with - a little plastic fish from the dollar store, a little rubber lizard that is blue from someone, and his Thomas the Tank Engine trains. I love to sit and listen to him play. The other day, out of the blue, he came up to me and gave me "a hunred dollars, mommy". I haven't a clue. He tells the best stories to his trains. "You feelin' bedder, Murdoch (a train)?" "You ok, Murdoch?"

If only I could truly express how much I love these little wonders. They will never know until they have kids. I think about how much my mom and dad love me...I never realized it before. What I wouldn't do for these urchins...

I am not sure about the boy. Of course, I do have to admit to buying the hat. But I bought it for myself. It has been commandeered by a small urchin. He had to wear it while he was under the tunnel (the table) fixing "sumptin". Not sure what. Come to think of it, I should probably check the underside of the table for any unapproved changes. Alex is running around the house with Harold the Helicoptor and a small blue, rubber lizard. They are all flying in the snow. Not sure how that came about. "Oh no, Harold a copter, Harold get off of deer (there). I'm flyin'. Hee hee. Get off...fly, flyyyyyyy. Turn Thomas the Tank Engine on. Thomas the Tank Engine. Fly, fly, fly." And now he has left the room. Welcome to my house.

Audrey has cut two teeth. At once! I thought she was acting funny. But per the norm, I did not put two and two together. Next morning, she wouldn't smile at anyone, which is odd. About an hour before we went for her 6 month check-up I thought I saw a glimmer of something. Performed the tried and true spoon test and viola! Teeth. Both bottom front. She hasn't been the happiest, but who can blame her. To top the day off she had to go and get three shots at the doctor's office. Audrey is in the 75th percentile for height and noggin size; and in the 60th percentile for weight. She definitely did not get the height from her daddy or myself.

Audrey also loves food. I had not been giving her any table/baby food. But then there is Grandma M., who is in trouble..."But she likes it." Hmmm. Now when we eat Audrey is very jealous. She WANTS to eat. We did discover that she thoroughly enjoys circus peanuts. All kids love pure sugar. For that matter, who doesn't?

Ah, motherhood. I love it. Although last night at about 1am it was a little trying as I had work to do, Alex was not feeling well and still awake, and Daddy was in bed with a migraine. But thank the Lord, everyone is doing better now.

Well, back to work. And more football. It is football season, almost as good as Christmas! 

Audrey will chew on just about anything. Of course, these are meant to be chewed on... She is just so cute. I can't help it. Yes, biased, I know, I know. She is asleep right now. I think she is trying to cut teeth. A joy for both parent and child. Someone once told me they thought that was the one mistake that God made, having babies teethe. I stepped aside because I thought lightning would strike. I would have to respectfully disagree. It may not be fun, but as in any trial, the results are worthwhile. We just happen to see these results quicker.

Alex is in his room for quiet time. A self imposed quiet time. He stole some jelly beans and then went into his room and closed the door. Now he is wanting out. So he is banging on the door yelling, "mommy, mommy, mommy!" It warms a mother's heart, especially when his baby sister is asleep across the hall. Wait! Now he is bouncing a ball yelling that he is playing "basitball" and making sounds like an elephant. He has discovered that if you pull apart the CHILD PROOF door knob covers you can have quick and easy access to freedom. Did I mention that they were child proof? Yeah, well, not so much. I do give him credit though. He actually did it the first time by using his screwdriver that came with a workbench.

Audrey's crawling is improving. She can get wherever she wants to go. Another blessing and curse all wrapped into one. A blessing because soon I will not have to cart her everywhere and a curse because soon I will not have to cart her everywhere. Yes, I said it again. Now I can control where she goes and what she gets into - for the most part. When she gets up and starts wandering my job requirements increase with no increase in pay. Par for the course, I suppose. Audrey has started to yell. I think it is experimenting with talking over her brother. She sounds as if she is either angry or hurt - but neither are the case. She is smiling when she is doing most of it. She loves to be in her Exer-Saucer. And she loves to be held. I like that part too.

Alex still likes to snuggle after a bath. Grandma M got a chance to experience that after she gave him a haircut the other night. He just likes to be wrapped in a towel and then he has to be held for a 'ittle bit. I love it. Nothing like a clean boy who wants to snuggle with you. His haircut is so cute. I love it. I actually had Grandma M take a bit more off - Alex's hair was very long to the point it was starting to curl. He looks like a little man.

UPDATE: Now he is banging on his door wanting me to fix something. I should go check on him but then that will ultimately mean that quiet time is over. If I stay in here I can extend quiet time a little longer. Just a little longer, please. Plus I have to get stuff ready for Alex's visit to Pa-paw S's house.

The day is young and I am already behind. 

The otters were pretty cool! Alex loved the zoo. And if you see him, ask him about the gorilla. He tells the story very well. We had a good time despite my reservations. Reservations because I was taking a whiney two year old to the zoo on a day that was supposed to be oppressive, weather-wise. But it worked out great. The weather wasn't too bad and the kids were absolutely wonderful. We stayed there until the park was about to close. That surprised me. I expected to be required to leave due to unhappy campers. Ah, but not so.

Guess what now...Audrey can crawl. Yep, I said crawl. The child can't even sit up on her own but she can crawl. Not scooting on her stomach, but actually up on her hands and knees moving forward. The doctor just shakes her head and agrees that I am for some interesting times.

Audrey is a very happy baby. I know, no surprise. It amazes me that every morning she greets me with a smile. Even when her brother wakes her up - she smiles. She loves to be outside and to see everything. She also loves to be naked but that is another story.

Alex newest thing is to tell me that "I not go to bed, mommy. I not sleep." Oh, how soon they turn on you. He has also started to come into our room in the middle of the night. He ran into a door the other night. I thought his dad was going to have to use some Judo on a perpetrator to save us. I then realized that he doesn't know Judo and the "perp" was really a twerp named Alex. "My need my mommy." Really, what do you do with that? Daddy doesn't find it as endearing as mommy at 3:30am. He must be jealous.

Ahhhhhhh, the house is quiet. Babies are sleeping. This is nice. I should probably take advantage of this time and take a shower, or I could clean...or do nothing....decisions, decisions. 

Audrey Race...as Alex calls her now. How cute she is!!! She still does not have any teeth, which I find very surprising considering the amount of saliva the child produces. She can bite hard, too. The "spoon tap" test (a test proudly proclaimed by my Aunt Judy) failed to yield any results. They have to be in there somewhere. She still isn't crawling. I know, you think, "...but she is only 5 months old." If you saw the child moving you would be amazed that she ISN'T crawling yet. She is a very happy baby. Unless her brother bites her finger. We found that out the other night. I am not sure why he bit her finger. He is not a known biter.

Which takes me to my next topic...um, are all two year olds bi-polar? One minute he is flying off the wall laughing and the next he is whining saying he needs his mommy. "Need" is his favorite word now. "My need my mommy, my need that, my need a dink, my need my daddy, my need my balloon..." get the picture? I just don't get it. I need to go and review the book "Bringing up Boys" by Dr. James Dobson. If I remember correctly boys are technically a different species. I thought that with Alex's daddy for awhile, then he shaped up. So I thought it was a fluke. Go figure - they are made that way.

I do enjoy it though, even though it may seem as if I do not. I love it. I love it when Alex says he needs me to sleep with him for "just a 'ittle bit, mommy." How do you say no to that? Even when the laundry is piling up.

You should see Audrey when she sees Alex. She just lights up. She has a big smile to begin with but it seems to grow even bigger when her brother shows up. She is always reaching for him and trying to touch him. Alex loves it when she pulls his hair. I don't. I try to stop it because I am just waiting for the day that Alex decides he should try it.

We will be going to the Columbus Zoo on Friday with Pap-paw S and family. Should be fun. Or at least interesting.

Let's see - 12:50AM...what am I doing up?

Can someone please help me? I need to know how you deal with a little boy who is so cute and yet a weasel. Yesterday he was in trouble for strategically placing Fruit Loops behind the fireplace insert. While I was sternly disciplining him, he kissed me lightly on my nose and smiled, saying, "Mommy, I kissed you." What do you do?! The day before that we had just walked in the door, with a smile on his face he proceeded to kick the dog. Not sure why.

As for Audrey, if those teeth don't come in soon....And wiggle, man, this girl wiggles. It's a work out just to hold her. We have been attending a local camp meeting. Good messages but I am exhausted when it is over. Chasing two kids, one crying because she wants down and another crying because he wants up. Go figure. I have never been so wildly popular in my life.

Alex has been content lately to play with his trains. Buying those trains has been the best investment in toys for him. He plays with them constantly. I am just waiting for the day that Audrey wants to play with them...that will be trouble. For now she is content to drool on the ones that Alex gives her to hold.

Alex's patience with Audrey is waning. It has taken a serious hit this month, and the month just started. He now tells me to put her down and pick him up. Today he told me to quit feeding her. He thought he would help by pulling my shirt. He also tells people to take her. He still likes to hold her and lay on her. I will remind her of the many times that I saved her life when she was little. Alex now loves his sister...most times - not all times as before.

Audrey will be crawling soon. She has mastered getting up on her knees. But she doesn't have the arm support yet. Everyone must pray for me when she starts crawling/walking. I doubt she will ever stop. Constant motion.

Well, for once the day is young. What to do, what to do?

Living a life of leisure. That's Alex for you. He likes to sit in Audrey's bouncer and lounge. He is getting so big. I had someone tell me the other day they thought he looked as if he was three. Nooooooo! Not yet.

Alex's big announcement the other day was that when he was a 'ittle boy he was a frog. And he was green and had black eyes and a black mouth and he said, "Ribbit." He has learned that an elephant is a pachyderm. Rhinos and hippos are next. He has also learned that if he lays on the floor next to his door at night and sobs uncontrollably I will come and lay with him. I can't help it. He sobs as if his heart is broken. I just can't take it.

Alex got in trouble at church today. When asked if he got in trouble today he said yes. And then proceeded to tell me, through no prompting, that "Holly 'panked me." I had to tell Holly that time out had grown to a much bigger experience for Alex. And no, she didn't spank him. She did what she had to do when a two year old attempts to pull hair and throw a cup at a baby. Separation and time-out. Yes, Holly, I will be using your techniques.

Audrey is grow like crazy. She slobbers all of the time. And for anyone who has held her for an extended period of time - you know what I am talking about. She still has very curly hair. She may hate it later in life. The minute we step out into the humidity the curls spring into shape, even if her hair has been straight all day. It is so cute. She is very happy too. Of course, she is very happy as long as the following conditions are met: not tired and not hungry. If either of the conditions are not met then we have issues.

Audrey is rolling over and over and over. She uses it as her means to travel. She is constantly on the move. She has discovered that the appendages on the end of her arms are useful. She has to pat her Pop-pop's goatee. He loves it.

She still has her cousin, Lorelai, beat on weight. And they appear to be the same height. Lorelai still has her beat as she not only realizes that she has useful appendages at the end of her arms, but she is more adept at using them as weapons. Plus she can sit up. I think she secretly is laughing at Audrey because she can't sit up on her own yet. Just wait, Miss Lorelai...just wait.

Oh well, another day, another night and once again it is midnight. Where has the day gone? 

A sleeping baby is a wonderful thing. An even better thing - two sleeping babies. Alex and Audrey are both growing like weeds. Pretty weeds, but weeds. Alex is all about his baby sister. Actually, he says that she is his baby and that he is my baby. Well, big boy baby is how he terms it. He is funny. He has started to sing. "Jesus Loves Me" is his favorite. He will sing along or request (actually demand) that we stop singing so "my can sing". His Aunt Em is dedicated to having him use "I" instead of "my" but I like it when he says "my". She will know when her little one starts talking.

Audrey is rolling over from back to front and vice versa. I don't think it will be long until she is pushing herself around. I do hope it will take her a little while before she starts, but she is already trying to move forward. I also think she is about to get two teeth on the bottom. Alex did not get his first tooth until he was 7 months. Audrey chews on anything that she can get a hold of. She is fond of her clothes. She smiles all of the time (I know, still). She is starting to laugh. It is awesome. She seems to have a more emotional personality. Still a little hard to tell, but she does seem more sensitive to pain and such then Alex did.

Alex is a noodle head. Now when he is in time-out he cries and then says "My want to roll over, mommy." As if him changing the subject changes everything. He likes to chase the dogs. Our dogs are good with the kids but I don't want to see how they feel about having their ears pulled.

Alex and Audrey have been sick for a week and a half. Alex was the sickest and I believe that God healed him. We anointed and prayed for him after 5 days of fever and a rash that the tests kept coming up negative for. The next day - his fever was gone and the rash started to dry up. Thank the Lord!

Oh well, tomorrow is another day. It is 11:52 pm EST. Time for mom time. I mean, me time. 

Alexander...hmmmm. He was running in circles singing songs in his hat prior to the picture. Not sure why. Perhaps he is like his dad. I know many of you are thinking this can't be true, but it is more true than you know. The only difference is that Alex's daddy doesn't wear Thomas the Tank Engine on a regular basis. Alex is starting to get his two year old attitude. He has started to tell me no, that he is going to spank me, that he is going to knock my noggin (wherein he attempts to head butt me - I do not know where he go this one, honestly). Fortunately he says most things while laughing - not the no part though. He is starting to throw little fits but I guess I should have known this day would be coming. He can't be like me forever! :-)

Alex has been running around the yard yelling, "Jesus is our Savior" and "Jesus is our Life" and "Jesus is our Friend", all from VBS this year. He then will proceed to yell, "VIVA!" And I do mean yell. It is amazing that he remembers everything. He started yelling those things with no prompting from us. And now he wants to sing the Jesus song all of the time - it is always the "Jesus Loves Me" song. He is starting to sing along - Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus I know...

The other night he climbed out of bed and stood just outside of the room I was in. I kept hearing sounds and thought the dogs had gotten something. I asked Alex's daddy what “that” sound was…it was Alex standing outside the door sipping water. I hate it when he is funny at 11pm.

Audrey had her 4 month check-up today. She is in the 75th percentile in all three categories – weight, height, & length. She is perfect, right on schedule, if not a little advanced. Now we all knew that didn’t we. She loves to stand. She LOVES to wiggle. If you have ever held her you will agree with that. She loves to be talked to. She loves to be kissed (or I love to kiss her). She loves her brother. It is so awesome to watch her watching him. If she isn’t tracking me, she is tracking Alex. She loves to eat. She loves to swing. She is just great.

I am trying to begin to put her down to sleep at a more decent time than 11 or 11:30pm every night – her choosing not mine! Tonight she had to cry a little longer. After about 10 or 15 minutes I finally got up to get her. Her daddy walked with her a bit until she quieted down. I think she is sleeping!!!

She is absolutely beautiful. I am enjoying having two babies. Alex calls Audrey his baby now. He loves her so much. It is fun just to sit back and watch him with her. I know this stage will not last forever. I had a brother who needed me to be mean to him every now and then. How our parents ever made it would only be due to the grace of God.

I am so blessed. I was thinking today that I have no need of anything. Nothing. How awesome is God?!

Well, it is 11:31pm and all is quite at the homestead. It is time for me to do something, I am sure. Probably laundry. Nahhh!

Have you ever seen anything so cute? Ok, maybe her brother, but you have to admit - she sure is cute. Never mind the slobbers. Audrey is now 3 1/2 months old. She loves to look around and talk with you. If I don't pay enough attention to her, she lets me know.

Audrey is as tall as her 6 month old cousin, Lorelai. Not sure how that happened considering her dad and I are both vertically challenged. I think she is going to be just as brilliant as her brother.

Alex just finished Vacation Bible School, or BBS as he called it. He loved it. Every time we get in the car now he asks if we are going to BBS. Today during "quiet time" (which was anything but quiet) he was yelling "BIVA" (or Viva for you Fiesta partakers). It was very funny. Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine was saying, "Jesus is our helper," or something. Or I suppose it could have been Bob the Builder.

We just bought Alex a fish. Not a real one, thank the Lord. I promise to kill any real/live fish that come to reside at my home - sorry guys. His fish is a toy Carp. The package says Coy, but my mom had a point - it's a bottom feeder - nothing good about that. It is kind of cool as far as toy fish go. It "swims" in the water and actually looks like a real fish. He named her Abigail. Why? I am not sure. He was most likely saying something else and I translated it to be Abigail. He probably said, "My toe hurts" and well - Abigail was born. What a lucky girl.

Alex and Audrey got to meet their newest cousin today - Alyssa (or is it Allysa?) Ann. She is very cute. And Alex wants to kiss her and pat her head. He thinks she is Audrey. Her mommy and daddy are in for some fun. I can already see that she has her daddy right where she wants him. He better be careful!!! Of course, I see the same with Audrey and her daddy.

Let's see...it is 5 after midnight. Do I go to bed? Hmmm. It would be the earliest I have made it to bed in awhile. I would like to have one day where I am bored. Just for an hour or two - I would like that. Now I have to find some time to read "The Grapes of Wrath" for my book club. Good luck to me.

Off to find something to amuse me for a short time. 

Today I am filled with such awe and wonder. I know, a little sappy. But I look at these two as Alex watches "God of Wonder". The song playing now says "We were made to praise You". I am just so blessed. Always have been but today I feel it so much. "Made in Your image and wrapped in Your love"

Alex got up this morning and came in to see Audrey in bed. The whole time he lay with her he said, "'ove Audrey" ("love Audrey" for those of you who forgot he leaves the first letter off of most words). He kept trying to hug her but for her safety and longevity of life I had to banish the thought AND form a protective barrier around her. I wonder if I liked my brother as much? I just remember beating him up - remember that Tom?! Yea, that's right!

Audrey is getting bigger and bigger. She is just so cute. She does make me nauseous with her already brown skin. I know I will embarrass her in the summer by wearing shorts and blinding the world. Oh well, that will be my job, I suppose. She is talking up a storm. She seemed to just take off talking on Monday. Granted, I can't understand a word but that isn't much different than Alex at times.

Alex is such a big boy. I look at him and just sigh because I know he is only going to get bigger. Time flies. Yea, in a wink. He is doing great at lacing using his new lacing book from his Grandma and Grandpa S. He sits in his room and puts the string through the holes before falling asleep. He is the cutest thing. A weasel at times. As some of you know his new request for food is a baby zebra and a mommy zebra (don't ask, I don't know why). When asked how they taste he says like a chicken nugget. Weasel, I say. I hope no one is affiliated with PETA. We could be in trouble.

It's almost 11am and time for quiet time. Sweet! 

I am smitten!! How cute they are! I know, I know...they are my kids but look at them - they are so cute! Alex is willing to let his 'ittle 'ister lay in bed with him. He wants her to sleep with him but that is not such a good idea for multiple reasons. 1- He wiggles like a snake on speed & 2-He wants Audrey around for only a little time, then it is on to the floor with her.

Alex is funny. He is talking up a storm now. His favorite thing to say is "Up a hill, down a hill". Why, I am not sure. He also enjoys saying, "Mom, 'op it. Too loud, mom." Already developing an attitude. He now enjoys "Bob the Builder" much to my disdain. But for the time being it is better than "Thomas the Tank Engine". Uh-oh - crying baby...

Mother of two. A place I never imagined and now I cannot imagine my life any other way. Some days are more trying than others but when you add those days up, they pale in comparison to the normal days. God has a plan for our lives, that's for sure! He definitely surprised me in every way - from finding out we were expecting to loving everything about being a mom (so far, the diapers are a little bothersome...).

Audrey is getting bigger. She is growing out of her clothes quickly. A good thing, except with this Ohio weather she is running out of warm clothes that fit. She is more alert with each passing day. And she loves to be talked to. We have to watch Alex because he likes to yell to her. His volume control is missing. But I guess since he is just two...

Alex is such a good big brother. He still loves to hold Audrey and kiss her the whole time. He actually held her through the entire reading of "The Cat in the Hat" - smooching her constantly.

Well, it is ll:55 pm EST and I should be off. Audrey is still awake. She holds the record in resisting sleep. She is an animal. She wants to sleep. I want her to sleep. Her dad wants her to sleep. The dogs even want her to sleep but she is strong. She has the will power of a large, stubborn person. Oh great, I can only imagine the teenage years.

Ahhhh, the love. Alex is now showing signs of jealousy. I know, the picture would indicate more that Alex smells (look at Audrey's face!). He does love her but he thinks that maybe she should stay away for an extended period of time. He hasn't verbalized that yet, but you can tell he is thinking it.

Alex was sick last week. Very sick. A temperature of 104.4 degrees sick. Ever since then he has been very clingy with me. I do like it. I really love it. I just wish that I had more time to indulge it. My mom says that we now know what he will be like sick - a wimp. I guess he takes after me. His dad is not a wimp when he is sick. But I probably shouldn't admit to this.

Alex now fake cries. It is funny. And when something touches him he says "Ow". A little dramatic. He has the memory of an elephant - to his grandparents chagrin. They can no longer tease him about spending the night or buying him a $200 Thomas the Tank Engine train table (Mom?!). He is getting bigger day by day and smarter with every second. Oh, and he loves pretzels.

Audrey is getting big, too. She is in the 75% for height and weight. Alex was always in the 20%. She is beautiful though. I dislike that fact that I do not have the one on one time with her that I had with Alex. I feel so torn because I want to pay attention to her and to Alex too. It is hard. She doesn't seem any worse for the wear. I must be doing something right because she is growing like a weed. Oh, it may only be feeding her but I am doing it right.

Audrey slept through the night for the first time May 6, 2006!!!! Sweet. And since then she has done pretty well. Wednesday night she was up until 3am but I think she did not like the medicine she had to take.

Audrey smiles all of the time. I love it. It is the best thing. Since Alex did not smile until he was older this is a new experience for me. A lot of things are different between the two. Audrey slobbers, chews on her hands, talks, smiles, eats like a small horse, and makes very manly sounds. Alex may have eaten like a small horse and made some manly sounds but not with the regularity that Audrey does. Not a fun thing when you are on the phone with some company from Vermont - trust me.

Well, it is 11:58 pm EST and Audrey is still up. I am off to try and coax her to sleep. Nursing definitely has its advantages.

The first of many headlocks, I am sure. Alex and Audrey. With their daddy, they are the joys of my life. While the picture may look like a WWF segment it is actually a picture of love. Alex hugging his sister.

Audrey is still enjoying the night life. Can't say that I am enjoying it. I like sleep. I don't get sleep but I like sleep. Last night wasn't too bad. She has started to sleep about 4 hours straight at night. Last night I was up twice with her but that was for a total of 1 and a half hours. Much better than other nights. In fact, she went to sleep around midnight which is a vast improvement over her usual 2-3am bedtime.

Audrey is starting to hold her head up a little more. She smiles a lot. Alex did not smile much as a baby - I thought he would never smile. Of course, I thought he would never talk too. Boy, was I wrong! She has curly hair that dries in a lovely mohawk. I get blamed for the styling but I have nothing to do with it - I just let her hair dry. I am just a beast of burden, I suppose.'

Alex is sleeping in his big boy bed now. He started sleeping there last Saturday. It started with his Dad sleeping with him. Which I think was an evil attempt for his daddy to sleep while other things should be done. His daddy does need his sleep though. Work, kids and school all add up. I don't even know where the wife fits in. Oh, I digress. Alex has only relapsed twice wanting to sleep in his crib, once at night and another at nap time. I must have a very compliant child. We have quiet time and he goes right in without a fuss - usually. Night time is relatively simple too. We have our nights when things don't go as smooth, but those are few.

Alex got a ton of presents from his Aunt Janet when she came to visit from MI. She missed his birthday so it was Christmas again for the small weasel. Everything from Thomas the Tank Engine die cast trains to a Thomas the Tank Engine comforter and sheet set. Add in a large blanket, trucks, cars, chalk, a large water table, and DVD's and you have quite the assortment of excess. She doesn't get to see him that often or we would have to put a halt to it. We do appreciate it for the most part. But I do not want Alex to expect her to buy things for him.

I have to discontinue Alex's word of the week. There are just too many now. Complete sentences are his forte. He still misses the first letter of most words. Except for "poop". WHY?? We don't even let him to use that word. We try not to use that word. The things they pick up on!! He is very smart. Perhaps too smart.

Well, the day must go on. I am already one hour behind. I am sure that shocks people.

Oh to be so relaxed. Audrey can sleep just about anywhere. Unfortunately she still prefers to do her sleeping during daylight hours instead of at night. Her daddy is wonderful, though. He got up with her last night so I could sleep. Why am I still so tired?

Audrey is still doing the same old things...eating, sleeping, pooping...a lethargic cycle but it works for her. She is getting big. She has gained over 3 lbs. in 5 weeks. She is catching up with her 4 month old cousin, Lorelai.

Everyone is so amazed at how different she looks compared to me or her brother. Well, that is easy to explain - she looks just like her dad! It is funny looking at her and realizing that she really is mine. Alex was easy because he looked just like my dad's side of the family. Everyone loves her. She never has to want for someone to hold her. Or smooch her. Or hug her. Or pat her head. Funny how when it comes to changing her diaper most of those volunteers are missing.

Alex still likes his sister. Each day the enthusiasm seems to be waning. He likes her but he isn't sure he wants to keep her. Although, he hasn't tried to dump her on the floor or anything. No scissors or duct tape, yet.

Alex's new word of the week - it is so hard to tell. He says so much anymore. My favorite thing that he says is still "Yes, indeed." He is completing whole sentences now. It is really neat to see him putting things together. He is very smart.

Well, let's see - I have about 20 minutes to take a short nap. I should take this opportunity!! 

Alex and Audrey, a lovely pair. Alex is still enamored with her. He loves to kiss and hold her. Of course, the 2 second rule still applies: after 2 seconds of holding her he wants to drop her on the floor. I suppose that is love.

Audrey is almost a month old now. She still thinks that night time is a great time for good food and conversation. I am not sure that she finds me good company though at 3 and 4 am. Alex is down to one nap a day which is a little stressful now that there are two kids. So he has "quiet time". It is more of a label than an actual event. In fact, he is in "quiet time" right now yelling his little head off. Fortunately he is just yelling to hear his voice, he isn't angry yet.

Alex is definitely meeting all the requirements for being two. He likes to lie on the floor when he is mad, he whines and whines just to whine, and hitting his baby sister is now a sport of trying to do it when no one is looking. He hasn't quite mastered that technique, thankfully. He has a ton of energy that tires me. But it is great.

Being a mother of two is not as hard as I imagined. But it isn't as easy as I had wished. If I am not feeding one, I am changing a diaper or burping or chasing after or calling for or reading a book or ... it just goes on and on. Thankfully Audrey seems to be mild mannered - so far.

Alex is now into trains - he loves them. He plays with his train track everyday. Thomas the Tank is now a fixture at the house. Buzz Lightyear and Woody have taken a back seat - amazing how fast that changed. The Incredibles still rank high but Thomas and Friends usually wins. I find it funny that I know all of these names.

Alex's new word(s) of the week..."yes, indeed". I love it. He is also saying "yes, sir" and "yes, ma'am". He was doing great saying "poodle head" but I thought it may be used in a negative way at some point so we stopped saying it. It is funny, though.

I pray to remember these times. They are fun. Sometimes I begin to feel sorry for myself, thinking that about the college degree and student loan. It makes me feel as if I am wasting away. But I cannot imagine missing these days. I know I will always have work; my kids won't always be little.

Well, Alex is still yelling so "quiet time" is about to end. Nap time at 3pm. Sweet. The things I live for now... 

Alex's new baby sister, Audrey Grace, arrived on February 28th at 3:07pm - Just as I predicted. Ha! Alex loves his sister, or his "'ister, Audee". He is really good with her. Of course, when he gets tired of her he just wants to throw her on the floor.

I do feel sad though. I feel like I have abandoned Alex on some level. I know that I haven't but I really have not had time to spend with him lately and that bothers me. I cried the other night about it...silly perhaps. But Alex seems to be doing just fine. It must just be harder for me.

Alex's new word of the week - "frustrated" thanks to a LeapPad book about feelings. A little dorky perhaps but hey - frustrated is a word that may come in handy for him. His vocabulary is just exploding, although first letters of words are still of no use to him. He is always talking. I think he practices before and after every nap as it now takes some time before he takes a nap due to his incessant talking. It is great though. I love it. And I know I will love it when it is Audrey's turn! 

Alex is standing in a drawer in his NEW room...not sure why. He is definitely ornery. I suppose we will keep him though. He will be moving into his posh new pad since his soon to be arriving sister will be taking over his old room. We will be moving the crib over in to his new room so he can get used to sleeping in the room. I am not ready for him to start sleeping in a "big boy" bed yet. Two reasons - one, he will not stay in it; and two, he is too little (IMO).

His sister will be arriving any day now. If she came now, she would be about 4 weeks early. I am through taking the medicine to prevent labor - YES! But still I am taking enough pills to qualify me for a day of the week medicine dispenser. That will end shortly.

I feel bad for Alex or maybe I feel bad for me. Our one on one time will be ending shortly. For not thinking I was ready to be a mom, I certainly love it. And I am sure that another little one will only add to that. We still have to think of a name for the new baby. If it were up to Alex we would name her "Dash" or "Mike". Neither of which appeal to us.

Alex's new words of the week - he has added "Lightyear" to the end of Buzz from A Toy Story. I am amazed day after day at the many things he is learning and new words he says.

Alex and Daddy will be home from church shortly. I suppose I should rest before they arrive. Alex has decided to become quite the handful lately. Just look at that picture!