My Little Bubba

This little boy has challenged me with his cuteness. He knows when he's misbehaving because he will turn on his cuteness to the max and actually make me feel bad for disciplining him. For this, the kid is gifted. He's learning so much every single day, which also means he is in exploration mode constantly.

Noah came into my life almost two years ago and it would be truthful to say my love for him has grown more and more every day. I didn't think it was possible, but I love his name more and more every time I say it (and sometimes loudly) and my love for his personality has grown significantly as well. This kid will be my challenge....and not because he is so darn mischievous, because he just is, but more so because he is just so lovable. He has the cutest pouty face. He is always up for giving endless hugs and loves to cuddle, which makes it very hard to discipline when he is misbehaving. He constantly makes me laugh (just like his Daddy) with his playfulness, personality, and huge smile. When I'm having a bad day at work, I often look at his picture on my desk and imagine myself receiving the biggest hug from him and suddenly my day gets better. His energy is contagious and his excitement for life is inspiring. He is and always will be my sunshine.

Mini Me

I can't figure out why this picture reminds me so much of his Daddy.

Evidence

We bought Sophie her own digital camera for her birthday. It's a cool one for kids, nice and big, fun buttons, and she can even photoshop princesses into her pictures. It works just like my digital camera, but supposedly more "fun." Except for the fact that she prefers the more expensive Canon and can't keep her paws off of mine. I explained to her this morning why she and Noah cannot play with it and put it high up. Surprisingly, she got a hold of it again today....and the evidence is startling.....pictures of Daddy relaxing on the couch, pictures of the Christmas tree with Daddy's foot in the background, pictures of the T.V. with Dora on....hmmmm, maybe I should send Daddy to the thinking corner?

Another fun visit with Santa

It seems we will have yet another 3 year gap between pictures with Noah and Santa. He wanted nothing to do with him this year, last year, and probably the next two years at least....but Sophie is now a brave little girl and loves him! It seems baffling to me that every other kid in line before us sat with Santa happily....both younger and older than Noah. Everyone always tells me their kid cries with Santa too....how come these people are never in line with me? How come I'm the only one with a screaming child? Why am I the only one sweating?

I'm not going to worry about it.....this whole picture with Santa thing is overrated in my opinion. But guess who's going to try again next year???

Fun with Auntie Jen!

Sophie and Noah were so excited to visit with Auntie Jen this past weekend! They decorated the Christmas tree together, showed her all their toys, played outside, and pretty much tired her out! We are very lucky she lives much closer to us so we can enjoy her even more!

Here they are carefully hanging the ornaments on the tree....and then there's Noah who is hamming it up as always!

Auntie Jen and Sophie

Obviously something else was keeping them from looking at the camera (what a surprise).

Auntie Jen getting a mini workout in!

Sophie Girl

This child never ceases to amaze me. She asks me a lot of questions, many of which I do not know the answer to. I often have to do research and get back to her. She is inquisitive, she is incredibly caring and protective, and she is bright beyond belief. She remembers things from two years ago, random things, and recalls places with a photographic memory. She is a sponge, eager to learn, and eager to please. She loves to teach Noah new things and tries her best to show him proper manners at the table. She tries so hard at new tasks and practices on her own until she masters it. She has a sensitive soul and thinks deeper than the obvious. She helps me look forward to every day and reminds me consistently how important it is to always learn, grow, and play. I love her to pieces and thought today was a good day to let her know just how much.

Two Little Monkeys

Noah and Daddy monkeying around. Noah is in a very rough and tumble stage....he is all about tackling people, flipping off couches, jumping over Sierra and riding her like a horse....something tells me he will be in this stage pretty much forever!!

Tony the Turtle Undergoes Surgery

Sophie has been known to stall and come up with numerous excuses at bedtime. We pretty much don't believe 95% of her excuses, but once in a while we'll play along. The other night, Sophie came running out of her bedroom insisting there was a bug in her little turtle nightlight. Obviously, she is delusional and we send her back to bed (good parenting, right?). After I walk her back and turn off her light, I look over at the turtle and see a moving shadow crawling on the inside of her nightlight. Without freaking out (who am I kidding, I hate bugs and am quite confident Sophie has inherited this from me), I call (i.e. scream) for Tim to come and take care of the situation. The following ensued and Tony is currently recovering:

He's folded in half here....see his guts (or stuffing...whatever)?

Tim goes in with his tools.

Carefully putting him back together.

Let's just say Tim would have been out searching for a new Tony the Turtle nightlight if he wasn't able to fix this one and kill the bug...I mean free the bug. Sophie's had this little guy forever and cannot fall asleep without stargazing (thanks Monroe family!).

Heads Up!

This is how Noah likes to play with his blocks. Just make sure everyone maintains a 10 foot radius and nobody will get hurt. He also likes to put them together and stack them, but cleaning them up doesn't seem to be his strength!

The true meaning of Black Friday

Many people do not understand why I would get up at ridiculous hours in the morning to save a few bucks on a few items on the craziest shopping day of the year. Trust me, I used to be that person who thought these early bird doorbusting people were nothing but a bunch of crazies. And then I experienced it, skeptical, making fun of people, and in awe of the complete mania I witnessed. It's crazy; I don't condone aggressive behavior and I hate to read about people getting hurt or trampled....or worse as we have learned this past Black Friday. Over the years, I have learned, for me anyway, that it practically has nothing to do with the shopping (well, I am a sucker for good deals) but it's more about the fun experience I share with my sister and husband and whoever chooses to join us that year. With full bellies we search the ads and come up with a strategic plan, carefully choosing the stores we will invade. We set our alarms and the following morning, not even kidding, is spent laughing hysterically and enjoying the little scavenger hunt we have set up for ourselves. We finish it off by eating a good hearty breakfast, reveling in our great purchases, and just enjoying each other.

To me, Black Friday and the spirit of Christmas are two completely separate things. I promise you.....find a fun girlfriend, sister, guy friend, whoever.....find someone that you enjoy being with and I promise it will become your next favorite yearly tradition!!!