Christmas and Baby photos

I am very late in posting these, but I wanted to share some of the amazing photos that a neighbor down the street took of the kids and Owen. He was about 3 weeks old in these. Of course, I am biased, but I think they turned out awesome. I just love them. So thank you Christy!

Holiday Festivities

This month has been busy with Holiday events and festivities.  

First Ellie's class performed at the JCC's Latke Dinner. They sang a song about lighting the menorah. She was the most on task and knew all of the words.

To usher in the Christmas Holidays, we walked through the town of Bethlehem. For those who have not been through it, it is an awesome rendition of an authentic Bethlehem during the times. The girls made dolls and candle holders and rope. They tried some bread, mashed some olives for oil and met Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. I encourage you all to go next year. We are making it an annual event.

Then Owen turned 1 month old. I can't believe it. Time is flying. He is getting so big and handsome. We all just love on him all the time. He has these great chubby cheeks and eats all the time. I am grooming him to be a lineman at CPA one day.

Katelyn had her elementary Christmas program on Thursday night. The kindergarten did an excellent job singing their two songs, including a handbell song, and contributed on most of the songs. Katelyn looked stunning in her Christmas dress. It really got us all in the Christmas spirit.

The girls and I are heading to Louisville today to visit family and start the Louisville festivities off at a party at mom's tonight. In case I don't get back on here, I hope everyone has a wonderful, peaceful, spirit-filled Christmas.

Deck the Halls

This weekend was a time of Christmas joy. We were originally planning to go to the Christmas parade, but it was way too COLD. Yes I am a wimp. Instead, we talked the kids into going to Sweet CeCe's (I think that is what it is called) for some ice cream. For those who have not been there, you get to pick your own ice cream, serve yourself, and then add all kinds of stuff to your bowl. It can get quite disgusting, but is oh so tasty.

Saturday we put up the Christmas tree and decorations. The kids loved it and tried to be helpful. We were also blessed to get to spend the weekend with family. Alan's parents came in to meet Baby Owen and love on Katelyn and Ellie. They were such a help as playmates and it was nice to have an extra two pairs of hands on board. Today, we all ventured down to CPA to have lunch with Katelyn. We even let Ellie play hookie to go with us, followed by a trip to the Frist museum. It was a first for me, but I was very impressed by their Artquest area for kids. Ellie had a ball and entertained herself for a good hour creating art.

We will be sad to see them leave tomorrow :(

Doesn't this one look like Owen is smiling. Guess he loves his grandparents!!!!

Video not working on Blogger--Try this link

Diaper Changing video

Family diaper change

My creative Aunt Vicki sent the girls a care package to assist with diaper changing. It came complete with gloves to keep their hands clean and goggles in case Owen decided to spray them. They assisted their daddy last night with a dirty. The blogger video is not working, so I am posting a photo. I'll add the video later.

Already 2 weeks old--what a chunker

Owen had his two week checkup today. He is 9 lbs and 6 ounces and healthy. While he was 8 lbs 9 oz at birth, he had dropped to 8 lbs 1 oz when we left the hospital. The doctor says he likes to see them back up to birth weight at 2 weeks. Well Owen way surpassed that. Dr. said on average most babies gain about .5 to 1 oz a day the first few weeks. Well Owen gained 21 ounces in 14 days. The boy knows how to eat.

Owen continues to be my sweet little snuggler. He rarely cries or makes a fuss unless he is hungry or needs to be changed and even then it is not usually much of a cry. I took him up to my school today. Katelyn was his tour guide, taking him to see her teachers and to see my co-workers. She was very protective and made sure they knew how to hold him and to watch for his neck. She has taken on the protective mother role for him and takes it very seriously. It has been such a joy to watch the way she exhibits such love for her new little brother. The only jealousy I have seen is when he gets gifts and she wants one too. Otherwise, she is often glued to me when I have him--not jealous of the time that I spend with him, but rather wanting to hold him herself.