Snow

We all piled on our snow gear to blow off some energy in the backyard. I think Bo had the most fun, with Emily a close second. Last year she wouldn't have anything to do with the sled. I think Robert got his cardio workout in this morning, dragging her around the yard.

Popcorn!

Emily loves popcorn, Robert loves popcorn, I love popcorn. I think if it was socially acceptable we would eat it everyday. Emily now knows the process to making it. Yesterday after nap we got out the popper and she helped pour in the popcorn. Our new favorite kernnels come from De Moss Pumpkin Farm. Our favorite topping is Lawrys Black Pepper Seasoning. On this occasion we were making popcorn to string with cranberries for the birds. It was fun, Emily was able to do it with a little help from us, although she did string one popcorn and eat three!

Dr. Checkup

This picture has nothing to do with the post, other than Robert and I were sharing sushi from Super Walmart (you would think gross, but very yummy), Em tried some and then wanted to eat her nuggets with the chop sticks!

I mentioned in the last post we went to see our favorite Pediatrician today. He reminds Robert and I of Santa, I think it is the calming voice and the little twinkle in his eye.

Dallas is doing really well. I guessed his weight to the ounce, he is 8 lb 8 oz, which is 5 oz above his birth weight (50% percentile). He stretched out to 21.5 in, measured 21" at birth, and I believe his head measured 36 cm. It has always interested me as a scientist (trained to use metric) that they switch between the English and metric system to do the measurements. Anyway he is as perfect as can be!

We also had a chance to chat about Emily's poop problems again. As many of you know we have had on-going issues for at least 6 months. Nothing is biologically wrong, it is just a head issue. We would like to ask for prayers for her to "get over it" per se, and give us patience to help her.

First Bath

After the bath

Emily filling up Dallas's tub

To celebrate leaving the house today for our doctor appointments we had Dallas's first bath. Emily joined him and helped too. His umbilical cord stump fell off yesterday, after only two weeks! I was going to go back and look at Emily's baby book because I think she had her stump for a month. Dallas didn't seem to mind the water too much. The only time he ever cries is when we take off his diaper, I think he prefers to stay warm.

Emily and Dallas

Emily loves to hold Dallas, she is pretty good at it too. She likes to inspect his hands and feet. Today she noticed his breathing, (its pretty rapid in a baby), we had a little science lesson on how breathing works and what it does for us! She has been such a helpful loving big sis!

Christmas crafts and baking

Cake Balls, so delicious and super easy! I made and dipped, Em sprinkled.

Gumdrop tree, best idea found on the internet this season, perfect craft for a toddler.

Andee's mint cookies, the perfect combination of chocolate and mint, Emily unwrapped the candy and broke them in two as my helper.

The ginger bread house, gettin assembled, I did most of this work.

Emily decorated.

I have been trying to make some traditions with Emily in the kitchen this year. We have dipped pretzels, made Andie's mint cookies, built a gumdrop tree and hopefully get the gingerbread house assembled soon.

The Santa Express

Robert and Emily took Grandpa Dallas on a trip to the North Pole for his Christmas present. The Santa Express (ie, Boone Scenic Valley Railroad) jumped from the pages of the Polar Express , Emily, daddy and Grandpa had their tickets punched. Pajamas were encouraged, Emily wore hers, but Robert and Grandpa stuck with their jeans and coats. They brought the book with to read along with the narrator, sang Christmas carols, had hot chocolate and cookies. Santa was on board as well to hand every kiddo a silver bell! Hope you enjoyed your Christmas gift Grandpa!

(oh yeah, they were all troopers, turns out the train cars were not heated!)