Thanksgiving

Already Thanksgiving seems to be a blur - even though it was 2 days ago, and it was excellent. We went to Gamma and Papa's house along with Auntie Annie, Uncle Arthur, and a friend from St. John's Seminary, Father Stefan. He is from Germany and this was what appeared to be his first Thanksgiving. Not sure what his thoughts were on the whole concept, but somehow my father magically had a German bottle of wine in his fridge for "quite some time" that he pulled out and Father Stefan seemed quite impressed. Only my father would be able to pull a trick like that!

We had an unbelievably delicious meal and thanks to Gamma and Papa, even got to take our our little turkey home (in addition to the three we already have! ). The kids were great - Maddie napped in their bed and Connor didn't last for too long in the pack 'n play. He didn't have the turkey dinner, but he had lots of gas nonetheless! :) We played hide and seek outside and fed the ducks (and unfortunately the seagulls too).

In what has become Thanksgiving tradition, we dress up the kiddos and try to get some pictures taken of the now three of them for the Christmas card. Maddie was extremely uncooperative...at least in the smiling factor! I think it's next to impossible to get the three of them smiling and happy and looking in the right direction. So, we've resorted to different pictures -- you'll see! But, here's what we're dealing with...

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving and we couldn't be more thankful for such amazing kids, healthy family and fabulous friends! As Morgan put in her Thanksgiving turkey she made at school, "I am thankful for family and God." How very blessed are we!

Can it really be November?!

I guess it can, but really where is the time going? I have barely been on here, though right now I understand why...not sure I will though in 5 or 10 years!

Things have just been busy. Plain and simple. Work, 3 kids ages 6 and under - it's a bit hectic. But I wouldn't change it for the world. Kids are growing so fast! One thing they all have in common now...TEETH!

Connor has a mouthful of teeth..he has at least 8 +, Maddie is finally getting in her 2 year molars (at 2.5 years old), and Morgan got her 6 year old molars the past few months. As I type, she's practicing her Irish Step Dancing in the kitchen, Maddie's sitting on the arm of the chair watching Connor play in the exersaucer (and perhaps Olivia is on TV too).

Morgan is reading up a storm - we just celebrated her moving from beginning reader books to chapter books at school. She's loving math - just like her Daddy - and can add up all double numbers in her head, along with counting by 2's, 3's, 4's...any number really! She just loves school and is just doing amazingly well.

Maddie is home with Connor & Octavia, our nanny, and I think she loves hanging out. I don't doubt she's ready for school one bit - but that will have to wait. For now, she's loving the role of older sister to Connor and little sister to Morgan. She's so loving, cuddly, and full of energy! As Papa and Gamma will tell you after dinner last night. And she has 2 volumes - loud and louder.

Connor's doing great - on his way to crawling before we know it. He can now let himself down easy to go after something and that he does --- all the time!!! He's so different from the girls - fearless, fast and aggressive. He'll happily eat/chew on your face, shoulder or really anything you let him! He's a fan of the remote and all things electronic and he's scary with everything he's finding around the house! He's just like his sisters in that he's not a napper - he does short cat naps which makes at least me, just a bit exhausted.

Particularly this weekend when Kevin is with the ND boys and I'm home by myself with all three! So, now I am reminded why I don't ever have time to blog! But, I had to post these - Laura Hajar, a great family friend, took these picts of us all this summer - and I just love the ones of the kids - a great memory!!

All About Connor

The poor guy often gets overlooked as the girls are moving around all over the place and leaving him behind. But, now that he's 6 months and mostly sitting up on his own (and sometimes even crawling backwards), he's ready and into everything. So, alas, the perfect time to get out the "learning home" and a few other fun toys (great for siitng up)!

I'm not sure who was more excited about the "Learning Home" coming out - Morgan, Maddie or Connor -- but they all sure had a ball playing. Connor got in some good time though before they pretty much played around him!

6 years old!

That's right - Morgan turned 6 years old on October 15th! I can't believe it - where does the time go?!

Instead of the big to-do birthday party, we decided it would be more special (and less costly) to have a sleepover. Morgan's been begging for one for a while, even though I'm sure she'd be too chicken to spend the night at someone else's house. But, this worked out so well.

She invited 2 friends from school, Peyton and Emma. Her birthday was Saturday, which also happened to be Southfield Day - a day of face painting, treats, games and fun at school. It worked out perfect because we met up with her friends there on Sat afternoon.

We came home, they played (so well together), ate pizza, played, had cake & ice cream (jello for one), and then watched a movie - Bedtime Stories. They were all asleep by about 9:30!

Peyton was the first up, about 4:15 - she heard scary noises and was scared, but Emma was the last to wake up at 6:30 p.m. And God Bless Connor and Maddie for making it through the night (especially Connor)!

In the morning, we had blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes and went to the playground. Morgan was so thankful for a great birthday and we couldn't be happier it all worked out. Now - to get used to saying that my oldest is 6....that's another story - one which I'm not ready to discuss!!

Cast off! Splint on!

So we made a list this morning while waiting for the bus of "Morgan's Questions for the Bone Doctor." On it was, "Can I ride my bike? scooter? swim (at school)? I asked if she wanted to add "playground" to that list, but she said she's already doing that, so why would she ask. Valid point, though, probably not best to share with the doctor (since that was on the no-no list!).

Morgan got her cast off today! Yippee! The only bad part is she has to get used to using that arm again - and not having it as protected. Just turning her wrist around was a bit painful tonight and I imagine it will be. Still no bike, scooter or playground. And no PE. But, she can swim, shower and take it off to write/read/do quiet activities where she won't be bumped or "active."

She has to wear the splint for another 3 weeks before we take her off of it. 4 more weeks before playground, sports, etc.

Oh - and did I mention there was cake at the doctors - that ALWAYS helps! :)

Meanwhile...at home...here's a bit of what we've been up to...just fun hanging out with the fam & mostly making Connor laugh! All Morgan really needs to is smile and talk to him. Maddie doesn't quite have the patience - but love these picts!

Ready, Set, K2!!!

It was a very rainy week, as you can tell from Morgan's wellies (?spelling), but that did not deter her from being very excited & very nervous!!!

But, she had a great first day! Her teacher, Miss Sullivan even set up a table with "sharpies" (you know - the permanent markers) for her friends to sign her cast! She could not have been more excited!!!

Can't believe she's in K2!! This year will bring puppet shows, Christmas concerts, Public Speaking, swimming at school, sports, and her first Field Day! What a big girl!!