Merry Christmas

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. Here are a few from Christmas Morning.

Grandma Mary

In Loving Memory of Mary K. Raucci. Born September 19, 1917, at rest December 23, 2008.

Go BEARS!

I don't care who Daddy cheers for - I'm for Chicago all the way!

Special Visitor

Mr. Claus paid us an early visit on Saturday - I think he wanted to meet the new little guy and see how the little gal was behaving. I believe he was satisfied with the two of them and they should be expecting a few great gifts this year. While Miss "A" won't pose for any pictures, she was super excited to have Santa come and see her!

Christmas at the Domes

We were at the Domes once again. Miss "A" is at the point where she never wants her picture taken, so we have to take what we can get right now! It's been nice having Daddy home this past week!

Well we hope everyone is enjoying the snow! We've had record snow falls this year - we just received over a foot of snow and over 30 inches this year - with two more rounds expected in the next few days! I'll have a few snow pics up soon!

Cookies anyone?

Okay - so Miss "A" gave baking a shot! She was messy, but she really has a thing for this! She loved rolling the dough most. She has her own little rolling pin (Mommy doesn't even have a rolling pin!) and little cut outs - so sugar cutouts were a must. I couldn't believe how long she sat and rolled the dough over and over. I my amazement she actually liked rolling more then decorating with Sprinkles. She even washes (or plays in the bubbly kitchen sink) the dishes when she is done - hope this love of baking and cleaning lasts through her teens!

We are staying busy here! Mr. "Z" is growing so fast, he is over 12 lbs! He's so much more alert and up longer. He's making all sorts of fun sounds - I just love it. Now, if only he'd sleep! He still only goes 2 -4 hours at most and will only sleep with me it seems. As soon as I set him down, he's up again. Miss "A" is amazing with him (aside from a few selfish moments). She'll tell me to get him if he's crying and tell me he's hungry. Such a sweet thing she is. Otherwise, she is still up to her painting and now stamping too! She loves dancing and reading as much as ever too. She has a piano and guitar and drum - the guitar is her favorite. She plays them while singing along with her favorite shows - it's adorable!

Santa Clause is coming to town....

Of course we took "A" and "Z" to see Santa recently, but I thought I'd share this one for now! Can you recognize anyone?

Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving - we have been so blessed with our family and friends. We are excited about this New Year and watching both Miss "A" and Mr. "Z" grow - how much they learn and grow - it's incredible and we are so glad to share these moments with all of you!

"J"s photos

Check out this link: http://www.amyhallphoto.com/blog/ - it has post of two of the most fabulous two year olds! Labeled Buddies on Nov. 25.

Birthday Bash

Happy Birthday to my three nephews! These three are such great little guys - hopefully Mr. "Z" will be as great as they are when he gets bigger! Miss "A" LOVED seeing everyone, especially her little cousins, who were all there. Here are a few pics showing how much they seem to adore each other! Thanks Aunt Jen and Uncle Don for having us all over AGAIN!

Mr. "Z" is now going on 4 weeks. He is awake longer but still only sleeping 2 - 4 hours at a time! He always wants to be held, so I keep him in the BabyBjorn in the day, which always me some freedom to get things done! Miss "A" is getting sweeter and sweeter with him everyday.