Saturday, December 29, 2012

Pirates

We were eating dinner in the great room of the lodge this past week while in the mountains.  Elizabeth and I were playing a game of cards and Jeff had run upstairs for a moment.  All of a sudden Elizabeth leans over the back of the sofa and points at an elegant elderly woman leaving the dining room.  I tried to grab her as I knew what she was about to say but with Henry in my arms I was not quick enough.  Elizabeth happily announces, loud enough for all to hear, 'look momma she gets to dress like a pirate!!!'.  This elegant woman was wearing a patch on her eye.  All turned to look and I slowly died inside.  Sigh.
We spent the next few days talking about how we don't point at people or make announcements about others appearances.  She really tried to process all of this and asked some great questions including 'Momma when we were at the store it was good to tell the lady her hair was pretty but I can't say that about the pirate lady?'

Sometimes these things are hard to explain.  We have just left it at no pointing and comments are said quietly to mom first.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

Video of School Performance



I just love her little school!!

School Performance

 Last weekend Elizabeth had her school performance which was beyond sweet.  Jacob and Vivianne (to her right) are her dearest friends which makes sense since she spends so much time with them each week.  She talks about them constantly.
 She was beyond excited to perform all her songs and did not disappoint.  She was very animated, cheering and jumping with excitement throughout.  Of course everything was in Mandarin so I have no clue what they were actually saying.  I'll try to get some videos up soon as it was quite sweet.
 Henry spent the majority of the time just chillaxin.
 She is a goof!!

Sunday, December 02, 2012

45 years and some random photos from Thanksgiving

 Thanksgiving weekend was also my parents 45th wedding anniversary.  Mom would have loved this little boy!  She was always a sucker for babies.  
I think Elizabeth has developed Grandma's love for babies.  She just loves lugging her little brother around.

 She is also taking off on her bike lately.  She was tearing down some hills and completely comfortable off roading.  I think a pedal bike is in her future.



Thanksgiving



 We had a lovely at home Thanksgiving weekend.  Had the traditional meal with our usual family of choice.  Keely was missed for sure.

 Cory again made the best turkey and I don't usually like turkey.  Although the gravy is the masterpiece.
 The girls,  Elizabeth and Lila, ran around like nut jobs.  Henry accommodated us by taking a long nap so we could enjoy the festivities.
 We played games.  Drank a lot of amazing wine thanks to Ave.    I love these friends of ours!!




Monday, November 19, 2012

Hodge Podge of Stuff

 We again made it to Breitenbush with the Corvalis crew.  Breitenbush is this rustic lodge based around the most divine hot springs in Oregon.  We didn't take many photos this year as Carolina and I were both holding our new babes most the time.  Our girls are months apart as are our new boys.  Of course we don't ever forget about Oscar who stands proudly in the middle.

Elizabeth and Lucia just started right where they left off.  When we were leaving Elizabeth said "Momma I'm sad to say bye to Lucia cause I love she.  Why can't she live close so we can have play dates all the days".

 Don't you love this hat that Carolina knitted.  We have been blessed with so many great handmade gifts for our little man.  Will add this to the keepsakes for him.

Below are just a few photos of my loves as requested by Auntie Laurla.  Hope it heals X

 Once again, doesn't it look like he is saying "Mom I think she might drop me!!"

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween

 We again celebrated Halloween with Lila.  This year Elizabeth was a Princess thanks to a costume from Auntie Laurla.  Lila was a werewolf named Claudia.  Their choices of costumes are very much a reflection of their personalities.  If there is mud or a puddle Lila is in it.  Elizabeth believes in pink, light purple and pretty dresses.
 Henry was a monkey.  Elizabeth was also a monkey back in the day.  You can certainly tell they are siblings.
 Apparently it is quite exhausting being a monkey.  I agree.


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Cooing

DSC 0195 from kathleen mcgregor on Vimeo.

Just a baby smiling and cooing.  That is all.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Big Couple of Months

Things have been fun and big around here.  Pops came for a visit while Jeff and Elizabeth headed back east for a family wedding.  Elizabeth LOVED her trip.  It was great for her to have something special just about her.  We went shoe shopping for the wedding as all she had was boots and sneakers.  She spent 30 minutes trying on EVERY shoe in the store as I was begging her to pick a pair and get it over with.  She looked at me as I encouraged her to just choose and said "I love shoe shopping and want to do this every day!".  These words have never passed my lips.

 She picked a glittery silver pair and has not taken them off.  There is glitter all over our house!  That afternoon she walked around the house in her dress and shoes and said "People at the wedding will say Who is that Goooorgeous girl?"  Since her return we have not stopped playing wedding which is a very odd game.
 Henry went for his two month shots which I was happy to get in him.  Makes me nervous with our lack of immunized folks in Washington state as seen with our nasty pertussis outbreak.  He now weighs in at a crazy 14 pounds 2 ounces and 25 inches long.  He wears 3 to 6 month old clothing and leans more towards the 6 month size.  My milk supply has always been my super power and apparently is made of only cream.

He is smiling and laughing like crazy.  Pops said it perfectly in that he is now even smiling with his eyes.   He is desperate to get his hands in his mouth.  Nursing and his hands in his mouth are his two motivations in life.


Elizabeth will ask for him to join in on all activities.  She will get his little bouncy chair, bring it in the playroom and then request that he joins her.  She will then spend time playing school with him.  He is captivated by her.  It is awesome to have a built in 4 year old sitter!


Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Just Hanging Out


We are having fun here in the McSpeert household.  Elizabeth loves her brother and remains the greatest little helper.  Bath time is a favorite and she is quick to chastise me if I get water in his eyes... 'momma watch out Henry does not like that' and then she'll pat him saying 'It's ok Henry, momma is sorry'.    
 When I'm trying to get things done she will say "momma you take a shower/make dinner/clean bathroom and I'll watch brover" and then she will proceed to read him stories or even better put on music and dance for him.

She is an expert at holding him.


Although sometimes he looks a bit concerned and I wonder if he is saying "Are you sure she has me??"

 Tummy time is not his favorite!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

6 weeks and smiling

 Been a bit difficult to capture but he has started to smile.  Nice to get a little bit of positive affirmation.  We had taken to referring to him as 'our little bump on the log' but no more.  I love the 6 week mark when they start waking up and doing something.




Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Picnic Fun


We have had nearly two months of 80 plus degree weather with no rain.  A nice way to enjoy our new little man.  Jeff says September is his favorite month in Seattle.  Never count out the sun in September.  Great month!!                                                           




Henry's first camping trip


Henry had his first camping trip this weekend.  We went with two other families that go to Elizabeth's school and we had a blast.  It is great to just see the kids run free.  

 Jacob and Vivianne are biking experts and were a great influence on Elizabeth as she has been quite apprehensive.  By the end of the weekend she was taking off.  Yeah!

We were camping at a place that has old WWII bunkers which provided fun tunnels to run through and things to climb on.
 There was an amphitheatre where the kids gave many a performance.



 Do you like her turban? She complained that the sun was 'too bright'.  She is such a pacific northwest gal.  Jeff outfitted her with this head/shade wrap.  Then she peed in the grass and on her pants thus the winner of an outfit below.  We are proud!  Ha!
 Henry was there despite the lack of photos.  He spent most the weekend in the ergo and now wants to spend all his time in the ergo.  Always more fun in someones arms he says.