Christmas and More!

We had a wonderful Christmas with Maggie and hope you all did as well!  She wasn't fully aware of everything that was going on, but she definitely knew getting presents was exciting! 

Baby James will be here in just 6 weeks (or so).  We've been working hard to get Maggie out of the crib and sleeping in a "big girl bed."  She loves it...we're a nervous wreck.  Actually, I'm a nervous wreck - Brent doesn't get nervous about much!  Next comes potty training.

As for Maggie, she has quite the vocabulary these days!  Among her favorite words:  cookie, dog, flower, Dora, what's that, and NO.  She knows all too well how to say no, but saying yes is another story. 

Pictures and a quick video of our holiday are below. 

Think:  Christmas Vacation...moose mugs...Dickie...silliness!

Waiting for Santa to appear...not too sure about this!

Not a fan of Santa...yet!

Wearing her new shoes on Christmas morning

 

Still working on smiling at the camera

 

 

Change of heart...

First of all, let me apologize for the lapse in blogging. I joined Facebook and planned to use that in lieu of this blog, but it isn't quite functioning as planned. Due to the varied audience on Facebook, I have been a little more cautious about what I post related to our family (i.e. Brent's shenanigans). So, with my tail between my legs, I have returned.

Family Update:
As for our family, we are super excited to be having a little BOY in February. We are planning to name him James! We haven't started working on his room just yet, but soon. Very soon. With a little less than 13 weeks left in this pregnancy, we both realize we need to get started!

Maggie Update:
Maggie is changing and growing up so fast! It seems as if every week she is learning new words and communicating more clearly with us. Her current fascination is her belly button (and she is fascinated by other people's too!). Brent and I were in Walgreen's yesterday, and while I shopped, Brent walked around with Maggie. A few aisles over, I heard a lady talking to Maggie. Suddenly, I heard Brent say, "No, no Maggie. Put your dress down. We don't show our belly buttons in public."  :) 

I promise not to wait so long to post next time. We hope you are all well and we send our love (Maggie is blowing you a kiss!).

 

 

 

 

Lots of Happenings!

To say Brent, Maggie, and I have been busy this summer is quite an understatement!  We just got back from a family vacation at Folly Beach and had lots of fun!  Although, going on vacation with a one year old is very different from any vacation Brent and I have ever been on before.

Also, happening in our world...Maggie's going to be a big sister!  I am expecting and am due February 12th. 

Maggie is also going to be a cousin!  My brother and his wife are also expecting.  Their baby is due February 16th.  Lots of excitement all around!!!

Last but not least, Maggie is walking!  Yippee!!!  She is doing fantastic and we are so proud!  

Check out some pictures of our summer fun!

Maggie Turned One! 
We took her to the doctor this week.  Her latest stats:  still has blue eyes, 21 and half pounds (75th percentile), 30 and half inches long (90th percentile).  She's doing great!  Lots of crawling and talking, but still no walking.  She's working on it, but some things in life can't be rushed!

We also had a little birthday celebration.  Lots of fun was had by all!

Brent's favorite picture - he gets teary eyed just looking at it. 
(Yes, that is a pink pool in my living room.  I have my parents to thank for that.)

Why can't we have strawberries and bananas for birthday celebrations?  I was out-voted.

Such a big girl!!!!

I had nothing to do with this...Brent just couldn't resist putting the birthday hat on the birthday girl!

The morning after her party, Maggie playing with her new toys! 

Dancing Queen!

Brent and I thought you all might enjoy a few cute pictures, along with a fun video of Maggie.  Maggie has developed a HUGE fondness for music.  If she hears it on the television, radio, or even a cell phone ringing, she starts "dancing."  We were out eating lunch the other day, and she heard music.  Before I could give her another bite of food, she was "jamming." 

As for other family news:

• Brent and I just ran our second half marathon.  We had lots of fun, but are taking a little break as the summer approaches.  Columbia heat and running long distances don't exactly mix (at least not in our books).
• Brent's sister, Jenny, has returned from Thailand.  We are so glad to have Crazy Aunt Jenny back in town.  Maggie is particularly smitten with her Aunt Jenny.  This could be trouble! 
• In two months, my brother and his wife will be leaving Alaska and heading back to the East Coast (Connecticut).  We will be glad to be back in the same time zone.  It will be so nice to have them both within driving distance.  Although, Maggie....long drives....we'll have to think about this one.  But, it's a good problem to have!
• Maggie's celebrating her one year old birthday in May.  My, how time flies! 

We hope you are all doing well!

If you have trouble viewing the video from the email, click on this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hn_0U7Ipfs 

 

It's true...

Yep, Maggie is crawling!  It isn't pretty, it isn't fast, it isn't even productive, but she's doing it! 

In other news, Miss Maggie returned to the doctor in late February and here are her latest stats:

Height:  29 1/2 inces
Weight:  19 pounds 3 ounces
Eyes:  Still blue - I think this is a definite!

As for other family news:

• Our beloved Crazy Aunt Jenny (Brent's sister...also a self proclaimed nickname) is home from Thailand!!!  We are so glad to have her home!
• The marvelous Uncle Chip and Aunt Christine (my brother and his wife) are leaving Alaska in June and heading to Connecticut! 
• Brent and I are running in a half marathon this weekend.  Wish us luck!  We'll post a picture of us in our running gear! 

Brent is usually in charge of bath time.  And, as you can see, he bought some bubble bath at Target yesterday.  It was a little out of control...as evidenced by the video below.

Holiday Fun!

We hope you all enjoyed the holidays. Aside from a double ear infection on Christmas Eve, a quick shot, and some medicine, Maggie had a wonderful Christmas. We truly enjoyed spending the holidays with our families.

Uncle Chip and Aunt Christine (my brother and his wife) came home from Alaska, and Aunt Jenny (Brent's sister) returned from Thailand. We couldn't have asked for better presents!

Jenny, Brent, and Maggie

Kelly, Chip, and Maggie (that is one happy baby!!!)

 

The Reeses gathered 'round the Christmas Tree

"The Maginator" at play