Winter and Introducing Solids!

Austin helping to make Christmas Cookies for Santa (Dec. 2012)

Well, the Holiday season is officially over, and it was wonderful.  Austin is finally at the age where he understands Santa, and we focused this year on him giving to others.  It's such a difficult concept for a 4 year old to get, but he did better than I expected him to this year.  I took him to Toys R Us this year and let him pick out a toy to donate, and he did great.  He started to understand that it's not all about him, and that other kids are in need as well.  He will even pick up toys around the house now and tell me that he doesn't need it anymore and we can donate it to another little boy who would like it.  It was a wonderful idea to do that from one of our friends, and it's a tradition we will continue to do with both of our kids.  He loved picking out gifts for grandparents, daddy; even his sister.  He did wonderful and actually tried to think of things that others would want, and not things that he wanted for himself.  We had a great Christmas, and felt very blessed and humbled for all of the wonderful things that have happened for our family this year.

Austin showing us what a T-Rex does.  And yes, he still thinks that he will grow up and become one someday! (Jan. 2013)

Austin is continuing to do really well in school.  He is beginning to read easy books to us (so far, we like the Brand New Reader's series).  We read the story to him once, and then he can read it back to us until we have to take it back to the library.  He's been asking about rhyming words, how to spell things, and the sounds that different letters make.  He has recently started to write his name, and is trying to draw simple objects (faces, monsters).  Most of his drawings look very similar, but his school has assured us that this is just one of the many steps in the process of drawing and writing!  It's amazing how he's able to do things this month that he couldn't do last.  He continues to develop at an amazing rate, which is pretty incredible to watch.  It's true what they say, they really do grow up too quickly.

Austin and Uncle Ben at Christmas with their Shields Protecting themselves from who knows what

Austin has got quite the imagination now.  He loves pretending to be different Super Heroes, Transformers, Zombies; you name it, he's trying to play it!  It's amazing to watch his little creative wheels going and to play with him.  I forgot how much fun it is to travel back and be a kid again.  Many times I don't understand what's going on when we are playing, but that's okay.  It's still fun!

Morgan Meeting her Nana for the first time. (Dec. 2012)

Just like Austin, Morgan is changing way too quickly!  She is quite proficient in rolling over now, and recently figured out that if she rolls more than once, she can actually get what she wants!  WOW!  She is laughing now, talking a ton, loves giving big smiles when people enter the room or start talking to her, squealing and shrieking,  and is starting to bare some weight on her legs.  She's recently trying to discover her toes; however, her favorite past time still remains chewing on her hands!  She still spits up on everything, and has good days and bad with it.  She's keeping me busy and on my toes when it comes to laundry, that's for sure!

Morgan during her 4 month Photo Shoot (Jan 2013)

Morgan has also recently been blessing us with 12+ hours of uninterrupted sleep each night (some nights).  Unfortunately, Austin keeps sharing his preschool germs very well with us, and that quickly put an end to our sleepless nights as we keep ending up sick!  The first few nights, it's nice getting to spend the extra minutes with the kids, but by night 3, the shit gets old!  :)

Morgan trying Peas (tried them in Dec. 2012  This picture is from Jan 2013)

Morgan has recently started solids and LOVES all of her food.  I made the decision this time around (and with some guidance from our good friend, Pam) to make all of our baby food at home.  I had no idea how easy this was with Austin, and am kicking myself now for never having tried it with him.  Its not only amazing how easy and cheap most foods are, but how many more things I have been able to make for her that Austin never even tried.  I've made peas, green beans, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes mango, pears, apples, prunes, pumpkin, zucchini, potatoes, apricots, papaya; just to name a few.  Next on the list for me to make and start mixing in; spinach!

Morgan playing at home (Jan. 2013)

Morgan is finally starting to enjoy her tummy time and play time on the floor.  It helps that we're at home more often now, since it's gotten cold and we aren't constantly on the run for a playdate or fun at the zoo or park!  We're having a difficult time getting Austin to understand though that he has to actually pick up his small toys so that she can't eat them!  Luckily, she's not that mobile yet, but I've got to figure something out with him before she gets there.  I know that's only a matter of time!

Morgan smiling and laughing at her big brother (Jan. 2013)

Life couldn't be better for us.  Jared and I have been teasing each other lately, especially since I turned the "Dirty 30" (thanks for that one, Chris) how much our lives have changed!  We used to spend our days going to dinner, bars, hanging out with friends, and our money and time on random crap.  Our Friday nights now consist of us going to bed by 9:30 or 10 if we're feeling crazy, having a nice meal at home (and arguing with Austin to actually try it); early play dates with friends, our bedtime routine, family time, and going to see a kids movie or buy a new toy (if it's in the budget for the month).  Our lives have changed drastically (to say the least); we for sure aren't the same people we were 5 years ago.  We're parents now; and if you ask either one of us, it's the most difficult, rewarding job there is around (as any parent would say), and we wouldn't change a thing.