Swinging

Eli never liked his swing. He just wasn't a swinging kind of baby. It's still sitting in our study though, so I thought I'd put him in it. He wasn't real fond of it, but I still got one smile out of him. Too bad now he's too big for it. Anyone want to buy a swing? :-)

Our Little Ballerina

Here are some pics of Olivia last Saturday before her first "dance" class. I didn't get any pics at class because she was so shy that I had to do all the exercises with her. We hopped like bunnies, jumped like frogs, stretched, skipped, and galloped. Well, at least the other 3 girls and I did, Olivia didn't do much of anything but stand there!

Someone was tired

This one speaks for itself.

Morning Ritual

I originally took the pictures because I thought it was cute how they like to spend time together. But, I didn't realize it until I downloaded these pics, but I guess we have a morning ritual. LOL Here's a couple of pics (taken 3 days apart) of Olivia and Eli just after waking up. They're most likely watching Mickey Mouse (Olivia's fav these days) and are obviously not awake yet.

Food!

This kid loves to eat. Anything and everything! Here, Olivia decided Eli needed a bite of her quesadilla and sour cream. I'm not sure he knew what to think about it--but he didn't seem to mind. :-)

These pics were taken around the first of August, which was only a little over a month ago, and this onsie is now super tight on him. He's growing so fast. His 6 month check-up was on August 29 and he weighed 25.1 lbs and was 29" long. He's off the charts in both height and weight. The doc said he doesn't expect Eli to slow down any time soon!

Much Needed Updates

Here they come . . . lots of updates. Vito is at "game night" at church, both kids are in bed, and I have computer time all to myself!!

These pics were taken on July 30 of Eli wearing Vito's hat. He looks SO grown-up. It's hard to remember that he's still only 6 months old. Then, on the other hand, it's hard to believe he's already 6 months old. Isn't he the cutest little boy, ever?

So, I lied.

I haven't posted weekly. I know, I know. In fact, I haven't even downloaded pictures in a month or so. But there is so much to update. Eli is 6 months now and is sitting up entirely by himself. He loves to sit and enjoys playing with blocks and anything else he can pick up and put in his mouth! He is always so happy and is just a great baby. Olivia is potty trained now - yes, completely potty trained! We're so proud of her and so happy to not have 2 kids in diapers!

I'll try to get pics downloaded and posted here soon. We're headed to Amarillo for the Labor Day weekend--maybe I'll have a bit of free time then.

Until then.

More Pictures

The blog was taking a while to upload pics last night, so I thought I'd try again this morning. Here are some more for your viewing pleasure. :-)

Professional Pics

Livie's sitter is starting a photography business. She offered to take pics of the kids and here's what she got. Olivia is now 2 and Eli is 5 months old.









































If you live in the KC area and are interested in some great pics at a good price, check out Jami's website at www.capturedbyjami.com.

I'm in love . . .

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture! Its a few weeks old now, but its still so good. I can't believe how big my kids are getting. Every day they both do things that amaze me. I'm definitely in love and in awe with two kids named Olivia and Eli.

Our Trip to Nampa

A few weeks ago I had to go to Nampa, ID for work. Being that Nampa is where Vito and I met in college and where Vito's sister, Kim, lives, we felt the whole family should go along. We had a great time visiting with Kim and her family. Here are a few shots from the week.


Olivia taking a bath with cousin, Ariya.














The whole family plays games - here we are playing dice with the kiddos.














Olivia loved shaking and rolling the dice!














Swimming with cousin, Ariya.














Close up shot - I think her eyes are turning green.














Eli chilling on the couch with Auntie Kim.

Swimming Lessons - Take 2

If you remember from early June, Olivia was taking swimming lessons and didn't do so good the first week.

So we moved on to the second week and it was like something magically clicked! She was a fish! She loved it! She would swim with mommy, with daddy, with the instructor, and even by herself! We've gone swimming a few times since then and she does great. Absolutely LOVES it! I'm so glad we did the lessons and that it accomplished the goal of getting her to like the water.

Here are a few pics from week 2 of swimming lessons.

Daddy and Olivia in the pool.















Mommy and Eli hanging out and watching.















Olivia swimming with the instructor.















Swimming through the hula-hoop.

My Commitment to Blogging

I am making a commitment to blog at least once a week - maybe more. This is such an easy way to share pictures and updates, so I should be able to do it. Keep me accountable!

E's First Haircut

Yes, E has had to have a haircut already! It was getting so long and he was so hot and sweaty. So, we broke down and cut it at less than 4 months old. He did such a good job, though, and he looks so grown up and even more handsome than before!


Before:















During:



















After:

Swimming Lessons

O has been taking swimming lessons for the past week and a half. She did HORRIBLE the first week and cried every night. This week, however, she's done great! It was like something "clicked" and now she loves swimming.

Here are a few pics of her and me last week. I have some pics of her swimming with Daddy from yesterday . . . but I haven't uploaded them yet. Maybe tomorrow . . . nah, probably in a month! LOL

Update!!

My dear friend, M, tells me its time for another update . . . what would I do without you, M? :-) For those of you who are also my Facebook friends, these pics might be a repeat - but at least here you get a little explanation too!

Here are some random, having fun pics of O and E. O is almost 23 months and E is almost 4 months. Aren't they cute?

Say "cheese!"



















E cheering on his big sis, O - "Go Sis!"














AAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!














Ooops! Who put that there?














Having a great time playing together.














My big boy!

My Favorite Picture

This picture was taken this past week - May 20, to be exact. It has become my favorite of O and E. So I thought I'd share it with you all. They're both really growing up! O is 22 months and E is 3 months now.

BUSTED!

We went camping last weekend. I don't have any of the pictures here at home as they're on my computer at work. (Note to self: Bring home laptop and post more pictures!) But, one of our friends who went with us took this picture of O who had found her way to the bag of chips which is evident by the orange residue around her lips! BUSTED!

Where's E?

Oh, its been way too long since I've updated our family blog. So, in attempt to appease family and friends, I'll post a few tonight. Maybe you'll get lucky and I'll post more tomorrow since I'll be home for the holiday. I apologize in advance if the next few posts are a bit out of order.

These pics were taken on April 22 (a full month ago). E is 2 months here and O is 21 months. O has really taken to E and loves taking care of him. Every time she wakes up, whether from a nap or from a full-night's sleep, her first question is, "Where's E?" Though, of course she says his full name, not just his blog name. :-) She always needs to know where her little brother is.