Happy 2009!

We hope you enjoyed every second of your holiday celebration. We did!
We were thrilled to welcome Nana for Christmas and Grandpa Stan for the week between Christmas and New Years. Lilly and Claire were ultra spoiled with 2 weeks of grandparents! It took Lilly awhile to get used to "life as usual" with just mom and dad once our guests departed. Claire also had a fabulous first Christmas. This was the first year that Lilly had a clue as to what was happening throughout the holiday. She was very eager to celebrate Jesus's birthday, open presents and join in all the festivities.

We welcome 2009 and all the excitement it will bring. We look forward to...
** Claire's first birthday celebration in April
** A trip home to Kansas sometime this summer
** A trip to San Diego sometime this spring to visit Shamu and friends.
** A trip to the Polar Express next winter
** A finished dissertation and potential graduation for Lori?? (Cross your fingers!)

May the coming new year bring you health, security, joy and faith. We look forward to sharing more adventures with you.

Please click on the photo to view our December slide show.

Merry Christmas!!

Lilly and Claire visited Santa. Lilly high-fived him and agreed to sit next to him.. .but NOT on his lap. Giddy Claire didn't mind a bit.

Enjoy our other photos also. Nana bought the girls these beautiful dresses, and they were happy to have their pictures taken in them. It was too late to make Christmas cards out of these pictures, but they are here for you to enjoy.

Lilly is really looking forward to "Jesus' birthday" this year. She can't wait for Santa to come visit. In fact, everytime there is a knock at our door, she yells "Santa's here!"
It will be a memorable Christmas, for sure.... Claire's first celebration and Lilly's first experience understanding the season. We also welcome my mom for the holiday and Rob's dad on the 26th.

Merry Christmas to each of you!

Wonderful Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving with Nana (Lori's mom) and Aunt Amy and the gang. Lilly loved her live-in playmates: Emma and KK.

(Click on the photo to view our slideshow)

Returning to our Kansas roots with a little bit 'o country...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Claire's latest trick...

She eats, she laughs, she naps... she CRAWLS!
That's right- Little Miss Claire crawled for the first time on Saturday. She moves steadily across the room by using a traditional crawl, not a fancy alternative. There's no stopping her! So far, she stays on the carpet and avoids the tile. We are once again keenly aware of every minute piece of paper, fuzz, string, etc on the floor. Where does it go?... in Claire's mouth! She'll stop at nothing to cross the floor for stray kleenex, dog toy fuzz or a piece of dirt. Lilly is becoming slightly more aware of her shrinking personal space, but that hasn't bothered her just yet; that fun will come once Claire begins walking.

Claire is on track with Lilly's progress during her first year. Lilly also crawled at the same age: 7 months. If their similarities continue, Claire should be walking by February. WOW!

October Highlights: Our Slideshow

(Click photo to view slideshow.)

October was a busy month. It all started with Lilly's diagnosis with ITP, all the therapy that ensued and then all the fun we had following recovery. We enjoyed a day at Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party, a day at the zoo, Robby's birthday and fun at home.

Lilly is doing well. We return to PCH for a follow-up test next week. Her first follow-up appointment revealed she reacted well to her treatment. If all goes well, her bout with ITP has ended.

Claire is growing fast; today she sat up in her crib for the first time. She is eating graham crackers and plenty of baby food, smiling, laughing and screaming too. We call her clairadactyl (terradactyl) when she screams at the top of her lungs. Overall she is a cheerful little lady who loves her family. Lilly also loves being a big sister but still likes to be the center of attention.

We have lots of fun things planned for November. We hope you visit our site again to check in!

Unexpected Haircut

It happens to all little girls, right? I have heard the comical stories from other parents but never thought my 2-year old would be the recipient of an unwanted haircut. Yes, maybe she would cut her own hair, eventually, but instead, Lilly was the "customer" at Tiny Toes Beauty Shop.

The story goes a little something like this... Picture a beautiful, slightly warm Arizona afternoon... a pair of scissors that was accidentally left in the yard... two toddlers ages 2 and 3... and the need for some fun...

Megan (Meme) and Lilly quietly closed the shutters and door to the blue play house. Meme, having the skills to use scissors at the ripe age of 3, decides Lilly will be her customer. Several snips later... Lilly has a new haircut. If you ask Lilly what happened to her hair she proudly states "Meme cut my hair". Then she goes on to say... "in the blue house"... followed by "Meme has time out!". So long story short- Lilly has a new 'do just in time for the holidays. This picture is of Lilly just after I picked her up on Halloween. Since this photo was taken, I've trimmed the bangs so they are at least even... short, but even. Have a nice laugh at Lilly's expense. To see just how much hair is missing, scroll down to previous photos.