No More Finger Sucking

While we were at Walgreen's we also picked up some no nail biting polish to put on Alex's finger so he'll stop sucking them.  He was so excited about it.  I don't know that he understood the concept, but learned quickly that his fingers tasted yucky.  Sadly, I missed the first time he put his fingers in his mouth so I didn't see his reaction.  He's doing really well, so hopefully before long he won't be sucking his fingers or need the polish.

Firetruck

Today Daddy woke up feeling really yucky.  He called Walgreens and refilled his prescription, so Alex and I went to pick it up.  Today was the Sherman wide garage sale, so the police and firemen were on hand to entertain and educate the kids at Walgreens.  I told Alex we were going to get to see the firetruck, but when we got there is wasn't there.   So we went inside and got Daddy's medicine and then got his fingerprints and picture taken and made a little first aid kit and got a balloon.

Then they said the firetruck was here. Alex wasted no time heading outside.  Needless to say he had a blast and could have stayed for hours.  They even turned on the sirens while Alex was 'driving.'

Poor Daddy felt terrible all day long and Mommy had a really bad headache.  Hope tomorrow is better.

11 Months Old

Well, this photo shoot was interesting.  You are so darn mobile now that I can't get you to sit for any amount of time.  You were anti hair bow today, but you tried really hard to put it on yourself.  We only have one more month of photo shoots like this.  It's so crazy to think you are almost one!!!  We really need to invest in a pause button.  Time needs to slow down!

You are such a treat, little girl.  You are a great sleeper, eater, and pooper so basically you are healthy and happy!  You love love love your blanket, just like Mommy did hers.  You are still a Mommy's girl, which I love but man you make it hard to get things done.  You really love your brother alot and try really hard to do everything he does.  You two love to play peek-a-boo with each other. You also can do "How Big is Amelia" and are really loving to dance when you hear music.  You have started blowing kisses, which just melts my heart.  You have started using sign language.  You can sign dog and more.  We are working on saying please and milk.  You also have started making these funny sounds that crack your Dad and me up.  I think this is about the same time when Alex started making wookie type noises.  It amazes me how much you remind me of Alex, but at the same time you are definitely your own person.  We love you baby girl!!

Sidenote:  Alex has really been practicing getting himself dressed.  The pictures above show he is still struggling a bit.  He looks like he has on a mini-skirt with both legs in the same hole.  That's OK practice makes perfect!!

World Series Trophy

Today the World Series trophy for the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals Champions was on display in the Senate Chambers.  I was lucky enough to get my picture taken with it.

On the Move

Amelia has really been enjoying her independence.  She loves holding on to this truck and walking around.  I can't believe how mobile she is!!!  She'll be walking on her own in no time!

Eating Like a Big Girl

Cutting up the oranges.

Tonight at dinner Amelia kept grunting and pointing at me, or so I thought.  I finally figured out she wanted my fork.  Knowing that it wasn't a good idea, I got up and got her a spoon.  She was off and running in no time trying to scoop up the noodles and put it in her mouth.  She struggled, but ended up picking the noddles up with her fingers and putting it on the spoon and then putting it in her mouth.  Why is my baby girl growing up so fast.  She's given up the breast, bottle, and baby food.  We really need things to slow down a bit!!

Both of the kids enjoyed mandarian oranges this evening too.   I didn't figure that they would eat an entire can, but boy was I wrong.  Alex was even drinking the juice right out of the can!  He was super sweet, and would give an orange to his sister, but not without first cutting it in half for her.

After we thought Amelia was done eating she took upon herself to give my fork a try!!  Of course after she threw a fit because she didn't want Daddy to clean her off.

A Visit to Grandma & Papa's House--by Grandma

This is Alex's 'weedeater'.  Quite an interesting interpretation.

After a few attempts Grandma was finally able to get her blog update to us.  So here it is. . .  Looks like they had fun.  Love the picture of Alex and Amelia with Ma.  It's so sweet.  Sure wish Ma knew what was going on though.

Boy did we have fun with Alex and Amelia while mommy and daddy were in Mexico! Nana brought
them to Virden on Thursday morning. It was such a beautiful day that after lunch we went outside to
play. Alex drove sissy around in the tricycle a while, but then she got tired so while she took a nap, Alex
and I went back outside to visit the diggers. When Papa got home from work we played outside some
more—Alex loves to drive Papa’s old truck and insisted on taking a certain set of keys which contains
a truck key, and he quickly figured out which key fit though as of yet can’t get it started—if he had, I’m
sure he would have insisted on driving as well. We Skyped with Aunt Sara and Evalee and Alex sang
Happy Birthday to her. Amelia was REALLY excited to Skype with Mommy and Daddy! It rained most of
the day on Friday so we had to play inside and watch a movie or two. Amelia can sure hold her own with
her big brother—she’s a tough as nails and is an eating MACHINE!!

Saturday we loaded up the car to head to Hillsboro to see Great Grandma Furness—we would have
been there an hour earlier, but Papa and Grandma really no nothing about car seats! When we got to
Hillsboro we went out to the boat dock at the lake and fed the big fish crackers and bread—and then
we headed over to Fusion to go swimming. It sure takes Grandmas a lot longer to get kids dressed and
undressed than it does Mommies!! Alex was the last one out of the pool before closing! We had supper
at McDonald's and Alex ordered chicken nuggets, but when he took one look at Grandma’s quarter
pounder---well let’s just say the nuggets were now hers! Amelia was asleep before we pulled out of
Grandma Furness’ driveway—but Alex managed to stay awake and talk to me until about Farmersville
when he looked at me and said “I tired”….know what you mean buddy!!

My favorite part of the weekend was taking our grandchildren to church and “showing them off” a bit.
Amelia stayed with Papa during Sunday School and was the center of attention in the Koinonia class--
I switched classes with Janis so that I could be downstairs with Alex—he had a great time playing with
Sophie and Maggie! After church we met up with Jerry and Della at DiCarlo’s then home for a nap—
because mommy and daddy were coming in later. Alex flew into their arms the minute they came
through the door but it took Amelia a second to figure out that they were there for real and not on the
computer screen! Needless to say—we had a wonderful time—the kids were so good—but this is one Grandma and Papa that knows why God gives us children while we’re young and strong!!