The one with the 9 foot Tree

Grady is 3 months old. He really is a good baby - I look at him and can't believe how my baby is slipping away and growing so quick. His little bobble is getting better, his smiles come quick (unless we are taking his 3 month set of pictures), and he is a cuddler. Matt found that out this weekend when I suggested bringing him back to bed so he's sleep a little longer, allowing everyone to sleep a little longer. His cradle cap is my everday battle, poor guy! He had his developmental screening and she was happy with where he's at... on top of the charts in a few categories, needs a little help with gross motor but we'll get there. Eleanor also was screened. She needs to work on her kicking and block building but our screener did comment on her strong will and spirit and that if we can (paraphrase) harness it and use it for good - it will serve her well in life. She was impressed that Eleanor is throwing with both hands and has good chatter and was in love with her pretend play which has been going on for some time. We do like our screener, we have had the same one since Eleanor was 3 months old and she always gives us good ideas and confirms what we are doing or gives us pointers to help get to our goals with the kids. She also makes me feel good when she compliments us on our teamwork or our ideas on what we've given the kids (like Eleanor's card canister).

We are starting to get into the holiday season... I will admit I'm not good at getting Christmas things out this year, it has been hard with all the "help" I have and by the time we get them to bed, I'm tired! We did go and get the tree this year and put it up to start it falling so we can decorate it this weekend. We brought it in the house during naptime, so someone thought it was hilarious when she woke up and there it was! It's a 9 foot Fraser.

Another thing we did this past weekend was start working on our ornaments for Christmas. Eleanor thought this was fun to do, until she ate the salt dough and decided it was disgusting! Some lessons that we learn are tough. I will paint them again this year... I'm curious how it will go next year when Eleanor's independence kicks through to paint it herself.

The weather has been all over the board, this weekend it was beautiful... we played outside without mittens, we watched the geese on the lake, Matt cleaned up leaves... and then Monday we have snow and the two of them are out shoveling., I suppose it's really winter. I always dread when the white stuff is here to stay.

I can't believe Christmas is almost upon us.... we've been working on gifts and making memories and just trying to keep our heads above the mess! It should make for an interesting season!

Best meal... We had Kevin's stromboli that he made for us... was so sweet to have him think of us... and Eleanor thought it was great! Mealtime with her isn't always the most fun so anytime she's eating and happy, we are happy.

ALR takes something from EER: That's mine.
EER: No, mine
ALR: No, mine.
EER: No mine.
ALR, No, mine.
MJR: How long is this going on?
ALR: Well, she is using words.