"POPSICLES!"

Jimmy and I began thinking it was a little cruel watching poor little Jace so focused on his big sis as she eats her popsicle after bathtime. So, tonight we decided to give him his own. Man, was he a happy little guy! Here's Kendall screaming, "POPSICLES!"Not sure why we gave him a fudge pop????Buddy, it's all gone. He didn't quite understand when we had to throw the stick away. Ha!

Additions to our backyard

Video will be posted later. Something's is wrong when I go to publish the post.

We've actually had some really warm weather this week, so the kids have been able to play on the swingset we put out back. Jace certainly can navigate his way around very well, and did I mention how much he LOVES it. Kendall's also figured out how to swing herself by pumping her legs after hours of repeating "in, out, in out".

We've also added a covered arbor out back and installed an outdoor TV and stereo. Jimmy got it done just in time for football season so come rain or shine, cold or hot, he's out there enjoying it. Spring is going to be a blast! I see a lot of parties in our future.

Jace 15 month Checkup

I realize I'm a little late on this since he will be 16 months, yes (I wrote 16 months) next week!! Little man is really climbing the charts. He is now 31.5 inches tall-- 53% for his height!!! YAY! And he weighs 22.5 pounds-- 16%. So, in other words, he's tall"er" and skinny. Something his mother would love to be! Ha!
He took his shots like a champ and passed all the doctor's assessments with the exception of one. At 6 months, Jace saw a pediatric cardiologist for his heart murmur and she said very loudly and clearly to me and Jimmy after the EKG, "You have NOOO need to worry, this will be resolved by the time he's 12 months." By "this", I'm referring to a kink in his pulmonary artery. So, the pediatrician detected it still at 12 months and has just been monitoring it since. Well, today, at almost 16 months, it's still detectable. So, we are being referred back to the cardiologist for a recheck. I truly am not worried. And, that's out of my character as it would be for any Mom when it comes to their kids. However, his pediatrician assured me that it's "less" detectable since his visit about a month ago. And, who's to say right at a year, the murmur just disappears. Maybe it will be closer to 16-18 months for Jace. He is a healthy growing boy whose smile can turn me into mush. I know everything will be just fine with this. I will definitely update more after our cardiologist visit.

Christmas Travels 2009

The day after Christmas, we travelled to South Carolina and Georgia to spend time with our families. Our first stop was S.C. to Mimi and Pap Pap's house. The kids had a blast with their cousins and it was certainly entertaining to watch Jace try and keep up with the "big" kids, Kendall included. ;)

Jimmy, Zac, Jace, Ty, Kenzie and Kendall at the Columbia Zoo for the "Night of Lights". They had so many beautiful lights around the zoo, and we also got to see a couple of animals, too.

Kendall and Kenz always having a good time with each other.

Jenn, Jimmy's sister-- They look like twins in this picture!The kids with Nana, their Great-Grandmother. It was very special to have her travel down from Pennsylvania. Also, while we were in South Carolina, we went to the pottery studio. The kids made a beautiful handprint palmetto tree plate for Mimi and Pap Pap.

Our next stop was to Gammy and Papa's house in Georgia. Talk about 3 busy little ones. This was 1 of 2 pictures I could get of Kendall, Nate, and Jace actually standing still together. Ha!

Me with my 2 favorite ladies.... my mom and Kendall No trip to Atlanta is complete without visiting the Varsity. Jimmy saw a special on the History Channel about 2 months ago and wanted to check it out for himself. He even wore the Varsity signature hat just like Nate and Jace. Hands down the best onion rings we've ever eaten!

And our trip also included a surprise birthday celebration for my amazing parents. Happy 60th!

Kendall version of "Frosty the Snowman"

Last year, it was Jingle Bells. This year it's Frosty.

Jace's 1st Haircut

Such a handsome little guy with his new haircut!

Comment of the Day

No, this wasn't made by Kendall. I could post her comments hourly.

A lady at Kroger looks at me and says, "Your son is sooooooo cute! He looks just like (long pause and obvious thinking on her part....) Winnie the Pooh."

Say what??!!! And what was my response back.... "Well, yes, he does look like Winnie the Pooh."

Alrighty then....

How 'bout these for our Christmas card?

Dear Kendall and Jace,
I know I've waited until the last minute to try and get some pictures of you 2 together for our Christmas card. I also know that I took these WAY to close to naptime, but can you at least work with me a little bit?
Love,
Mommy Choke hold....I'd cry too.

Maybe a change of scenery will do the trick.... uh....nope!

Ok, back inside...maybe this time it will work.... well....getting closer, right? This is my favorite.

Alright Jace, it's definitely time for a nap.

Jace is up to lots of new things....

I assure you that I wasn't lying to the Grandparents when I told them Jace wasn't saying but 1 or 2 words (mama and dada). Well, he sure has proved me wrong..... In just 2 weeks, his vocabulary has blossomed and he seems to be getting a word a day. He has been trying really hard to say the words that are said to him. You can see those wheels just turning away. Gammy even got him to say "Kendall", not clearly by any means but distinguishable. So cute! Then he really caught me off guard when he pointed to the bowl where I keep bananas and said, "nana." I'm just loving this new stage in his development.
He's also such a little flirt. Just today in Marshalls, he was waving to the ladies saying "Hey." Sometimes he says "bye" but his word of choice during our shopping trip today was a clear "Hey". He quickly made friends with an older lady in the shoe department and she was eating it up. She must have been a grandma. ;)

Check out this video of Kendall

Kendall started reciting this Pledge of Allegiance this evening out of nowhere. She never ceases to amaze us in all the she is learning. What a sponge!