M.S. Einstein

Climbing around in our slides can really build up some static electricity, especially on a windy day.

Cleo updates

Our little Cleo has settled into her new home very well-- we think she likes having a family and a house of her own. She has gained a whopping 7 pounds and looks like a totally different dog. Her favorite activities are going on walks, rolling in the grass in the backyard, and curling up on her very own pillow. She sleeps well in her crate and puts up with all my loving attentions, but she does have two little quirks: she likes to try to sleep on the back of the sofa, which Mommy doesn't like, and she will chew any toy she can get her teeth on, which no one likes. Still, she has become an indispensible member of the family.

When the family eats dinner together, we try to make nice polite conversation. For years now, I have gotten the conversation rolling by asking everyone "So, how's YOUR day?" Now Madeline Sophie wants to get in on the action, and she has a favorite question, too. "What's your name?" She will ask each person several times, and will frequently disagree with their response. She varies on whether she says her name is Madeline or Sophie.

Today we were talking to Miss Kim, and Madeline started up with her favorite question. Miss Kim turned it back on her and asked "what is Daddy's name?" She responded right away that it was "John." When Miss Kim asked her what Mommy's name was, she had to take a moment to consider the question, but she was equally confident in her response. "Honey."

maybe in "Laura?"

I must have read about clotheslines in a story somewhere, because I am suddenly very interested in them. I scrounged up some yarn and asked Mommy for some clothespins to set this one up in the backyard. (Mommy's note: Isabel doesn't seem to realize that you hang clothes up to dry them, these are apparently just for decoration or storage or something).

Luke and Madeline have a special friendship: they can play together for hours without needing parental intervention. They can be happy doing the darnedest things, too.

Lahb-stahs

Every week, Mommy takes us to HEB to buy groceries. As those of you with small children know, this is no small event, and to help keep us in line, there are many small rewards built into the trip. These include getting balloons at the door, stopping by all the counters which give out samples, walking through the balloon section, acquiring Buddy Bucks, and, most importantly of all and NEVER TO BE SKIPPED, EVER, EVER, AT PERIL OF DEATH, is having a visit with the lobsters in the seafood department. For the last few months, Madeline has made the same comment when she sees them: "Oh! Lobsters are walking on their friends!" Personally, I think this is a very right and true observation, but nothing more. For some reason, though, Mommy usually laughs so hard she cries, right there next to the sushi counter.

Madeline Sophie recently started sleeping full time in her very own "big girl bed." This has been a bit of a challenge for Mommy, as Madeline is easily distracted by the toys in her bedroom and will sometimes wander around for so long that she misses her nap entirely. Some days, though, she does finally fall asleep.

Scroll all the way down! I'm catching up on my holiday blogging, and I file entries by the date the picture was taken. Even if you see a familiar shot, there are more new ones below!

Back at home, we unwrapped some presents from Dan and Nikki. Thank you, god parents!
We have already read Socks once and Olivia 3749 times.



One of Nanaw's presents for us was a set of coordinating aprons. Mommy really could have used one of those when she made Daddy's cake! For reasons unknown to anyone, Daddy decided that the first thing we should do when we arrived home from our exhausting trip was to set up the tripod an take a picture. We had not yet fully unloaded the car at this point and Mommy is dangerously close to passing out while standing up.

Christmas brunch

We proceeded to Grandmama and Granddad's house for brunch and more presents. We saw Kathy, RE, and Shannon there too.


Shannon gave Madeline and me PRINCESS JEWELRY for Christmas! We had a blast together.
Shannon's parents were present when my Mommy was born, so these pictures are kind of unique.

Grandmama helped us open up some more presents.

Madeline's favorite gift of the day was actually Daddy's-- a huge tin of popcorn that she dug into with gusto.

Stockings on Christmas morning

Grandma Helen, Aunt Cheryl, Uncle Emil, Amy, and Jeffer joined Nanaw, Grand Tom, Aunt Maria, Mommy, Daddy, Madeline and me for presents on Christmas morning. It was quite chaotic! After stockings, Daddy switched over to video. The highlights for me were the orange in my stocking and the crumbs on the plate of cookies that I left for Santa Claus. He noticed we had a dog, and he left her a bone!

I was pleased to receive a real clock (I believe that this will somehow get me out of naps) and a real umbrella, which I like to hold while I sing the Umbrella song. Madeline is thrilled with her minivan, which can hold any number of dollhouse people and various "boys" and farm animals.

Cozy chair

On Christmas Eve, I just would not take a nap, even though I was completely exhausted from all the visiting and celebrating and frivolity. After I was allowed downstairs, it took a mere five minutes for me to fall asleep in this chair. Then Mommy and Daddy woke me right up and dressed me up and took me out in the cold to go to Mass! These people just can't decide what they want.

Playing Christmas carols with Nanaw and Maria... one of many such occasions to come. :)

Happy birthday, Daddy.

Soon you'll have to go in a wheelchair.



Here is Daddy's first birthday cake in many years, made by Mommy. She said frosting was a little trickier in New Mexico and that no, she does not want a stand mixer for Christmas. Also, do not attempt to use buttercream icing when the directions say to use Royal icing.

We decided on 3 birthday candles because Daddy was turning three to the third power. Excellent.



Madeline liked the party favors, Nanaw and Cleo were not so sure.

Since it was his birthday, Daddy got to take as long as he wanted opening packages the VERY VERY VERY slow way.

It was very cold in New Mexico. Luckily, it snowed a little bit. Also luckily, we went outside to play in it very early in the day, because it disappeared quickly. Our snowsuits were mudsuits by the time we got inside.

That's what uncles are for

Uncle Kevin is always good for some crazy entertainment. I was particularly enchanted with him on this visit.

Maybe because he does weird stuff like this:

Old friends

Sheralyn came to town last month to participate in the now traditional cookie baking party. We went out for brunch at Magnolia Pancake Haus-- it was just like old times, except for the addition of five little bundles of fun. No more running out the door to brunch at 1:59 pm, ladies.

Cleo

Here is a view of our Cleo with a little more perspective. She's starting to chunk up and look a little less homeless and pathetic these days.

More cookie baking highlights

Kathryn gets some tips from the pro-- Mommy knows best when it comes to cookies.



Now she makes sure Sheralyn is doing it right.

Ms. Kim makes up some turtle frosting.

And the babies enjoy the fruits of our labors.