Milestones

Jackson turned one month old last week and had his pediatrician appointment with the new Doc (our old Doc retired). We like Doc O'Brien so far as she was very relaxed, has kids of her own, and understood first hand why Jack's blanket had dog hair on it (she has a yellow lab)! We found out that our little guy is 11.5 pounds (90th percentile), 21 inches (25th %), and has a head measuring in the 75th percentile. Jack, my boy, you are sized like a linebacker at one month old. Now, if only you end up left handed, you have a great shot at becoming either a big league pitcher or president of the USA (did you all see that stat, that 50% of the presidents have been left handed?? Weird given that lefties used to be burned at the stake for suspicion of witchcraft).

Also last week, Eleanor turned a year & a half! Geoff and I stopped to think about it and were both stunned at how time has flown. She will have her 18 month pediatrician appointment a month late (so, next month) and we'll see how she is measuring then. Until then, here are a few more pictures of the kids since I am their mother and think they are so cute.

The Secret to Good Parenting

I have figured out that good parents have the answer to one key question. That question is: Where can I take my toddler to be entertained when it is freezing outside? Seriously, finding the answer to that question (especially when you live urban and realize you have to travel to suburbia to find most of these places) that keeps us sane and Nora Kate from bopping her brother on the head because she is frustrated or bored.

Despite the cold weather, we are having some fun. See below:
Making jello jigglers:
Going outside anyway (Nora grabbed her Dad's coat and hat to go outside after he had taken her out and played in snow for a good 20 minutes, for which she thanked him with a kiss):
Going to other people's houses to play (Thank you Nana Kathy & Papa Steve, Sidney & Hannah!) and getting fun surprises like hats made just for you (Thank you McKenzie!)And, finally, taking the kiddo out for fast food and ice cream, just so you can play on the businesses' indoor play yards. We did this Sunday and it was a sure fire hit. Because absolutely none of the fast food places near us have play yards (we live in a college district, not a place where many people have kids), we opted for Graeters ice cream and Nora loved it. She is a tad young for some of the slides and things, but played basketball, climbed stairs and flew down slides, and rode a banana see-saw. Great fun! Plus, mom got to eat real ice cream.

So, we're having fun, trying to stay sane with nights full of broken sleep. Oh, and I am collecting estimates on a new roof and some kitchen remodeling. So, if you know anyone who does these kinds of things honestly for a fair price, pass her/his name along. Here is one more of Jack in his many layers to brace against the cold:

Time Flies

Little Jack continues to get bigger and stronger everyday. He is staying awake for longer periods of time and wants to eat constantly. We took him to the doctor for a weigh in to make sure he was gaining weight and he well surpassed the doc's goal of gaining half ounce a day.

Eleanor continues to learn something new every minute. She now talks in complete sentences and reads out loud. Granted we can't understand what she is saying but what comes out is in the form of a sentence and she certainly knows what she wants. She will grab anything we are reading, hold it in front of her and read it aloud while walking around the house.


We got her ready for the Ohio State bowl game by teaching her "Go Bucks!" and trying to teach her the Oh - io chant. She can't quite get the h and i, so she does "O" with the arm motion and after we fill in the h and i she ends it with another enthusiastic "o".

Happy New Year

Hope everyone had a good holiday season. Here are some pictures from our Christmas. Nora still loves her brother.

Playing with Uncle Scott on Christmas afternoon.

The whole clan.

Jack taking a snooze.

Eleanor ready to hit the road.