Penn State Chics Dig Nerds

We are starting to get into the Christmas spirit. There was really nice weather Friday and Saturday, so we took advantage. Friday, Jesse put the white icicle lights up. Then yesterday, I put up the swags, garland, wreaths, and blue lights. We are trying out new LED lights this year because every year we always struggled to get the old ones to light. Natalee helped me out by taking a nap in her swing while outside. Of course, it was her typical 15 minute nap. At least that gave me some time to find my decorations and get organized. Meg was a slacker. She just wanted to go inside and lay on the bed the whole time. She is still recovering from Mom being here. Then, Natalee helped me decorate while riding in the front pack. She also helped me vacuum today. TADAAA...the finished product (except I don't have the candles in the windows yet) In other news: I gave Jesse his Christmas present early. Actually since he was so specific I told him to go and buy it himself. Then, I allowed hi...

Natalee has been spoiled the last few days with Zeb and Mum visiting. Actually I've been spoiled as well since they have been doing my cooking, cleaning and babysitting! Yesterday, Natalee went to the doctor for her 4 month visit. Of course, she got some more vaccinations. She did very well. In fact, I was smart this time. I took the pacifier along. As soon as the vaccinations were over, I gave her the pacifier. Five seconds later, she was smiling at the nurse again! She's been really tired and a bit grumpy, but otherwise she's doing well. Is she grumpy because of vaccinations or teething??? She's now 12 lbs. 6 oz. and 24 inches long. Her head size is still in the 50-75 th percentile, but her weight is now only in the 25 th percentile. This could be attributed to sleeping all night and her nightly crib aerobics. Her height is also down to the 5 oth percentile or so.

A week ago Monday Rachel (Jesse's sister) and Graham welcomed Iona Raine Caylor into the world. She weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz. and was 21 inches long. Congratulations also to Travis (Lindsay's cousin) and Missy on the birth of Easton John Paul Zook yesterday (I'm assuming that is what they did name him). I think he was about 9 lbs, but I do not know much more than that right now! I don't think I've ever known so many little babies and babies-on-the-way. It's nice to see that Natalee will have a lot of little friends!

I always thought I would never buy a pink Steelers outfit and put it on my little girl. However, now that I have a little girl, I think she is so cute in it!!!! (Thanks to Jen and Jimmy for sending this to us!) It is still quite big on her, but I guess that just means she will still fit into it during the Super Bowl :o) She apparently wasn't in the mood for smiling -- just playing and turning around. We had a guy in Shelton make us some bookshelves to match our entertainment center. They will look really nice once they are finished. With our damp winter weather here, I don't think they will get done until next spring/summer. We found it necessary to do something about our old bookshelf because it was extremely unstable for young people to be around. These should not give way to kid weight. Now, just the books will be in danger!

We just got back from Post Falls, Idaho, where we visited with Jesse's parents. We also made a day trip to Moscow so that we could visit Jesse's grandparents. Natalee rode fairly well, but slept too much on the way over there Friday evening! Here we are in Kiwanis Park, along the Spokane River with Jesse's folks and the dogs, Meg and Shadow. Natalee had some fun with Grandpa Honn.

The last few days Natalee has been obsessed with making lip noises -- all day long. She makes the noises during diaper changes, during tummy time, while in her bouncy chair, while being held, while in the car, and basically everywhere else. As you can see in the video, when Natalee gets animated, the spit really flies.

I found this adorable "eggplant" sock hat yesterday at a local craft fair. A lady in Manette ( Bremerton ) made it. She had others that were a ladybug and a strawberry. Now, I wish she would have sold matching mittens. While we solved the cold head/ears problem, we didn't solve the cold hands problem. I think she looks so cute! Of course, I am a little biased. I sat her upright in the stroller, which she seemed to enjoy. Technically, I'm not supposed to have her upright yet, but I figured she holds her head up really well and she really enjoys looking around, so why not? Even Meg paid some attention to Natalee, which she thought was great!