Jacob Returns, and other fun events

Well, it's been another very busy week. Today Jacob came to play while his mom attended a dr's appt. for their new little one (soon to come in Nov.). It was great having him back-- we've really missed the little guy! Kayla was pretty excited... Matt wasn't thrilled that he no longer plays with baby toys- instead rather playing with Matt's trucks and toys... but he got over it. I'm bummed I didn't get to snap any pictures while he was here-- we were all too busy playing (well- I was running around to try to control the mess that three toddlers can make too). We're excited to watch him for his mom's dr's appointments in the future too!

We have Mark and MacKenzie's second shower tomorrow... and lots of stuff to do over the weekend! Our to-do list is constantly growing. Crazy too-- we have something already scheduled on every weekend until August! The kiddo's are excited to announce that they're going to have a new cousin coming in December '07-- congrats Uncle Dave and Aunt Laura!

Julie updates...

-- she can sit up unassisted for short periods of time... usually leaning way too far forward after a minute or two.

-- she talks non-stop gearing up to compete with the noise level in this house

-- she can roll front to back, and back to front-- and can scoot in a circle while on her back... and a little bit forward/backward when on her tummy

-- she can give kisses :)

-- we had a bit of a scare at her 4-month well check (she had symptoms for a pretty serious condition)-- but she's 100% perfect- nothing wrong... false alarm (we can now go back to breathing again!)

-- can't believe in 10 days the peanut will be 5 months old!

Decisions, decisions

So, after watching a few Youtube video's (Belle's gift, and Kyle David Miller) and TONS of research Peter and I have decided to take whatever steps possible to keep our kids as safe as possible in the car. Riding in the car is the most dangerous thing they do-- and they do it every day. Basically there are 3 models that will last them for awhile-- Apex 65, Radian and the Regent. We were going with the Apex (shortest torso height of the three, but cheapest by far) and actually ordered two of them... but changed our minds (the stars aligned for our decision change)... anyway, we will be the proud owners of two Britax Regent's in the next few weeks. It's a good thing cause Matt has a matter of days left on his current seat, and Kayla's not far behind him (she has a little more room-- no diaper helps).

Anyway, you'll find them in their big kid harnessed car seats till they're probably 6 (maybe older if they're short)... and then boosters until they're 4'9''. Some risks are not worth taking. Oh yeah, and Julie will rear face until the limits of her seat or 2 years old, as that's safest as well... live and learn- because I hapily turned Matt and Kayla FF at 13 months... know better- do better :)

Check out the links to the youtube video's here:

Belle's gift - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2LFo8vVi04

Kyle David Miller - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ

Seriously, still sick...

Well, the flu is gone, and in it's place is a few horrible colds. Kayla's on a steroid to help her asthma flair ups-- we're monitoring Julie for breathing problems... and Matt and I are sniffling away. I'm pretty sure that Julie's been sick at least half of her life... poor baby's gonna have a killer immune system in a couple years! I've been avoiding posting because I feel like I have so much to catch up.

Despite the recent illness', we have had some time to have a good time.
Here's the highlights:

A week ago we ate dinner and spent the evening hanging out with Dave and Laura. After bedtime we ran home, chunked the kids in bed, and Dave and Laura came over so we could continue our adult conversation. The next morning Matt told me... "me go home, me go to bed, Dave and Laura come to play with you".

Speaking of Dave and Laura-- we went to their house for a Quatro de Mayo (?SP!) party on Friday. Lots of friends and neighbors were there-- and it was a great time! Good company, good food, and good beverage-- what more could you want.

We've made many trips to parks lately with Anna, Keely and Brendan (also other friends have joined us). The kids are LOVING being outside more, and life in general is better when we're not all couped up. Makes me wonder why we don't consider more seriously moving to a better climated area...

Peter got his diploma in the mail. It's official! Now, he's currently deciding on which graduate school he will attend... looking at scheduling his GMAT test and the like.

Laundry room's coming along. Tile's in, drywall's up, counter is in place... just needs a counter top, molding, and a few other "finishing touches".

That's it for now...