15 month check-up

Darbi had her 15 month check up today. She is a picture of health! She weighed in at 20 lb. 10 oz (25th percentile...still a little squirt although I thought for sure she'd be heavier than that), 30 1/2 inches long (50th percentile...at her 12 month she was around 30th percentile) and head is 17 1/2 inches (50th percentile...Dr. Bichir said it's because of all her hair...haha!). She is hitting all milestones beautifully. Developmentally they need to say at least 5 words. I'd say she's up to around 15-20. She has started pointing to her body parts in the last couple of months. She is stacking toys and climbing like a fool. Current words/phrases: hi, bye-bye, da-da, ma-ma, Ja-ja (Jackson), thank you, please, sit, shoe, yeah, side (outside), bi (bite), baby, gog (dog), ball, milk, eat, eyes, bubby bu (belly button), and nose. That's all I can think of now. She is working on, "I love you." I'm ready for her to learn that!! I asked about her articulation and Dr. Bichir darn near laughed at me. He said at 54 he needs work on his articulation too! :) He said as long as they can say 5 words that we know they are on target. Our poor baby got 4 shots! :( She'll go back in one month to get her second flu shot. After that, she'll get a couple at 2 years and then nothing until kindergarten! Jackson got his flu shot today too. He was such a trooper. He cried some. I think his anticipation was worse than getting the shot itself! Next well visit: 18 months. Wow.

BROWN COUNTY: Abe Martin Lodge

This past weekend we went to Brown County to enjoy our Christmas present from Mom and Dad for Christmas last year. Every year they get us a gift certificate to Indiana State Parks. I was leary about the weather this time of year, but since we decided on Abe Martin Lodge again this year, I thought we'd be okay since the waterpark was indoors. We really had the best weekend together we've had in a long time! It was a much needed little getaway. It truly made me stop and enjoy the 3 most amazing blessings God has bestowed upon me. I love my family!

My beautiful family

In no time flat, we saw this.

And Jackson was "sleeping" too. I think I convinced him to rest since we were going to be playing a lot when we arrived and after a few quiet moments...

...VICTORY!

We arrived before check in time. They gave us bracelets to the waterpark. However, we decided to enjoy the weather and play on a nearby playground. I thought by the time we found our swim stuff, changed, and starting swimming, we'd want to get out and check in.

She has become a climbing fool as of late!

A natural on the monkey bars!

These swings were fun! They are the kind with the huge chains on them. I got a kick out of them!

So did Jackson

And Daddy too for that matter

Her little face just makes me want to squeeze it to pieces!

Ready for the slide!

What a face!

Gliding across the thingamabob

After some good play time, we decided to go back and check in. It didn't take long for us to be in our suits and ready for the waterpark!

I took this pic because she looked so darn cute boppin' around in her suit down the hallway. Right as I took it, she tripped on the transition strip. Good action shot, huh?

Darbi and I waited for Jackson and Daddy to make their way down the big slide.

Here they come and....

"DO IT AGAIN! DO IT AGAIN!"

He was out of control. I'm not sure how many times he went down that thing. I think he would have done it by himself, but he had to be 48 inches tall to do it.

Daddy and Darbi enjoyed splashing. She LOVED splashing so big that it would surprise Mommy and Daddy.

It took her a while before she felt confident walking in the water by herself.

This thing was cool. You could push it around and water would shoot out like a fountain. If you pushed more, it would turn off. Jackson loved spinning it to turn it off and on.

Fun times at the waterpark!

Such animated faces like her brother

Daddy and Darbi dried out a little before heading back upstairs for dinner.

Jackson was all wrapped up and ready to go!

We went to a little Mexican place (shock) for dinner. It was yum-o! Afterwards we drove around Nashville to see the town all lit up for Christmas. We went back to the hotel to relax before pj time.

Darbs played peek-a-boo behind the bedside table.

We might as well get used to this look. I'm sure we're going to see it a lot in the teenage years.


After a good night's sleep, we got up and went to breakfast at the lodge.

I title this one: Glutony. Darbi out-ate me in breakfast this morning. I'm sure they were wishing kids 3 and under didn't eat free this morning!

This is a great picture of my 2 boys!

When Darbi didn't get her picture taken, she hunted me down and said, "CHEESE!"

She is so petite.

Love, love, love this girl!

Darbs and I waited on Daddy and Jackson to get a luggage cart.

I love big-faced pictures.

These rocking chairs looked neat, but were so uncomfortable and hard to rock in. But Darb still looked cute in it.

And Jackson too!

My 2 favorite kids ever!

We checkd out and left the lodge in search of a different playground to enjoy the nice day! On the way down to the entrance, we saw an overlook and decided to stop for a...look!

He counted every single stair. He looked so grown up walking up there.

I love these pics from behind! What do you see, Jackson?

It was pretty here, but I'm sure it was GORGEOUS just a month ago when all the leaves were still on the trees. We headed down to the playground near the entrance.

Oooo! A tire swing! I was pumped!

Darbi was CHEESIN! This girl grins so big it takes up her whole face (just like her Great Grandma Loi). And when she saw I had the camera out, she didn't even care about going down the slide, she just started yelling, "CHEESE!" and flashing me that big grin.

So fun!

Daddy was being a good example for Jackson.

He wasn't so sure of the bridge at first, but then wanted to jump on it over and over again.

And, his little shadow just had to get her turn in too!

Daddy's girl

After some good play time, it was time to hit the road.

Darbi ended her trip the way she started it! She slept about 45 minutes on the way home and 3 hours for her regular nap this afternoon. Jackson drew a dolphin on the way home.

THANKS AGAIN, MOM AND DAD! It was the perfect weekend getaway that we needed! We love you!

A Hard Day's Work

Last Sunday Damon cut the grass for maybe the last time this year. Jackson is heartbroken. This child truly believes that he cuts the grass. He is out there the whole entire time Damon cuts grass. He helps weedeat too. When they get done, they take their shoes off at the garage steps and without fail, Jackson says, "Whew, Dad! What a hard day's work!" I love that kid!

My cuties

Every now and again I get the urge to take the kids' picture just because I love them so much.

Popcicles!

Jackson requested a popcicle after eating a great dinner (since he has decided to eat again) the other night. This was Darbi first independent popcicle experience.

Look at that grin!
Mmmmm!

And Darbi can't have her pic taken without Jackson having his.

The mind of a 2 year old...

The other day I had folded a load of laundry, put it back in the basket and set it on the floor by the living room couch. Jackson started stepping in it. Really, when is that last time he did that? Well over a year ago. Anyhow, he sat on the couch as I was getting after him. I was going on about how I had just folded those...blah...blah...blah. Then I said, "Use your head, son!" I turned around to walk off, and he yelled, "Mom, you mean like this?" He was laying backwards, hanging upside down so that his head was in the laundry basket. HA HA! Now, I would like to think that it's just his simple 2 year old mind. Doubtful though. He's got too much of his sarcastic daddy in him!

DENISE ELLNOR...

...this is for you!!! :)

Fall Fun

The McAfees came over today for some fall fun! We made caramel apples and popcorn balls! We finished off our afternoon with ribs and chicken! YUM-O! Thanks for spending your day with us!! We had a great time as always with you guys!

They were just a little excited to see each other!

First up were the caramel apples. These boys sure were good helpers!

Kenzie showed off her apple.

Followed by a proud Sam.

And Jackson who bucked the system by putting in on the wax paper and getting Alicia all sticky instead of holding it over the crock pot.
The boys enjoyed the day and played outside with their daddies while we prepped for popcorn balls!

Wait, wait! You are supposed to be working boys, not eating!

Our hands were all greased up and ready to go!

Jackson liked it for a while. Sam wasn't a big fan. And since Jackson has no original thoughts of his own these days, he was done too!

So Alicia and I finished up!

Dinner time was next on the agenda.

These 2 are a mess!

After they cleaned off their plates, it was caramel apple time!

Jackson dove in. It got too sticky for him so he was only good for one bite.

Sam took a mean bite. He too couldn't handle being sticky. So, us poor moms had to finish their apples for them. I tell you what. Seems like we are always taking one for the team!

TRICK OR TREAT!

We had a great time trick or treating this year! Jackson was so easy! He went up to the houses on his own, said "Trick or treat," used his manners (most of the time), and on we went to the next place. He also asked for one for Darbi at each place. What a good big brother! Darbi just hung out in the wagon and ate suckers. At one point, Damon asked if I had given her another sucker (she had already had at least 3). I hadn't, but she had helped herself to one by opening up her bag, getting a sucker, and tearing/sucking through the paper! That's one girl who knows what she wants!

And, we're off!

Our first stop was to Tammy's house!

Our second stop was at Gabby's house. Jackson has such a crush on her. He barely even spoke to her! She made one cute little Dorothy!!

How's this for service? He didn't even have to get out of the wagon! This people are so organized! They have separate treat bags for the little bitties (like Darbi) and the bigger kids. They did the same thing last year!

My little bug and pirate

He was being crazy swinging that bag around and dancing. We had at least 5 people say, "He must keep you guys on your toes!" or "Wow! He has a lot of energy!" My response..."That and the nap he decided not to take today!"

CHEESE! What a perfect little lady bug!

After about an hour, we had one tired pirate on our hands! I stayed home to pass out candy while the Damon took the kids to GG's.

Daddy's Barber Shop

So this past month Jackson started getting scared of getting his hair cut. And.I.mean.scared. Foaming-at-the-mouth-uncontrollable-crying-red-faced-and-sweaty-from-screaming scared. It was a true phobia, not just him being a turd. I never saw such a look of fear in his eyes. We aren't real sure where it came from since he has always loved visiting Biggin' and Archie. Anyhow, Archie did the best he could last time while we literally tied Jackson to the chair and Damon and I held him. It was starting to look pretty rough. Jackson agreed to let Daddy cut his hair at home. So we went out and bought some barber clippers. It's the shortest it's ever been. It's starting to grow on me. It isn't fabulous, but much better than what it was. He was pretty even keel about it too. Maybe the phobia is starting to go away. I sure hope so because I'm not sure how long I can handle the buzz cut! I would have gotten pics of the actual cut, but I lost my camera for a brief moment of time yesterday.

St. Mary's Navilleton Halloween Party

Friday night Mom's church had a Halloween party for the kids. Since Mom watched the kids this Friday afternoon instead of Thursday, she took Jackson home with her and they went up to the party.

Grandma helped Jackson with "Pin the Halo on the Angel."

Nachos, popcorn, and cake! What way to start off a super great weekend!

Damon, Darbi, and I went up a little later.

Darbi's name was called for a prize and Grandma showed her all her neat treats!

The priest at Mom and Dad's church is also a magician...a real magician. He was great! Jackson was in awe for a bit, but a 2 year old's attention span only lasts so long.

My little ladybug

Huber's 2009

Time kind of got away from me this year and this past weekend I realized that it was nearly the end of October and we still hadn't been to Huber's. 2 out of 4 weekends my kiddos were quarantined due to the flu so that made it kind of difficult too. Anyhow, on Sunday night when I saw the forecast for today (sunny and high of 70) I decided that we should head up to pick our pumpkin. On the way up it began to sprinkle pretty hard. Not a steady, hard rain, but a good sprinkle. It rained on the hayride and while we picked pumpkins. But what I love about my family is that we have learned never to expect things to go as planned. We had a grand ol' time pickin pumpkins in the rain!

AM I BLESSED WIFE AND MAMA OR WHAT?

Daddy and Jackson waited under the canopy for the tractor to pick us up (in the rain!).

It was kind of nice because there was hardly anybody there. We had the whole tractor ride to ourselves on the way to the patch and just shared with one family on the way back.

Two peas in a pod

Pickin pumpkins in the rain!

This kid searched high and low for the perfect pumpkin. It had to be small and bumpy.

I FOUND IT!

The mind of a 2 year old changes likes non other. Right before we headed back on the tractor, he changed his mind and got a different one. Go figure.

So proud!

Hey, mom!

Mommy and her big guy

The restaurant at the farm had a wait (yep, even on a rainy Thursday night!) and the one at the winery was closing in 15 minutes so we opted for Yellow Cactus. I think it's the only Mexican restaurant that I had yet to sample. Fish fajitas! Mmmm, good!

Jackson tries to act so candid. He semi-posed for this one. As soon as I took it he said, "I wanna see, mom."

Deer caught in the headlights!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk 2009

Today we went to the Waterfront for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. It was a BEA-U-TI-FUL day! There were a ton of people there. I love the creativity with all the shirts that groups of people wear. Some of our favs from this year were:

*Hikin' For Healthy Hooters

*Breast Friends

*Say "Ta Ta" to Cancer

*Marchin' for Melons

So creative, huh?

MY AMAZING FAMILY

She wore these for quite a while. It killed me!

Jackson is CRAZY about his grandma!

Darbi is turning into quite the Grandpa's girl too! Hmmmm...did Dad have lots of practice raising girls or something??? :)

Headed to the start line

Scott and Ethan

Love my boy!

This pic gives me cold chills. It was so amazing to see all these people united for one cause!

Me and my love!

On the way back

We had a later breakfast since Darbs slept in until 9:00. That girl is going to have a rude awakening tomorrow come 7:30! Anyhow, they weren't ready for lunch before we left so I packed sandwiches for during the walk.

Grandpa's big helper

Jackson was stocking up!

He loved pulling the wagon all over the place!

I just love pictures like this. I hate that Damon's head is cut off. I had it in megazoom and the slightest twitch of my hand and half their body was out of the shot.

Daddy and his mini me

After the walk, we headed to Buckhead's for an early dinner...all 17 of us! Thanks, Mom and Dad!!!

This kid likes lemons. Not peanut butter, but lemons. Weird.

2 very sleepy kids! Luckily, we caught Jackson just as we were pulling into the neighborhood and saved him from the dreaded 5 minute nap!

Cleaning the house

with some 80's flava! We got a little crazy while we cleaned the house today! :)

They both donned the headbands, but Jackson got a little wristband action too!

Lewis gals rockin out!

Then she got herself into a little trouble.

And has learned how to throw herself a little fit!

FRESH AIR!

Today while Damon went to watch the Hoosier practice, I took the kids outside for some much needed fresh air after their naps. It had been a while since we had played outside. They loved it!

YEA!

It had been so long, it was almost like her first time all over again!

My big boy

I am beyond blessed. Words fail me sometimes when I look at this two. Look at her looking up to her big brother...I love it!

She's much more steady on her feet than she was over the summer.

Can we say senior portrait?

Or maybe this one. Is she just not beautiful? I know Damon is handsome, but really, where did this gal get her looks from?

CHEESE!

Up, up, up

I just love this boy soooo much!

Jackson wanted to bring in the table for dinner tonight. He is blowing Darbi a kiss back since she blew one to him right before this. It truly melts a mama's heart to see them love each other.

Then, like a good big brother, he steals her milk cup from her.

Wrestlemania

Occassionally some pretty good wrestling matches break out here at our house. More so in the fall and winter when we don't spend so much time outside. We were at home a lot over break with Darbi cooped up with the flu. After some good playing a wrestling match broke out.

Full on force!
Daddy is ahead.

Us gals just hung out and watched our boys be silly!

Up, then...

...a takedown tickle tackle!

The loser...

...has conceded!

The final results:

#1 - 5 votes
#2 - 12 votes

Who is #2???? ME!!!!! Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean that I can't make a scary jack-o-latern! Damon has already started planning our night out!