Intruder

Molly's first tooth came in with a vengeance. Our normally happy go lucky girl was cranky


and unusually sleepy.


But now that its here and the symptoms are gone, we think it adds to that cute little smile we're blessed with everyday.

Incident Report

Molly had her first incident report from daycare today. My first instinct, as an educator, was to look at Molly and say, "What did you do?" But Miss Brandy was quick to reassure me that Molly was the victim of a falling bottle and her forehead stopped it before it crashed to the ground. Here are pics of her first of many school injuries.

Please excuse the messy face, we were eating dinner.

Jammie Day

The big one woke a little after 10 this morning.

The sun is having difficulty breaking through the clouds.

The little one is running a fever and is a little more cuddly than normal. But still wants to play, play, play.

So I've decided today is jammie day. We've plowed through our first full week of Mommy returning to work so what better way to spend our Saturday than in our jammies?

Won't you join us?

Best Seat in the House

When we're getting ready in the morning, Molly gets to sit in our bed and watch the news. She plays peek-a-boo with Mommy and pattycake with Daddy. Not a bad way to spend your morning!

I Spy

a happy little girl!
(with lots of toys & still no teeth)

Yes, Molly you have a Mommy

So I read a lot and talk a lot; as if you weren't aware. But through these means of communication, a central topic comes up among us moms of the digital era. Yes we have diligently documented every first, every cheery moment, and every minor event in our children's short lives (there are 600+ photos/videos of Molly saved on my laptop and she's yet to reach 8 months). But, there is very little evidence of our interaction with the kids. So, I commissioned Alec (our photographer in training) to get some proof that yes, indeed, Molly's mommy was very much involved with her before her memories and we do truly enjoy one another!Great photos Alec!

Giggles

Try as we might, Mike and I can never get Molly to giggle like she does when she's with Alec. Its amazing that she knows the difference between her fun brother and her parents already! Molly is the luckiest sister in the world to have a brother like Alec.

Who's Back There?

I was trying to get video of Molly making some new sounds, but she was more concerned with who was behind the camera.

Baby Recliner

Molly enjoys TV and we let her watch about 30 minutes of Noggin at night before she goes to bed. Here she is in her 'recliner' watching the Backyardigans!

Animal Fair

My oldest nephew is 24 years old, Molly is 7 months and there's a full gaggle in between. Since my dad's stroke his interaction with the grandchildren is different than prior to the stroke. There are no more boat rides, no more deer to skin, no more stops at the Indian Lake donut shop, no more beach vacations or bedtime stories read. But there are still baptisms, hotdogs are still roasted by the fire, his whiskers still tickle when he gives you a kiss, and endless hugs are always available.

I was sad when Molly was born that she didn't have the opportunity to know the jolly old Grandpa Jack who was always willing to break the rules for his grandkids. But last night was different. We were driving home from visiting my brother and Molly was a little fussy, so I started to sing The Animal Fair to her. This is a family favorite that my grandfather sang to my dad and down the generations it was passed. As I was singing, Grandpa Jack joined in and by the time we got home, he was the one singing to Molly. Although she won't remember that night, I will be sure to tell her about how Grandpa Jack sang The Animal Fair to her all the way home from Lima to keep her happy.

Based on these pictures, Molly is just as happy as can be with her Grandpa Jack!

Make Do

As I said earlier I wasn't happy with Molly's 6 month pictures. I had planned on my sister doing some retakes, but her camera is in the shop. Molly's been growing like a weed so we were running out of stretch in her dress. Today the sun was perfect, Molly was having a good hair day, and the mood was right. After 65 photos, here are some of the best!

Crazy Week!

Our niece Katey came to stay with us on Wednesday and then on Thursday, the Holly's (Sandy, Jenna, Jessi, & Jason) came to spend the night. Bryce & Owen Clark came on Friday morning to spend the day!

Yes, you will need both hands to count ALL the kids that were at our house on Friday. There were a total of 8 (3-7 month olds, an 8 year old, 2-11 year olds, & 2-12 year olds)! There was never a dull moment and we only lost Alec (for just a few minutes) but there were lots of laughs and tons of smiles.

Jessi and Owen
Jessi was the champion feeder. She spent what felt like hours at the high chair as we rotated the babies in and out.

Molly loved being one if the girls!

Molly had no problem letting Jenna know she was TOO LOUD!

Jason & Owen cuddled up for an afternoon snooze.

Alec and Bryce had lots of laughs and slobber.