Story Time Cont'd . . .

No more monkeys jumpin' on the bed!Putting our mats away . . .

After the stories it's craft time!

Madelyn and Dylan holding their pictures!

Playing in the sandbox at castle park . . .

At Fresco's after the park . . .

Needless to say they napped very well . . .

Sara's Birthday Party

Little Sara Semmler turned 2 last week. It's so hard to believe they're growing so fast. We went to her party and everyone there had at least one child! It was crazy and I don't even think I looked up to see any of my friends!

Precious little Sara opening her presents on mommy's lap. She is talking so much now I had to make sure it was her! She was speaking so much and very clearly. Gabby, being the oldest of all the babies, helped with organizing and opening presents. She is so mature now and showed me how she can whistle and tie her shoes!

I couldn't get over how big Nathan was! I think the last time I saw him was last year at Halloween! He was only 4 months then - just like Marek! He's already 16 months old! He is such a handsome little man and was wearing his shirt untucked like the cool kids! He is at that age where they get into everything - very curious.

Nicholas is a beefcake like Marek! I held all 24 lbs of him! He's 9 months already - it seems like yesterday that Susan, Amy, and I were at my house scrapbooking and talking when Amy was about 8 or 9 months pregnant! He's so stinkin' cute and I'm sure he will be walking very soon!

The youngest of all the babies is little Miss Hannah. She is exactly 1 month younger than Marek. She is so sweet and only cried a little when daddy stopped feeding to burp her. Marek can relate - that really ticks him off, too! She looks like such a combination of her mommy and daddy - she's such a pretty little girl! Watch out, daddy!

The party went so fast and the kids waited patiently for the cake. The party theme was "Under the Sea" fully decorated with The Little Mermaid items, wrapping paper, cake and even the movie was playing. Maddie was so excited to bring home a balloon, bubbles, and a ball with a fish inside.

Thanks for a great party, Susan!

Painting on Daddy's Computer - Part 1

Daddy introduced Madelyn to painting on his computer a while back and it's her very favorite thing to do now. She will wake up in the morning and say "I want to paint on daddy's 'puter." She's actually quite good at it . . . watch her little fingers go! You can also see our drama queen in action when she gets upset with daddy for turning on music. I don't know where she gets it . . .

Painting on Daddy's 'Puter

Since daddy introduced her to painting on his computer - she's been hooked. She is very good at using the mouse pad and she concentrates very intently . . .

My Little Man

Marek is chewing on anything and everthing he can get his little hands on. I think he's in the beginning stages of teething but I'm sure we won't see anything for a couple months. Madelyn broke her first tooth at 6 months.

Chew, son, chew!

He's such a big boy and prefers standing to sitting most of the time!

Feed me faster!

My little man couldn't get the cereal into his mouth fast enough.

Marek's 1st Cereal

November 10th has been a big day for my guy! The doctor gave us the green light for starting solids today! My little man had a soupy combination of rice cereal and breast milk for dinner (yummy)! He LOVED it! Now he's really going to turn into a beefcake . . .

The anticipation and confusion. . .

The disbelief . . .

The soupy cereal . . .

The first bite!

I could not get it into his mouth fast enough . . .

He was grabbing at the bowl . . .

Bite after bite, it was a hit!

It's hard to see it but he's actually holding the spoon here . . .

He was helping guide my hand and the spoon to his mouth . . .

He is one happy boy . . .

Castle Park Action

Madelyn was so excited when her cousins arrived - so much to do in such little time!

Castle Park in the Day!

Since Madelyn was such a big helper at the Doctor's office this morning - I decided to reward her with her favorite place - "Castle Park"! Stephanie was taking the kids and invited us along .. .

Maddie was so excited!

Waiting patiently for her cousins to arrive while mommy fed baby brother . . .

They made it (after driving up and down Denton Hwy for a while)! Madelyn showed Ashlynn her favorite slide right away . . .

Chase wasn't far behind . . . sweet static cling hair!

Chase was off doing his own thing - he doesn't need to follow the girls . . .

Madelyn and Ashlynn paving their own paths . . .

Madelyn showing them the ropes (very punny) - this time Dylan wasn't there to bounce her off! She made it all the way across without falling!

Ashlynn collecting some big acorns . . .

Heading for the swings . . .

Ashlynn and Maddie sharing a swing . . .

Marek was very upset but surprisingly settled down once back in his car seat all wrapped up. The wind was very brisk.

Everyone swinging away . . .

Another successful park trip.

(l-r: Chase, Stephanie, Madelyn, Ashlynn. Not pictured: Jacque of course . . .haha)

Very successful . . . double knock-out!

4 Month Check-Up

My big boy was so brave for his 4 month check up today! Madelyn was such a big helper - I don't know how I'd manage without her!

Marek getting ready for his weight, height, and head measurements.

• Weight: 16 lbs 10 oz; ~ 80th percentile
• Height: 26"; ~ 80th percentile
• Head: 42.1 cm; ~ 50th percentile

Madelyn being the supportive big sister before his shots.

That wasn't fun at all!

All that screaming makes my little beefcake so tired. . .

We got home and checked out the wounds and cool Spongebob bandaids . . .