Self-portrait

Jamin asked to use my camera the other day. Among the many pictures of toys, he snapped this self-portrait:

 While it isn't the most flattering photo, there are a few things I love about it. First, it captures the green in his eyes. Jamin inherited Scott's gorgeous hazel eyes, and you can occasionally see that hint of green. It totally melts my heart. 

Second, the angle of this picture shows the bone structure through his nose and cheekbones. My brother, mom, and I have those same features. They haven't been as prominent in Jamin's face in the last couple of years, so this photo was a neat reminder. 

There's something special about seeing your family in your children, whether it comes through their looks or their personality. Those traits meld together with their individuality in such an incredible way. I think that's what I love most about this self-portrait of Jamin: it highlights the balance that makes him unique.

Jamin also took this adorable picture of Travis:

 Gosh, we love these boys.

Look who's walking... kind of

 Libby took her first step about a month ago. Unlike our boys, she wasn't overly eager to advance to full-blown walking. She stands independently often during the day; sometimes she takes one or two steps, and sometimes she doesn't. Most of the time, she takes one step, intentionally wobbles to all fours, and crawls.

For the past few days, Libby has also really tried to walk. She steps five or so times before losing her balance. 

Oh, and she has two more teeth (with another two on the way):

 Our teensy baby is turning into an extra teensy toddler.

Gratitude

This has been one crazy blur of a week. Throughout it all, we have felt a strong sense of gratitude. We're thankful for...

1. Mutti (my mom). We don't see her often, so her week-long visit was a real treat. She helped with the kids and the house while I was a doped-out slug. I only wish I'd felt better. The kids had a blast with her! Travis keeps asking, "Where's Mutti?" Jamin actually cried when he found out she left this morning. Thanks for coming to visit! 

2. Jeannie & Charly. They also helped a ton! We truly appreciate all that you did, from watching the kids to picking up the slack at Thanksgiving. You're amazing!

3. Libby's first official word. She says, "Uh-oh" all the time and knows what it means. Kind of a strange first word, but we're counting it!

4. Travis' sense of humor. His funny antics brighten our day.

5. Jamin's imagination. He is just so creative and smart.

6. Toradol. Vicodin made me feel awful, and over-the-counter meds didn't help at all. My new prescription is making such a difference.

7. Thanksgiving. It was great to spend that time with friends and family. Thanks to everyone who came!

8. Leftovers. Specifically, Thanksgiving leftovers. Mmm!

9. Christmas music. We upgraded to Pandora One and are decking the halls to unlimited carols, jingles, and hymns.

10. The end of the semester-- followed by a 3-week break-- in a few weeks. Scott is working his tail off, and we can't wait to spend more time with him.

Happy belated Thanksgiving!

Gobble, gobble, gallbladder

On Thursday evening, I went to the ER suspecting a kidney infection. I fully anticipated leaving an hour later with some antibiotics. Several labs, three rounds of morphine, and one CT scan later, I was admitted to the hospital. 

Turns out my kidneys were fine, but my gallbladder needed to be removed as soon as possible. 

I came home late Friday night. Charly, Clarke, Jeannie, and my mom have been kind enough to help us while I recover. My abdomen is still sore, and my meds keep me in a sleepy fog most of the time. 


I'm on strict orders to rest, rest, and rest this first week-- which will be more than a little interesting with Thanksgiving falling smack in the middle. After this, I'll need to take it easy for the next three weeks (specifically no hefting children) since I'm at high risk for developing a hernia and pneumonia. Fun times.


Crazy as this has been, I'm grateful that they were able to identify what was going on and take care of it quickly. The doctor even says I should be "with it" in time for Thanksgiving. My health and my family put this holiday in perspective... even if I can't indulge in all the yumminess.

The ends justify the means

As I hinted a few posts ago, our recent family photoshoot was a challenge. That's putting it lightly. When Charlotte handed me our proofed disc, she warned, "They're 90% outtakes." Considering the effort it took to have everyone calm their tempers, look at the camera, and act somewhat happy at the same time, this came as no surprise. Even so, those frame-worthy gems made the battle worthwhile. Here are a few of my favorites (click to enlarge):

 Though the outtakes may never grace our walls, they are seriously hilarious. Charlotte managed to capture to the humor during these moments of pure frustration:

Book your shoot with the fabulous Charlotte See here.

It's hard to imagine...

...that our baby girl will dig into her first birthday cake in less than a month. Maybe it's because she's so tiny (16 pounds, to be exact). Or maybe it's because she's our last. Whatever the reason, I'm in disbelief that Libby is 11 months old.

These days, she's jabbering up a storm. She can say, "Uh-oh" and "mama" and likes to let out an ear-piercing squeal:

 She's right on the verge of walking:

She loves being sassy & silly:

And she still gives us that surprised stare from time to time:

 Most of all, she's just a happy, easy-going baby:

And we love her to pieces... even if she is growing up too fast.

M&M

Our family has grown by two!

Meet Molly:

 and Maeby:

 (Anyone who understands the reference behind Maeby's name earns a gold star.)

Jamin welcomed the kittens with a special picture:

Molly loves to curl up on our laps, and Maeby is a playful little thing. They spend much of their day in the garage, running around and sleeping. We adore our low-maintenance furballs!

Sneak peek

Yesterday was stunning, perfect for our family photoshoot. Certain boys weren't entirely cooperative (*cough, cough*), yet talented Charlotte managed to snap some fantastic photos. Here's our sneak peek (also found in her photoblog):

Thank you, Charly!

Season finale

Last night, the Blue Seals celebrated the end of their fall season with a party at Idaho Pizza Company. The kids gulped down their food and then rushed to play arcade games.

Had I remembered my camera (oops!), I would have shared a cute picture of them huddled together around a single console. Those who watched alternated between sheer excitement and sheer impatience. Those who played stood on a chair above the crowd with the comparatively huge gun controller. It was really funny.

 Instead, here are a few photos from the rest of the season:

Every time Jamin and Daniele were on the sidelines together, they would have grass fights and play tag:

 Our (loud) cheering section:

 This is a rare moment when Travis actually watched the game. He usually ran into the field (to "play on Team Jay-Jay"), ran to the street, or ran to the playground:

 Jamin's skills improved quite a bit. He started understanding the concepts of the game, had a ton of fun, and made some good friends. That's what it's all about.

Halloweekend Part IV: Halloween Night

Last night was the much-welcomed culmination of Halloween weekend. Since it was a Sunday, we decided to keep it simple.

Charlotte, Clarke, Brock, Nanay, and Papa all came over for dinner. There were tons of tasty treats! The kids even got personalized goodies from Nanay and Papa.

We talked, ate, and laughed while the kids played, handed out candy, and went trick-or-treating (thanks for supervising, Clarke). 

Next up, Christmas!. I suppose we can squeeze Thanksgiving in there...