KiDiMu

During the winter break week, we took the ferry over to Bainbridge Island with the Fentons and went to the Kid's Discovery Museum. It was a great day trip and the kids had tons of fun!

Merriment

Whew, Christmas has been a whirlwind this year. Though we were sad not be with extended family, we made the most of our time together. Luckily, we have great friends who shared the joy of the season with us.

Cookie Party

Pre Christmas Fun

This weekend we went on some Christmas adventures, though our biggest one is always keeping Otis out of the Christmas tree! We took the kids to see Santa's reindeer on Saturday and made some cookies on Sunday. Eric and I were stunned to learn that Maddie was the best cookie dough roller out of the three of us! Luckily, she helped Eric and I find the patience to finish the cookies! The buildup to Christmas has been exciting for everyone this year.

Maddie and Otis in front of the tree



The reindeer

Maddie and Otis in the sleigh, after visiting the reindeer

Maddie in the sleigh

The boys

Maddie the baker

O Christmas Tree

This year we've decided to spend Christmas in Seattle. While we're happy to avoid the hassle of traveling and save the money, we will miss spending the holidays with family. We're taking the opportunity to start some new traditions, including cutting down our own Christmas tree. We had a lot of fun!

Helping Daddy

Walking!

Last Saturday, Eric saw Otis take his first steps. Since then he's really taken off and can now pretty much make it across the room without falling. He also just learned how to turn around while staying on his feet today. Now we need to start a whole new level of babyproofing!

RIBS!

Snow Day

Sledding Before Dinner

First Flurries

Today our first snow flurries of the year fell. Eric took the kids outside to try and catch snowflakes. Unfortunately, there weren't too many snowflakes for them to catch, but they still had fun trying!

Happy Birthday Otis!

This has been the fastest year of my life. I cannot believe how quickly Otis's first year has gone. It seems like only yesterday Eric and I were off to the hospital to have our second baby. Before he was born, we loved him immensely and couldn't wait to spend our days with him. Otis has proven to be sweet and loving, and quite a troublemaker! I still remember the first time we heard him laugh. Eric and I weren't quite sure what it was, but he's been smiling and laughing ever since. For as much as we love Otis, Maddie seems to love him even more. She started a game called "Cuddle Pile", in which we all hug and kiss in one pile. It's quite cute and Otis loves it. We are so amazed and awed to have him as part of our family and can't wait to watch him grow up!

Papa Dad Visits

My dad came to visit for Otis' birthday. We went to Vancouver and had a great time.

Bath time

Babies and the Bounty

Halloween Fun

Our annual Halloween potluck was a bit crazy and tons of fun! We look forward to it for many years to come!

The Whole Gang

Just the "big kids"

Pixie and Office Nelson

Our little Pumpkin - his first Halloween!

Pixie and Fairy

Carving the Pumpkin

Playing with Daddy

Daddy, the jungle gym

Story time

Kisses

Coloring on the couch

Pumpkin Patch 2010

We continued our annual tradition of going to the pumpkin patch today. It was Otis' first trip the the pumpkin patch, so we wanted to make sure he could enjoy the experience too. We found a new pumpkin patch that did a great job of combining the traditional pumpkin patch experience with a lot of kid friendly activities. The weather was beautiful and we all had a great time!

Grandma and Grandpa Visit

Eric's parents came for a visit last week and everyone really enjoyed having them here. Maddie made me play "grandma" for a week beforehand! We were able to hike in Lincoln Park, go to a new park opening, of course, Maddie and Grandma made cookies.

Peekaboo

Otis is a very, very giggly guy and he loves to play. I'm glad we were able to capture his joy!

Two Monkeys

Enjoying the last days of summer

Otis "gets physical" with my headband and race medal.

Otis discovers pots and pans.

Maddie's new lacing cards.

Maddie and Daddy lacing cards.

Otis loves the slide...

...and Maddie loves her jump rope.

Everyone wants to help Daddy grill.

Maddie's perch to get away from Otis.

Maddie's first sleeping bag. We wish we would have bought this two weeks ago!

Mt. Rainier 2010

For the third year, we went to Mt. Rainier with friends. Each year the trip gets better and better! Although the weather was a bit cold, we managed to get in some good hiking and make some great memories. We're all already looking forward to next year.

9 month comparison

Maddie

Otis

Hot, Hot Heat

After complaining about what a dismal summer we've had, this weekend has been very, very hot. We managed to keep cool and have fun!

Maddie "wearing a towel like Mommy" after a bath.

Picnic!

Saturday morning Chutes and Ladders

Otis LOVES 6:30 am...ugh!

Daddy getting his hair brushed before going to the pool.

Maddie

Today is Maddie's 3rd birthday, though we had her party over the weekend. I'm amazed that she's 3 already. The months and years seem to come in a flash, though every moment still feels memorable and timeless. She's my first child, and special in a way that only a firstborn can be. Her life marks a distinct moment in time for both Eric and I - a passing from one stage of life to the next. She is very much her own person, though distinctly our child. She's smart and sensitive; energetic and amazingly, though not surprisingly, clumsy; maddening and loving. I love her in that way that every parent can understand, but only maybe Eric can really know. She is not my baby anymore. She is always my baby.

Firsts

Otis and Maddie both seem to be growing up quickly these days and have had some sibling firsts recently.

First Shared Bath

First Climb on Maddie's Bathroom Stool

First Full-On Fight Over a Toy

First Time Otis Gets the Baby