christmas eve

Tonight we had Charlie's family over for dinner. We were so happy Lisa, Shannon and Vincent got to join us for their first Christmas Eve in Chicago. The boys helped me make buckeyes (peanut butter and chocolate cookies) to bring back the old Ohio family memories! We even left a couple for Santa instead of our traditional Oreo treat that Mommy loves oh so much! Carter wanted to leave Santa hot cocoa but we were worried it wouldn't be warm by the time he got here, so we poured a big mug of cold milk. His picture and note are right beside Santa's treat. The boys are finally snuggled in bed and I can't wait for morning! It'll be so magical and fun to see thier faces once they get downstairs Christmas day!

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Yesterday and today it snowed and snowed and snowed! The boys played outside out back and helped Daddy shovel a bit. They love being out in the snow. Carter kicked a snowball Logan threw and discovered if he rolled and rolled it it'd get bigger and bigger and bigger and eventually turn into the start of a snowman!

...he's making his list, checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty and nice

carter's five years old

dear santa

Today was a snow day! What better day than the last day before Winter Break to be snowed in, for me that is! Carter cried this morning when he found out Natalie wouldn't be taking him to Mrs. Sheidecker's house for his preschool Christmas party that was cancelled. Really, it was hardly a snow day, by noon the roads were fine so I took the boys to the mall to see Santa. Surprisingly it only took Logan a minute or two once he saw Carter walk up to Santa to want to get out of the stroller and venture to his lap. However, once on his lap he cried -- only for a second or two and not enough to have a "cry face" for the final photo. He grately enjoyed the little candy cane Santa gave him and even told him he wants "choo-choos" when Santa asked if he could come by and bring Logan a present! Carter told him he and his Dad want a hockey game, but Dad hasn't seen it at the store again. Totally forgot to mention the earmuffs he's been wanting Santa to leave for him! "That's ok, Mom, we can just leave a message about the earmuffs in the note with his cookies!" So sweet!

it's a...

GIRL! Yep, I see lots and lots of pink in our future! We are excited to say that we found out at my ultrasound on Thursday night that we are having a girl! It's so crazy and weird knowing (such a different experience than not knowing until the boys were born) I can't even explain it. It's still a little hard to believe! I'm excited to have Charlie help me get a room done for the boys to share and get ready for her to arrive. Carter admitted he was a little disappointed but has warmed up to the idea and couldn't wait to tell everyone at school on Friday. I'm going to work on scanning the pictures taken at my appointment so you can see her pretty little face!

vote

This is probably the only photo of me alone and my growing belly (Carter took the picture, hence the quality!). I know no one has a crystal ball, but it'll be fun to hear what you're all thinking! Post your prediction as a comment and we'll share the news at the end of the week!


Thursday night is my ultrasound...The big question: is it a girl or a boy? We didn't find out with Carter or Logan, so it'll be so different knowing this time!

bulid a bear

Williams-Sonoma had a cooking class presentation featuring their Build a Bear Workshop cakepan. Natalie invited us knowing we'd get to meet Bearemy and taste some cake! Carter was thrilled to give Bearemy a big hug, but Logan was all about keeping his distance and eating cake! I wonder if this is how it will go with Santa next week! Anyway, you've got to check out these cakes. I wish I had more time on my hands and baking talent up my sleeve because it'd be so fun to make one of those bear cakes!

carter's 5th birthday

Carter had a great birthday full of surprises! A new bike, his first pet (meet Batman and Robin below...) and lots of toys and things he "always wanted!" including anther Spiderman party. Thanks for the cupcakes, April!