Moments

Hello friends and family!

Here are some of our favorite moments from this week...

Enjoy!

Friends Frenzy!

Hello all -

It's Carissa. Nick and Mia really couldnt decide who would update because they both had some very fun and special things they have done over the past 2 weeks. So - being the peace maker that I am...

As I mentioned in my last update - we had a week of playdates. Last Tuesday we got together with Kara and Natalie and met up with our other girlfriend, Kari for lunch. (I didn't take any pictures... I CANT believe it!) Anyways, Kara and I had a great chat and had fun playing with the babies.

On Thursday we had our weekly playdate with Morgan and Angel. Lots of fun as usual. We just took it easy and played over at our house. Tomorrow we are going to Chuck E Cheese together, so that will be a great time! Morgan is really starting to have fun playing with both Nick and Mia. Nick is really good at sharing and including both of his favorite girls too - so it really is an easy afternoon.

Ahh, girlfriends last forever...

Nick and Morgan's weekly hug... This week Nick told me he was going to "marry Morgan so she could be a ballerina!" Not quite sure I understand the logic behind that one, but adorable all the same.

"Hey, that's supposed to my kiss..." Yells Nick from across the room!

We always really enjoy Angel and Morgan coming over. With both Angel and I staying home with the kids, it is so nice to have someone to relate to and to talk about grown up things with!

On Friday -we got the baby crew together again. Unfortunately Kara and Natalie were out of town, so they could not make it. Let me tell you - these are 3 of the cutest little babies I have ever seen. I just love each of them. I know I say this all the time, but it is so important to have friends with kids. It is a common bond - and especially with these little ones being so close in age, it is even more special. We met over at Amy's house - Amy has a 2 year old named Gabriel. Nick really likes playing with Gabriel too - they are into the same things: Cars, Trains, DumpTrucks, etc. Too every one's dismay, I didnt have Nick with me on Friday! It was his last Friday at Jack and Jill... so it was "G-Man" and the 3 babies. Our friend Amy has had a rocky and difficult last few months. She was also one of my 5 friends from work that was pregnant all at the same time. Unfortunately they suffered a devastating loss when their son, Parker was still born. Amy has been coping and really searching for peace. I am proud of her for still "hanging" around us with all of our babies, as I am sure it is not easy for her. Parker would have been just a couple of weeks younger that Mia. She is brave. During our picture-a-thon, Gabriel was taking his nap... so here are the photos from the day... Adorable!

Mia with her boys: Rylan and Brady

Seriously, have you ever seen cuter, more drooly babies? Here is Mia and Rylan "trying to figure out what the heck is happening..."

Look at this half smile Mia has on... "Yeah, I know we're cute. That's right." This picture cracks me up - you should have seen me and Katie snapping pictures... Good thing for us, they are well trained "models" - they sat there really really well... UNTIL...

"Hey! Hey Mommy's! WE ARE DONE!" I took this picture half to show you how funny all three of them are looking: Rylan is bored and interested in his hands, Mia is visibly done with posing all cute, and Brady has his hands shielding his face... Probably trying to block out Mia's shrieks! The other half reason I posted this picture is to show you all - that YES. Even my sweet angelic little baby has her moments. I didnt think you would believe me if I didnt have proof!

What little miracles they all are... Katie heads back to work on Monday (her new job!) Boo. I am sure going to miss seeing her and Brady Man each week. Thankfully we have a scheduled Happy Hour this Friday with all the gals and their tots... Phew. I may go into withdrawal if I dont have my Rylan, Natalie, Brady fix...

Yes, More playdates are a coming... It has been a whirlwind week... On Sunday we headed over to play with Keaten. What a blast. We played in K's Lightening McQueen Tent...

Of course, I had to get in on the action too... camera in hand! I love all the static hair!

We also played some Alphabet computer games... the boys LOVE this and they are really smart at knowing all of their letters and sounds!

These two crack me up with all they say and do... One runs, they both run. One has to poop on the potty, the other has to go "all of a sudden". One is thirsty, one is hungry... you get the idea. We like to call them "double trouble." But in all honesty - they are going to grow up very close and that is very important to both Nicki and I!

And last, but certainly NOT least... today! We had a playdate with Nick's best bud, Gus and his brother Henry! We went to the Eagle's Nest and then splurged at McDonalds! Nick and Gus have special nick names for each other. Nick is Batman and Gus is Spiderman (I think... I could have them mixed up, but Nick is fast asleep for the night, and should I wake him up to ask him -- I would get a very long drawn out version of who is who and why!) It is always fun to see Gus and Nick play. Gus is really good for Nick because he is daring and brave. Nick tends to be very cautious and careful, so a lot of the equipment at Eagle's Nest makes Nick a bit nervous. Having a buddy with him really helps! Henry is adorable - he is about 9 months old and he and Mia definitely interacted!

Here are Gus and Nick enjoying an ice cream cone treat! Gus and Nick have been in school together since Nick was about 9 months old. I just love Gus's mom, Brittany. We have a lot in common and it has been so much fun to see the boys growing up together. Our playdates have gotten more fun now as the boys are also talking up a storm, and of course the addition of Henry and Mia. One fun fact about Gus -- he was born on Nick's actual due date of June 23! So, that just makes them 6 weeks apart!

What a great week! Dave's classes are going very well. I am counting down the days til we get on the plane to Florida... I have been feeling a bit "off" these past few weeks, so really looking forward to some time with my mom and to play outside in the warm fresh air. For some reason I have turned into an insomniac... I fall asleep just fine, but wake up around 1 am and cant fall back to sleep... makes for a really long day. I am kind of scatter brained because of it. Tonight I made a nice home cooked meal of steak, potatoes and carrots (Nick's choice) then went to check on it an hour later, and had never turned on the oven. Ugh. I know some good R and R will get me back on my feet again in no time. It has been a crazy year - and as good as we are all doing - it has been a year full of change. Perhaps my brain is now catching up!?? There are many things to be thankful for... I remind myself everyday! Thank goodness for David's stable and wonderful job, our health, our nice warm home, and our family and friends. With the way the world is today, I feel it necessary to say those things out loud each and everyday. I know things will get better out there, but for now, in my little corner of the world, I have everything I need...

Anyways, here are some fun pictures from the week to enjoy...

Have a wonderful weekend --!

The babes posing for me with my camera-habit!

Nick goofing around (with thumbs up- of course!) in Miss Mia's bumbo

Look at how Mia is focusing and concentrating on the Winnie The Pooh book!

And, here... Yep. You guessed it. ALL DONE. She is really good at throwing herself OUT OF the Bumbo too... She sure has a mind of her own!

Here is a tubby time picture... tyring to show off her chunky monkey legs!

Wow, does she ever look like Nick...

I cant believe she will be 6 months next week!

Precious Things

"Making the decision to have a child- it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body." -Elizabeth Stone

How profound...how true, how honest and oh, how I am feeling lately.

As you have probably guessed, it's Carissa writing this update... thought it was my turn for a change! Im feeling overwhelmed with love for my children today. I always love them; but for some reason I am feeling a love that is almost overwhelming these past few days. Not sure why. Maybe it's because I see Mia - who is almost 6 months old - practically sitting up all by herself, easily getting her thumb in her mouth, laughing, and really, really "seeing" me. The look in her eyes when I walk into the room - would make any one melt. Her smile. Oh my. Her smile could and does change my day. And, maybe it's because Nick is getting to a point where he is Mr. Independence. He can get his own shoes on, his jacket, brush his teeth, go to the bathroom and talk to me like he is just another "human" in the room. He tells me freely that he loves me, when he is thirsty, what he wants me to pick him up "special" from the grocery store. He senses sarcasm, he tells jokes, he asks question after question. So innocent and curious. The other day, I asked him if it was okay if I could hug him and love on him til he was like 15 years old. He looked at me, like, "duh, mommy. Yeah!" I then, proceeded to giggle and ask him if I could stand with him at the bus stop or drop him off in front of his high school class room, (knowing full well that those things are not/will not happen when he is 16ish...) and he said, "yes, and you can come and eat lunch with me too." LOVE. This whole conversation is happening as he is sitting on my lap and I am kissing the absolute heck out of his cheeks! I think I am feeling what a lot of young mom's feel when they see their little angels growing up. I know I am now understanding how Grandma's and Aunts and even perfect strangers tell me "enjoy every minute, they grow so fast." and yes, I would nod my head, my poor sleep deprived head, and smile saying, "Ya, I know." And then I would rush about like a marathoner, (not in a marathoner's body, mind you) trying to get my toothpaste at Target, or get my laundry put away, or do whatever my crazy day was telling me to get done. I think those words are finally sinking in. Finally. I see my babies growing and I am so thankful for their health, their beauty and their unconditional love that I could lift a car, or run that marathon.

Many of you have emailed or asked me how Nick has been feeling lately. Good news to report (and I apologize for not updating on this sooner). The good news is that there is no news. He is growing well - he gained a few pounds - now weighing in at 42 pounds. This is the first weight he has gained in over a year. He continues to have the night sweats - so we still watch him closely for that. Our friend's father is a pediatric endocrinologist and we may be contacting him for further opinions. I will make sure to update on this as we continue working with Nick. Also, many of you have asked for more "meat and potatoes" and not as much "fluff" I appreciate that feedback. I tend to just highlight the best parts of the week -- but usually leave out some of the other things, and hardly ever write about Dave or myself. Good point! I will also try to include some interesting tid bits on the "Mommy and Daddy" front.

We have had a very busy week of playdates, job searching, and spring semester started for David. I am looking forward to my "last week" of life before our organized chaos begins and I become full time stay at home mommy. I am really excited about having my Nick home with me. I am working out lots of fun activities for us - and I know Mia will love having him here with us.

So - for now, that is all to report. I will take some time later this weekend to update photos and our highlights from this past week. I have some really cute pictures to post. But, for now I have got to get into my kitchen and clean up our mess. We have company coming for dinner and gotta get rolling on the din-din.

Thanks as always for reading our blog. It means a great deal to us. Please feel free to comment on the site if you feel compelled. I love reading your comments and appreciate all the feedback you have given me on making it more enjoyable to read.

Have a great Saturday!

Sunny days...

Hi guys! It's me, Nick.

Man. It is cold outside. It is so cold that lots of schools are closing (not mine!) due to the sub zero temps. It has been in the -25 degree range. In all my life I have never felt anything this cold. Apparently this is the coldest it has been since 2004... Anyway- me talking about it wont make us any warmer, so moving on!!

This has been a bitter sweet week for us. Mommy was disappointed since the job she had really been hoping for didnt work out. She looked really bummed out. So, I asked her what was up? She explained to me why she was disappointed and I gave her a big hug and told her I loved her. She told me she was happy that she has more time to spend with me and Mia. I agree - what a great idea! So -- big news. Mommy and Daddy talked and they are going to keep me home for 4 days a week! I am just going to go to school on Mondays. Mommy told me the news -- and I am so so excited. She also told me that it isnt going to be all fun and games... Apparently I am still going to have to do school work, art projects, and sing songs while I clean my room. Bah! But, she did promise 1 field trip and 1 play date at least every week! I say, "It's a deal!" (with a thumbs up sign of course.)

I have been cooped up in the house for the most part of the week (other than going to school...) until yesterday. Mommy brought me somewhere special. I mean REALLY special. We went to Sesame Street Live downtown Minneapolis. (I like Minneapolis. It is where I was born! The whole sky was filled with smoke from the smoke stacks keeping all the buildings warm. Mommy teased me because last year I called them "moke knacks" Apparently I couldnt say my "s") Anyways-we went with Angel and Morgan. Ahemmm. Morgan and I went on a playDATE. Angel found some really good tickets - and they only cost $10 dollars!! That is like the same price for going to a movie. Here we are with our tickets! I wore my Sesame Street shirt - I was really into this. Remember last year when Mommy and Daddy took me to see the Wiggles live? I was afraid of the big Murray balloon. Haha. Now that I am a big boy, I am not afraid of anything anymore (except for Monsters and Rolobots).

We had really great seats! No one was behind us so we could stand up and dance. Look at all the characters!! My favorite is Oscar the Grouch, Morgan loves Elmo the best.

We had special treats at the show. I had mini donuts and Morgan had a pretzel. Yum, I also ate half of Morgan's pretzel. (Thanks Angel! :0)

Morgan and I like to cuddle. I dont even mind sharing seats with her. Awww...

We got these balloons. Mommy and Angel held onto them for dear life since they were so expensive. I LOVE my balloon. I am sharing it with Mia since she couldn't come with us. Mia stayed home with Grammie since it was sooooo cold out. We wanted her to come with us, but it was just tooo dang cold out. Bummer.

Speaking of Mia... look at how cute she looks with this red bow??? Oh my gosh. She got this bow from Aunt Stacy for Christmas. What a cutie.

So, Grammie came over and watched Mia while Morgan and I went on our playDATE. Mia had tummy time and lots of cuddle time. Mommy dressed her in her special pajama's...

Mommy has been really working with Mia on tummy time. She is doing pretty well. She gets tired and crabby after about 10 minutes... Poor Mia. I think it is the only thing in the whole wide world that makes her crabby. Here is a picture of her where she is still happy while building up those neck and arm muscles. She really kicks her legs -- she wants to scoot and crawl!

Happy Time in her bumbo and just hanging out...

I guess Mommy took this picture of us when I wasnt looking... She was in the kitchen making dinner and Mia was fussing. I just thought it would be nice to give her her paci and to comfort her a bit. Mommy thought this was really really nice of me. She was proud of me for taking care of my little sister!

And last bit of good news... Mommy, Mia and I are going to go to Florida! Yahoo! We are really excited. I keep telling Mia all about the swimming pool and the park and all the warm air. Too bad Daddy cant come with us. He has to go to school and work. We are going for 10 whole days in February -- we are counting down like we did at Christmas. Grammie leaves for Florida on Tuesday - and then 3 weeks later we go! Yeah! What a good surprise. Mommy is already telling me what a good helper I will be on the airplane with her and Mia. I know I will be a really good boy all the way there. We sure will miss Daddy though...

So, all in all, it has been an okay week. We are just be happy to all be here together, healthy, in our nice warm home, with food on our table.

Here is our science project of the week... Hot water thrown up into the sky mimics clouds -- it looks like snow. This is way to cool...

Stay warm everyone... talk to ya later.

Oh Happy Days

Hiya! TGIF!

Mia here. I cant believe how fast this week has gone by. So - first things first - Thank you Auntie Jill for sending some pictures to us from the Wray family Christmas. (remember, mommy forgot her camera?!) So, rewind back a few weeks ago -- here I am looking all jazzed up in my Christmas Dress. I liked being all dressed up. I could hear Nick talking about me and how cute I looked. He kept telling everyone, "Look at Mia's chunky legs in her tights!! Aren't they funny?" I took it as a compliment; thank you very much.

And here we are... all the Wray cousins AND Mommy... she is holding me! Daniel likes to do the thumbs up sign - and so does Nick! Ha! Must be a boy thing. Nick keeps asking Mommy "How many more days til Santa comes?" Do tell. I want to know the answer too!

Now that the holidays are "officially" behind us... time to start concentrating on other subjects of importance! Besides, from what Grammie tells me, Valentine's Day is coming soon - and apparently that is one special day too.

Here I am in my excer-saucer. I love this thing. I am getting stronger every day. I play in here for about 10-15 minutes at a time. Pretty good, if you ask Mommy! She just gets so excited for me. She sings me songs and tells me how strong I am. I love it when Mommy sings to me. Thank goodness she doesnt sing off key!! My favorite new thing is when Daddy and Nick blow kisses in the air and Mommy "catches" them and puts them on my cheeks. I LAUGH my head off. Then, everyone else laughs - and all of our cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Ahhh. Life is good.

I know, I know. I always talk about Nick. But he is seriously so funny. Mommy and Nick were reading about Lemon the Duck in his Turtle magazine. This is a very very special magazine. It comes to our house with Nick's name on it! And, you have to be in preschool to read this magazine. Here Nick is eating his favorite "Wednesday morning" breakfast... We LOVE Wednesdays around our house... We all sleep in (sort of) and Nick stays home! No school on Wednesday's and Thursday's. Our favorite days of the week!

We always do something special on the days Nick is home. No cleaning allowed! We play the whole day and then Mommy makes dinner while we take our afternoon nap. Mommy has been bragging that she got both me and Nick on the same nap schedule from 2-4 in the afternoon. Apparently this is a VERY BIG DEAL! Last Wednesday we went to Build a Bear at Rosedale Mall with Grammie and Mommy. It was cool. I didnt make a bear, but Nick he did! He actually chose a Fox - (which he calls a Wolf) and he named him Jungle. Nick also went out to a special dinner with Grammie and Grandpa - because Grandpa left for Florida today. Grammie goes in a couple of weeks - and they will be gone until April. Lucky snow birds!

Today was a very special day. Today Mommy took me over to Rylan's house for a playdate. And guess what. Brady and Natalie were there too!! This day was very important to Mommy. Here we are sitting on the couch. Amazing. We are all awake, and no one is crying... just yet! I am sitting next to my friend Natalie, then Brady, then Rylan. We took turns smiling, eating, crying, and entertaining our camera happy mama's. You know, I was due in September -- so if I had actually waited for my due date - we would have been born, September, October (Rylan), November (Brady) and December (Natalie.) But - it's okay --August is a good month too! And I am so lucky to have such good friends all around the same age as me!

Here are the beautiful Mommy's... Katie, Melissa, my Mommy, and Kara. Mommy is so thankful to have these girls as friends. It was helpful having all of them "expecting us" at the same time... they were all so supportive when we were sick. We are very blessed.

Here I am loving up on Rylan... I love flirting. I get that from my Mom. Rylan is 12 weeks old - and he is 1lb less than me! He is a big boy. (by the way, I weigh 17 lbs now!) I just think he is so cute. He has these amazing eyelashes... Mommy couldnt stop talking about them. Sheesh.

I love holding hands with Rylan.

I love you too, Brady Sherck. You are my snuggle buddy. I love staring into his big blue eyes. He has the best smiles!

And every girl knows, she needs her girlfriends... After all, who else will I have to whisper and tell secrets with about Rylan and Brady!? Natalie is 6 weeks old now... She has the prettiest dark hair and dark eyes. I think her Mommy and Daddy had better watch out! She's a beauty Andy and Kara!

We are excited for tomorrow - Grammie is coming to sleep over. Mommy and Daddy have a "grown up date." Ooh la la. Well - it has been one busy day and I have one eye closed as I finish this blog entry. Love you all and have a great weekend!

PS- Keep sending positive energy to Mommy as she continues job searching... it is a tough one out there...