Happy 10 Months Old, Kayla!

My first babydoll...thanks Ninny!

A Christmas Filled Weekend

This past weekend, we attended the Summerville Christmas parade in freezing 54 degree weather.  I am not joking.  We were all bundled up and Avery's eyes kept watering.  I guess we are "southerners" now.  Following the parade, we went to the James Island Festival of Lights.  Avery and Addison enjoyed riding the train around the park and seeing all of the awesome light displays.  Mommy enjoyed getting in the car at the end of the day and putting the seat warmer on.  I am not sure how I am going to survive a Cleveland Christmas.

Kayla's First Haircut

*Gasp out loud*  I did the unthinkable....I got my baby girl's hair cut for the first time at only 9 months old.  I was tired of her bangs hanging in her eyes, fishing hair clips out of her mouth, and having enough wings around her ears that she could fly.  I was not happy that the hairdresser cut off her curls in the back even though I tried to explain to her that babies don't care if they have mullets.  Oh well, all will grow back.  Kayla rocked out the hair chair independently...I see us going for pedicures someday soon.  Avery also got his hair "did" and got to play trains with Santa on top of that.  Oh yeah, and we took advantage of a free picture with Santa, saving at least 20 bucks at the mall.  It may not be the greatest photo (I can't ever imagine why Kayla didn't want to be held by a strange man in a 1970's velour suit and rabbit fur glued to his face), but it was free and we didn't have to fight the crowds of candy-crazed kids at the mall.  Score.

Christmas Morning, Part I

This past weekend, we celebrated "Christmas morning" in our own house, one of Santa's many stops for the Jean family in the next couple of weeks.  Santa brought Avery a couple of puzzles, books, and most importantly, the Thomas trains that Avery asked TWO different Santa Claus's for ("Dash, Bash, and Ferdinand...they're the logging locos!").  I love that Avery's most cherished gifts were three small toys (read: cheap) and I dread the day when my future six year old asks for a smart phone or another trendy piece of technology that I am neither cool nor rich enough to afford for myself.  Kayla celebrated her first "First Christmas" of the season by getting a few books, a toy, and some clothes that I had bought for the next winter season a while back but decided to wrap anyways to make it look like Santa brought her more stuff than he actually did.  Dirtbag move, I know, but I am taking advantage of the one Christmas where she can entertain herself with leftover wrapping paper and bows.  Haley got one toy and only because Avery picked it out for her when we were in the petstore the day prior.  There was a time when Haley and Willie got more gifts under the tree than we did.  Life sure has changed.  :)

The Nook

The corner of our living room that houses Haley's bed and a couple of baskets filled with children's books has become the new hotspot for the Jean kiddos.  I am not sure what makes me a worse mom: the fact that my children sit on a potentially flea-infested dog bed with minimal clothes on OR the fact that I let them throw their books all over the floor and then use them to work on their dynamic balance.  Oh who cares...either way, I have a few minutes of peace and quiet. :)



Deck the Halls

Thanksgiving: Southern Style

This year, the Sattelmeyer family came from Fayetteville, NC to share Thanksgiving with us in Charleston. We had lots of good food that was a collaborative effort from everyone and enjoyed spending time with one another. After dinner, Avery passed out on the living room floor and was attacked by his little sister (aka "beast").