Christmas!!!

 We are still enjoying our Christmas break, and since I have some time to actually sit for a bit, I tried organizing some photos, and I am going to post a bunch now because I'm not sure when I'll get another chance :)
We hosted a little cousin's brunch last weekend. It was really nice. I love seeing our kids play with their cousins.
Not sure how my mom jams everything she does into her life, but I hope I can learn from her and do the same without feeling like a total stress ball (which is unfortunately how I feel when I have more then 3 things on my plate to accomplish). Every year I try to work on that as a new year's resolution- doesn't always work out so well. oh well.
Anyway...Christmas has been so fun. Nora and Teddy have been extremely excited about the holiday. We love watching them share in their excitement. Just so sweet.

 Why is it so very difficult for me to get a picture of both children looking at the same time? How do you other parents do it???
Their Christmas outfits can double for ski outfits in February. :)

 Whoop! Their "it" is! 20 weeks with baby number...

 3! 

 My buddy!

 Nora, Teddy, and baby Alex (my sister's little guy).

 Teddy loved the train track that was set up at my aunt and uncle's house.

 and, Nora was introduced to video games-super.

 Super excited to see Santa come down the stairs!

 Alex's first visit with Santa

 Nora could hardly contain her excitement. She helped hand presents to Santa along with a few of her other cousins.

 Teddy enjoyed Santa as well, but preferred to visit him from afar. He wasn't too sure about lingering on his lap for too long.

 This happened about 20 min. after Santa left.

 We had a great time on Christmas morning. Both kiddos slept till about 8:00 and were thrilled to see some exciting toys in the morning.  Watching their excitement is just the best. They have been sharing really well and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

 Teddy has been telling EVERYONE one thing he has been interested in all season- DRUMS!  Our little drummer boy has been very happy today! He is into music and superman which we find hysterical. He is definitely a kiddo that knows what he wants.

Nora, on the other hand, really hasn't said anything specific about a special gift she is interested in. However, she is very happy with all the wonderful presents and received "Rebecca" from my parents. She told my mom "Nana, I think we should keep Rebecca at your house because you know, some of my other dolls at home can be a little-bossy".  

All day today she did not bring Rebecca upstairs because she doesn't want her bear to meet her.

TJ took the kiddos outside today to play in the snow. They had a blast! I attempted to straighten up a little bit. 

 Teddy could hardly move after being bundled up. He came inside, and fell on the floor with no interest in getting up. :)

 Nora thought it was quite funny.
The day after Christmas might just be one of my favorite days of the year. Everyone but TJ stayed in our P.J/.'s all day. Not sure when the last time I did that was. The kids had their pj's on under their snowsuits.  They played and played and played. Fun, lazy day.

 Nora was a one of the Three Kings in her school play this year. I was so impressed that all these little 4 year old children could remember the words to so many songs.

 

If only, little Luca and the rest of the LaDuca gang could be with us-we would be all set. 

Holiday's 2013

 Not so sure where this year has gone. I feel super busy and cannot believe that 2013 is almost coming to an end. My plan was to be really prepared and have Christmas cards mailed out the first week of December since we moved and I wanted people to have our new address. Well, that was a TOTAL bust. We tried and tried to get a cute pic of the kids together-didn't work so well.
We haven't done too many exciting things lately, but have had something every weekend so life just feels busy.
The kids are having fun. They really love playing at home lately. Once we get to wherever we are going, they are both happy, but prior to leaving, Nora will state how she doesn't want to go and Teddy just repeats what she says.
Lately Nora has been saying the same thing about school. Some days it concerns me, but when we get to school-she runs in and hugs her friends. I wish I could just follow them around everywhere so I can see what happens and then protect them. :)

 Teddy has grown up so very much. He talks and talks and talks. He uses full sentences and cracks us up. The other morning, he woke up and said "What's cookin'?", My favorite is when he says..."I love you so much", or when I have pj's on and he says "you look bootiful mom". Ha. He's my boy!
He really enjoys books and LOVES puzzles. He also loves superman. I have no idea why, but just loves him. He pretends he can fly too.

 Nora adores Bailey. Thank God for her sweet soul. I get quite irritated at this dog, but Nora comes to her rescue. Bailey has decided that peeing in the house is something she enjoys and we recently even had to throw away a carpet due to her new talent. grrrr.

 Nora and Teddy praying. Not sure why, but is one starts, the other will follow.

 Here are a few pictures from Thanksgiving. This little nephew of ours is such a doll. He is the most chill baby and such a lover. Nora and Teddy love baby Alex. At night, when Teddy says his prayers, he will always say "God Bless Aunt Mel Mel and Baby Alice" Not sure Alex will like being called Alice in the future.

 Nora thought she was big stuff sitting at the kid table on Thanksgiving without mom or dad near by.

 Teddy loves all the Christmas decorations. He especially enjoys the musical toys.  This boy LOVES music and "making noise" as he tells me. When we ask him what he would like for Christmas, he says "drums" and "whistle". Our neighbor used to be in a band and has a drum set. He has let Teddy play on it and the Teddy cannot get enough!
Nora, on the other hand, has not told us one thing she is very interested in when asked about something for Christmas.

 Another attempt at a Christmas card photo-photo bombed by bitty baby.

Early last week we made some Christmas cookies and the kiddos loved decorating them. However, the following week we all came down with the flu. It was pretty awful. Teddy first, then Nora, then me, then TJ. Hopefully, we are good for Christmas now with the flu behind us.

My Big Brother says "I DO"

 This past weekend we celebrated my older brother's wedding!  They had a lovely day, filled with laughter, love, and a ton of fun! Charlie found a wonderful lady and we are so happy Heather is a part of our family!

 Nora loved being a flower girl. She looks so much older as a flower girl this year compared to two years ago at my sister's wedding. Time goes too fast.

 Our cousins that were all ushers. The oldest one actually had to hold Teddy going down the isle as the ring bearer because he started crying the moment I walked down and Nora left him hanging. :)

 My handsome little man. We think you did a great job Teddy!

Congratulations to a beautiful couple!

I have to write this down so I don't forget, then I will post pictures. My brother and soon to be sister in law had their wedding shower today. My mom threw them such a lovely party. Teddy stayed home with TJ and had a play date while Nora and I attended the shower.
As we all know, Nora loves a good conversation with anyone who will listen and enjoys a good time.

Charlie wanted her to come with him to get a drink and asked "Nora do you want a kiddie cocktail". Nora's response "Oh yeah sure, I love cocktails".
She then told everyone who asked what she was drinking.."oh it's a cocktail".
Later, while gifts were being opened, I saw her sitting at the bar talking to the bar tender. It was in the same room we were in, but she was carrying on a good ol' conversation with the guy.
I feel like I need to remember this so 17 years down the road I am fully prepared.

Teddy Boy

 My little man is almost 2! I can't believe it. He is changing and acting older with each passing day. He mimics EVERYTHING his big sister does. He loves to be part of the action and hang with the big kids. If the Nora and other kids are doing something-Teddy is right there with them. Even if it means climbing swing sets, tanks, trees, or other objects. He is a part of costume dressing up and tea parties.
He repeats so much of what we say.
I especially love when he says I love you, it sounds like " I vuv you"
He says "dank you" and "peaz" often as well. He is become much more clear in expressing just what he wants.
Some of his favorite things are cars, hammers, running outside, balls, baseball bats, and anything he can ride. He also loves juice (and he gets irritated when he sees me put water with his juice). He still loves milk and is always read to and rocked before bed time.
Tonight- He WENT PEE PEE ON THE POTTY!!! He has actually done this a few times already. But, he initiates it now and really tries to push. When I said "yeah, pee pee on the potty" He said "no, still trying"!  He is my little lover!

 Back in August we took the kids to A Day out with Thomas. Pretty cute thing to do.

 Nora was part of the magic show. She loved it.

My sweet sweet boy with the loudest scream I have ever heard.

Nora's first day of 4 year old pre-school. (a few weeks ago)

 Nora was pretty excited for school to start this year. Her favorite part about school is seeing all her friends. I will say though, at this point, she does not beg us to go to school. In fact, some mornings, she says "mmm I don't want to, I just want to stay home." But the moment we pull up to school she unbuckles herself, races out of the car and runs towards a friend ready to give him or her a hug.

 Seeing a few of her girlfriends again since the end of last school year. They were giddy with excitement to see one another.

I did notice Nora matured quite a bit from the beginning of school last year. This year, she sat very quietly while Mrs. Nicholson read a story, raised her hand, said excuse me before talking, and even told others to "shhhh". :)

And now...HE'S HERE!!!!!!

Little Alexander was born on Sept. 3rd at 10:14. He is just adorable.

 The little guy was quite comfy  and not at all too quick with his entrance to this world, but after 31 hours of labor-he is here!  We are all so excited! He is healthy and doing great.

 TJ and I were able to sneak out to the hospital the night he was born after Nora and Teddy went to sleep. Vesna came to our house for a couple of hours which worked out great. Technically, we got in after visiting hours, but it helps when your mom has worked at the hospital for 30+ years. :)

 I am so proud of Mel for staying so strong during her many hours of labor.

 Cute little family...

Nora and Teddy met Alex at the hospital but the pics aren't so great. They are super excited though. However, Teddy keeps saying "baby Luca" (which is Tara's little guy) He is going to love being the BIG Boy cousin to Luca and Alex!