Settling Into Life As A Family of Five

For the most part, life with Isaac has gone very smoothly. He's eating and sleeping well. The kids are thrilled with their new brother. They've been very understanding of Mommy's time being monopolized the baby. Brooklyn is upset if she doesn't get to kiss the baby goodbye in the morning before leaving for school. So far, so good on the nonstop crying made famous by Xavier. We'll see how the next few weeks go.

He's Here!

Isaac James Heller
7 pounds, 7 ounces
20 1/4 inches long
Born 1/13/2008 at 10:47 a.m.

More to come...

Merry Christmas!

Christmas morning was a lot of fun this year. The kids slept in until 7:30! We read the Christmas story out of Luke, opened presents, made breakfast, then headed to my parents' house.

Xavier's favorite gift was the Vsmile Pocket.

Brooklyn's favorite gifts were her "robot cat" aka FurReal Tiger and the collection of books about her new American Girl Samantha.

The aftermath.

My mom made this dress for Brooklyn in just a couple of days. Brooklyn asked her to make a long sleeved, velvet dress with a bow. Grandma just couldn't say no! It turned out beautifully and Brooklyn loves the way it spins.

I snapped this picture of my Uncle Ed reading the kids a story. Who would have known they wouldn't go near him two years ago!

Cakie-that's what they call it!

We made our "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake on Christmas Eve. The kids look forward to this every year. They're old pros by now! They love to crack the eggs and run the mixer. I even let go this year and let them ice the cake, no matter how it looked! The only problem...Xavier wanted to know if there is one Jesus or two? Hmmmm...I can't get him to explain why he thinks there is more than one. Maybe baby vs. grown up?

Making a Joyful Noise

Brooklyn sang with the children's choir at church for the first time on December 23rd. We missed quite a few practices due to travelling, but she did her best! What she didn't know in words, she made up in smiles.

The Annual Painting of the Cookies

After our trip to Alliance, we stopped by the Bautsch house for some quick cookie painting. The kids always enjoy decorating and eating the yummy cookies baked by Julie's mom. Brooklyn and Avery don't get to see each other nearly as often now that school is in full swing so I know they enjoyed having some time to play together. Xavier thinks anything Cole does or says is the coolest. It is so nice that Cole includes Xavier when we visit.

Fun With Friends

The kids and I travelled to visit the Kings the weekend before Christmas. Our visit was postponed from the weekend before due to the massive amounts of snow and ice in central Ohio. The kids all played so well together! Brooklyn and Jonathan went from tag and wrestling to doing the waltz in the living room. They were so cute! Once again, they were discussing marriage. Xavier and Drew are becoming good buddies and I know Xavier appreciated the "guy time."

Suites for the Sweet

We went to see The Nutcracker on December 19th at the Ohio Theater. The kids loved it! They sat(quietly!) through the entire 2 and a half hour performance then wanted to meet the cast afterward. Brooklyn was sure that the grown up Clara was one of her dance teachers. Xavier loved the live orchestra and says he wants to be a conductor when he grows up.

Way back when...

Back in November, Brooklyn's dance class participated in the Marysville Christmas Walk. The weather was terrible! It rained/sleeted/snowed all day before taking a quick break just in time for their performance. They danced a tap number to "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" which is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs! She did a great job and looked like she really enjoyed herself.