Home for the Holidays

Christmas has come and gone. We had lovely visits from both sides of our family and from Santa Claus as well. We didn't really want to perpetuate the Santa Claus myth for Felix, but decided we didn't want him ruining it for other kids at day care. (Yeah, we're those parents.) Felix got lots of lovely toys that he's been playing with during our time home together.

I had planned on taking the days after Christmas off and keeping the kids home for a week. And then it snowed... a lot. We got about 20 inches here on the 21st, which canceled school and day care on Thursday and Friday. We'll end up being at home for nearly two weeks together which has been fun. We've played in the snow and with Felix's play kitchen, and gone to the Y a couple times. It's actually been nice to settle into a bit of a routine with everyone home for so many days straight.

Iris had her 4 month check-up on Thursday. She's now 11 lb 7 oz, and 24.5". Long and skinny. Everything looks good for her. She's starting to figure her hands out, fwumping them against her sides and flailing at hanging toys. She really likes to be upright. Unfortunately, she's had a cold and gone through a growth spurt lately, which hasn't made her many feedings easy, but things are getting better. She also has been pretty quiet recently - not much cooing from her. I hope she starts again once she's done with this cold.

Felix has been enjoying the holiday season. We did have a bit of a struggle leaving cookies for Santa - Felix wanted to eat the cookies himself. He sure loves Iris, but we've had to be vigilant that he doesn't try to pick her up or squash her. Loves her a bit too much. :o) One of the toys he got was a tornado machine that makes a little whirlpool in a plastic container. It came with a DVD of an episode of Stormchasers which he has watched at least once a day since he got it. Now being a tornado chaser is on his radar as a potential career option.

Felix: 3 yrs & Iris: 4 mos

Season's Greetings!

It's that time of year again when we look back on everything that occurred during the past year and look forward to the next.

The anticipation and arrival of our little Iris Morgan was our biggest news of the year. She arrived on August 30th, and has made the last few months a joy. It feels like our family might just be complete now. :o)

We've witnessed love this year, attending two weddings. We've had sadness, losing a two people close to us. And the Badgers are going back to the Rose Bowl - hopefully for a win this time around!

We look forward to the next year and all the adventures it has in store for us. We are excited for all of the firsts that Iris has in store, watching Felix grow and learn, and our jobs providing new challenges and opportunities. We also look forward to all the time spent with family and friends! Cheers!

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Back to Work Again

I knew it couldn't and wouldn't last, but on Monday, I returned to work. It hasn't been as bad as the last time - I'm returning to a better situation, and I've been through it once before. On top of that, I am still nursing Iris through the day because the day care is only a few blocks from my office. It's such a pleasure to be able to see her twice during the day and get a smile from her. :o) So far, things are working out. We're out of the house by 6:30 am and get home around 4 pm for quality time.

Iris is now 14 weeks old and completely lovely. Her personality is more laid back than Felix (evidenced by the fact that she's not screaming her head off waiting for me to get over to feed her). She's already quite the talker - it must be a girl thing. :o) She goes on huge cooing streaks, especially when I'm singing. I wish I could freeze her in time right now, because she's just so adorable.

I've been reading Harry Potter to Iris for her bedtime feeding, just like I did with Felix. I got through the first three books with Felix, so let's see how far we get with her. She's also sleeping great. Most nights, she wakes up only once, and will go as long as 9 hours before waking. Wow.

Felix is very excited about Christmas and winter in general. I'm trying to teach him Christmas carols, and he is excited about Santa coming. He asked me today if I would build a snowman with him. Gladly, sweetie, when we have some snow!

Stay tuned for our Christmas card!

Felix: 3 yrs & Iris: 3 mos