A Chilly (Austin-style) morning

Grandma Lois got Matthew a new Cow coat! He is one hip little boy. Natalie wanted to pose with him and the Infamous Jenny, plus of course, a stuffed cow.
And yes, it really is cold out. It is in the low 50s, but the bad part is it is drizzling and windy. Miserable weather.

Turkey for you and Turkey for me

(Who doesn't like an Adam Sandler reference?)
We had a great Thanksgiving. It was smaller this year, unfortunately because my cousin had to work and his family couldn't come (the girls missed their Uncle and cousin Bobo!), but still very nice. Of course, we had enough food for ninety people, and we will be enjoying it for many days (or weeks!??!) to come. Matthew was completely alert and awake for the entire dinner. He just stared at us and didn't fuss (didn't even need his pacifier.) We have noticed how much more aware he is of his enviornment. Lately he likes to stare at lights, fans, and televisions.
Meagan and Natalie were very stylish in their matching sweaters and scarves. Granted, it was not really scarf weather (I adore this weather, cold in the mornings, warm in the afternoons), but they looked hip regardless. On Wednesday Brian was nice enough to come over and hang out with the girls so I could get stuff done. Both girls insisted on putting on fancy dresses and party shoes. Apparently it was a big event!

So very thankful

A year has passed since our last Thanksgiving, and my life has changed so much. If you had told me last November that I would be sitting here with my sweet baby boy in my arms, I would have laughed. I am not working; teaching has been a big part of my life for ten years. My life is crazy. Andy and I are outnumbered and laundry piles up. Still, I am so happy. I am proud of what I have "survived" this year. I made it through a very rough pregnancy, watched my big girl go to kindergarten for the first time, endured a pain-medicine free 9 hour labor, and am successfully juggling all of my obligations...most of the time. I have realized over this year that I have much to be thankful for. My friends, family, and husband are wonderful. Really, really wonderful. No one told me to shut up and stop whining about my nausea, people volunteered to take my girls or cook us meals, and I do not take it for granted at all. I have learned a lot about quite a few things and as this year starts to wind down and we head into the holiday season, I am appreciating all that I have been given.

Now this is just too sweet!

Meagan picked Matthew up to cuddle and he fell right to sleep. So sweet....

Andy's first homework assignment

Meagan brought home a blank turkey that had to be decorated for school. The idea was for the turkey to no longer be a turkey so that it would be "safe" for Thanksgiving. The assignment was for the family to do the project, so for once parents were supposed to do the work, as opposed to what I routinely saw as a teacher (when the parents did the work for their kids on a normal basis, which you have to wonder why they would want to!)Andy went to town. He and Meagan created a "Barni" turkey in honor of Devil Dog Barni, our Basset Hound. It came out great!
Matthew got a new lovey from Andy's friend Mike yesterday. He seems to really like it, or at least the girls do!

The Devil Dog!

Natalie saw our neigbor's dog, Lucy, all dressed up in her sweater this morning and thougth that she looked very cute. So, we went to go find Pokie's sweater, and with it we found these devil ears. It is very appropriate for Barni to wear them. Anyone who knows her would agree.

Playing with my sister

I have no idea what he was doing in that last photo, but it was sort of funny, so I stuck it on here. Natalie loves this alphabet toy and plays the music over and over again for Matthew. He seems to notice it now and maybe even like it a little bit.

Newborn photos by Jen Sims...

...and she did a great job!

Same outfit, one week later...

Natalie all dressed up for picture day

This was the first time that Natalie actually cared what she wore for photo day. She carefully picked out this little jumper and shoes. She looked very pretty this morning, despite it being a crazy day. We have a dental checkup this morning, and she has to get four (yes, four!??!) immunization shots after school today. We always get a little scared when she gets her shots because she runs low grade fevers every time. Time to take out the Motrin!

"I got me some shoes!"

Yesterday Meagan and I met my friend Christy at Central Market. Christy and I were very best friends as young kids and we kept up the friendship throughout high school. Unfortuantely, we went separate ways in college, but it was great to catch up with her!
Matthew is sporting some new kicks.

A busy weekend

The girls had fun at Kiddie Acres on Saturday. Kiddie Acres, if you haven't been, is an old school amusement park. It reminds me of Penny Whistle Park, if you are from Dallas. The machines are older than I am, but they are so little and safe that we don't have to worry about them breaking down. Sandi and Bob visited this weekend and got to meet Matthew. Today our gorgeous weather turned into a foggy, rainy mess. We stuck closer to home, but Sandi and I did get to go to Babies R Us. Matthew got "little man" clothes...in other words, little jeans and tennis shoes. So cute!

Just in case you aren't on FB and didn't see my munchkin...

Over the last day or two I have noticed that he is paying more attention to what is going on around him. He is much more alert during the day. I notice, though, if I put him into his carseat to go anywhere, he immediately conks out. I guess he just really likes it.

Bus stop

Austin this time of the year is magnificent. I know that is a dramatic word, but truly, it is amazing outside right now. It has been in the high 70s and sunny for over a week now and is predicted to remain that way for awhile still. I am in seventh heaven! Matthew and I have a little routine going now. Every afternoon around 2:45 we walk to the mailbox, get the mail, and then stroll over to Meagan's bus stop. She loves seeing him when she gets off the bus and just lights up with happiness. It won't be long until he gets excited to see her too!

Carnival at Lifetime Fitness

Halloween part one

Natalie wore her Elmo costume, but Andy's aunt sent her this pretty little dress up dress, so we tried it out too. Matthew was a tiger, and Meagan was a M and M (not Eminem, which was what her doctor thought that she was saying when we went for her asthma check on Friday!)
The girls have been great. They adore their brother. Matthew is doing his part too. Last night he only woke up twice, and there was a stretch of five hours where I was able to sleep uninterrupted! I haven't done that since before I was pregnant, so that was very appreciated. He is awake more during the day now. We are all watching his little eyes to see if he is going to be on Team Blue or Team Brown...we are tied right now!