HOLDEN at three months...

Holden marked three months on Sunday.  Due to the fact that we had just hauled out Christmas decorations the day before (post to follow), I couldn't resist decking the little guy out in festive attire.  He is such a good boy, putting up with his mother's crazy ideas relatively well...

At three months old...

Holden is a MELLOW addition to the household.  Thank goodness!  Holden lets us know when he is hungry...or tired...but really, that is about it.

Holden is WATCHFUL.  I find myself busy with life (usually his two siblings) and often feel his intent gaze upon me.  He follows the activity in our home with wide-eyes.  There is quite a lot to watch when you are the third child!

Holden is a SLEEPER!  After a few years of the restless sleep of his big brother...we are so grateful that Holden seems to take after his sister in the sleep department.  No he isn't quite sleeping through the night, but close.

Holden is LEARNING.  Every day, those wheels keep turning and it is incredible (for the third time) to watch my child learn and grow.  He has recently discovered his hands and keeps trying to stuff them in his mouth.  Those hands are going to learn to do so many things.  Too early to teach him to knit (Femeke)?

Holden has a SENSE OF HUMOR.  Yes, and shockingly he finds his mother funny.  He smiles and even lets out an occasional giggle these days.  Precious.  Let's hope he still does when he is a teenager and sees that his mother stuffed him in his stocking as an infant. 

Happy THREE months Holden.  Time is going fast...and watching you grow and learn is a gift.  We love you!

Peppermint Candy LOVES YOU!

This past weekend, little dancer Hazel was in her first production.  Whew.  It was quite a production, mommy is still recovering!  Hazel was absolutely delighted to dance her little number in a fancy outfit with a group of fellow dancing peppermints.  The rules for the PRODUCTION were many, and we tried to abide by most.  Therefore, I have limited photos from inside the Hult Center, and no videos.  (The photos were taken during dress rehearsal....so I didn't REALLY break the no photo rule.)

"Mommy, you are pulling my hair too tight."

(While mommy's sweat drips from her furrowed brow.  Getting that wispy Hazel hair up into a bun...hard work!) 

 Henley wouldn't have minded some bobby pins in his curls.  He was eager to take part in his sister's ballerina prep.

 Dress rehearsal on Friday with her sweet friend Naia.

 Darling little Peppermints.

 Before the matinee show on Sunday, we had a brief photo shoot.  It was literally FREEZING outside.  Thankfully, my ballerina is a tough cookie and endured the "brr factor" and showed me some of her moves.

 She didn't mind the little bit of make-up she was allowed to wear.  Shocking!

 Rosey cheeks and frozen nose.

Ever since the show, Hazel can often be found walking with pointy toes, while she spins and twirls all around the house....BIG smile on her face.  (Brother Henley is often skipping along after her, doing his best impression of sister's dance steps.)  

Thanksgiving Holiday

I don't think our kids know how lucky they are to have two sets of adoring grandparents so close!  We all headed up to Nana & Papa's for a family Thanksgiving, the first time Roberta and Bruce have been able to join.  Papa had prepared his Tur-duck-hen again, and Nana a new "jello surprise."  Grandpa Bruce made fantastic stuffed mushrooms and a very tasty smoked salmon spread.  Grandma Roberta was found supervising the fun of grandkids, and maybe a little mischief.  We ate a lot, watched football, ate some more, and chased after some busy little feet - usually attached to HENLEY!  Here are some pictures of our weekend with FAMILY.



 Holden ready for his first drumstick!

 So sorry, no turkey for you Miss Bella Blue.

 Family photo #1

 Family photo #2 

 Happy 1st Thanksgiving Holden.  Thankful for YOU!

 We didn't head to Portland on the MAX train for the super deals of Black Friday.  Instead, Beau was itching to go browse the CITY BLOCK that is Powell's Books.

 Henley was super excited for the TRAIN experience.

 Hazel wondered where her seat belt was.  Well trained.

 Holden woke for a short while and took in the sights.

 Nana and I didn't do much in the way of browsing at the gigantic book store.  It was a challenge to keep up with the "shopping" of Henley in the Children's section.  Thank goodness for the "place books here to be re-shelved" cart.

 While waiting for our return trip on the MAX train, we were able to catch a few plays of the Civil War football game.  (We had it recording at home - Go DUCKS!)

 Yeah, I would say these two look related.  I would say both daddy and daughter need a nap about now!

Peek-a-boo at Mommy (and Holden in the front pack). 

Recognize these SILLY elves?