Nana's Visit

When Nana first arrived Ted was in Texas for a few days. On the day Ted was coming home we went to Child's Play Toy Store (coolest toy store ever) and Barnes and Noble to play before picking Ted up from the airport. Once we got back to Vermillion Ted had a chance to cuddle his babies and relax a bit.

Cousin Raina holding Matilda with Aunt Heidi close by. Matilda and Raina looking closely at each other...Matilda thinking, "Are you sure you can handle me?"

The Gillen Girls came to visit. Grandma Sandy, Grandpa Jerry, Great Grandma Elaine, Great Grandma June and cousin Sara joined in on the fun too. We ate Walking Tacos, cookies, coffee cake and other various snacks. The Walking Tacos were something different, fun and delicious!

Great Grandma Elaine holding Matilda while Grandpa Jerry gets a good look.

Boy is that Nana ever fun! Nana made New York's finest Black and White Cookies. She let Tavin stir and sample the ingredients. Tavin discovered that vanilla doesn't taste all that great by itself.

Nana and Tavin played a lot together. They colored together, played with cars, went on walks, played with sticks on their walks, played in the snow and even had a snow ball fight! 

Nana enjoying Tavin and Matilda before going home.

Nana giving Matilda another squeeze before getting ready to go back to Michigan.

 We all had fun together with Nana!

Silly Girl

Whoa, what a silly girl! I just happen to catch that last one with the tongue out. Haha. That is too funny. Matilda is so much fun! We couldn't ask for a better baby. She hardly ever complains, which is more than I can say for most people. :D

Matilda is still teething, of course, and is rolling over (both ways) and is very vocal with her "coos" and "goos" and zerberts. At her four month check-up (at almost five months) she weighed just under 17lbs and was 27in long! She is in the 98th percentile for height and 86th percentile for weight.

She loves her tummy time. She is starting to do the "carpet swimming" that Tavin did at her age. It shouldn't be too long now before she starts to try to scoot. *sniff, sniff* It is all happening so quickly. We are trying to enjoy every moment.

Silly Boy

Tavin was literally running circles around me. He is hard to catch.

He likes to go after the camera.

Running in circles with his Engineer Hat on!

Wearing his Engineer Hat and Mom's slippers. What is it about shoes with this little stinker?

Tavin is a such a little smarty pants. He is singing his ABC's more clearly and even able to point out the correct letters on his ABC Puzzle Board. He is talking more and even said, "I love you, Baby" to Matilda this evening! He is so sweet to his little sister! He still calls her "Baby" but is working on pronouncing "Matilda."

a little update

Both Tavin and Matilda are doing great! Tavin is singing his ABC's and 123's as best as he can and is showing interest in potty training. We picked out some big boy undies, he wanted to put them on right there in the store! He would rather play with his cars and trains than anything else. He doesn't sit still for very long except to nibble on some food or watch 'Charlie and Lola' videos. He does like his books quite a bit...if he's in the mood.

Matilda likes discovering new things she can do with her voice, I think she will be a talker. She is so happy (except for the teething) and enjoys her tummy-time and grabbing at anything she can. She watches Tavin's every move. I think she is excited to someday chase him around the house.

We enjoyed the unseasonably, wonderful weather while we could. We were able to go outside and to the park while wearing light jackets...in January! Tavin played on his trike while I followed, carrying Matilda in the Bjorn, on that last nice day. I'm so glad we did because now it is COLD!

Thththth!

Matilda was chatting with her sock monkey and showing off her zerbert abilities. She is definitely teething and has all the drool to prove it! She usually goes through a couple shirts a day.

Blixa

 

Vanessa, Brian and Blixa stopped by after Christmas on their way home to Minnesota. Tavin is always a little unsure of Blixa at first...but after a few minutes they are playing like old pals.

Christmas

Christmas in South Dakota, a long over-due post. We spent Christmas Eve at the Gillen's house in Sioux Falls and Christmas Day in Irene. This was the first year the Gillen's ever hosted Christmas Eve. It was a wonderful evening. We had our Oyster Stew, Chicken Soup and our Danish sandwiches....and lots and lots of cookies. The Gillen's also had a chocolate fountain and fruit, pretzels and Nutter Butters for dipping. (Photos courtesy of Aunt Karen)

Cecilia does her best to hold onto her giggling, squirming, cousin Tavin.

Piper and Raina in their new footie jammies, animal hats and gloves.

The whole gang! Piper (6), Raina (4), Cecilia (11), the sleepinig Matilda (3.5 mos.), Tavin (2) and Sara (3).

 

Grandma Sandy and happy, baby Matilda.

Mom holding Matilda in her fancy new outfit from Cousins Jay, Liz and Mia.