Hopes and Dreams: 12 weeks

Big news! He giggled today! I was sitting on the couch holding him and Andy and I were both talking baby talk to him and he let out a little giggle. It was the cutest thing!

I don't know if this is even possible but I think Taylor is teething! He is drooling like crazy, sucking on his fists, rubbing his tongue against his gums and has been kinda fussy a couple days this week. Poor little guy! Despite that he's such a great baby! He just gets more fun all the time. He talks a lot and is so expressive and has the sweetest voice! He's getting more aware of his surroundings. He follows me with his eyes as I walk around a room. He watches the mobile on his swing and the mobile in his crib. And there are a couple little toys hanging from the handle of his carseat and I feel like he's going to reach out and grab them any day. It just blows my mind how much he has changed in 12 weeks.

We've taken a couple steps back in the sleep department. Lately he's up about every four hours which feels like such a let down after being spoiled by 6 or 7 hours! I don't know if he's going through a growth spurt and wants to eat more often or if the teething is bothering him.

Lily has made so much progress with going potty. When I think about what it was like a couple months ago I can't believe how far she's come. #2 is still a challenge so we'd appreciate your prayers for her. We sing the "tushy pushy" song a lot! :) Dance class is going pretty well. She's so funny to watch. She's kind of in her own little world and doesn't always listen very well to her teacher. But she seems to be enjoying it which is the main thing. She has a "holiday" show on December 20th so that should be fun! She's so cute in her little leotard and I can't wait to see the show! I haven't reached any conclusions about the napping situation. She's skipped her nap altogether some days and then is ready for bed by 7 because she's so pooped. Other days she's laid down for a "rest" and has fallen asleep. We've then woken her up after about an hour but I hate doing that because she's so crabby!!! She's just at a tough transition point as far as naps...

My cousin Sarah was in Minnesota (her husband was here for work) so she and her two boys came for a visit on Wednesday morning. They drove from Idaho with an 18 month old and 3 week old. Drove. From Idaho. With an 18 month old and 3 week old. I can hardly imagine!!! But it was absolutely delightful to see her and to meet litte Brodie and Logan! She brought coffee and bagels from Panera and we had a great chat in between taking care of our kids. Lily was trying to make sure Brodie didn't get into her things and kept calling him Rudy! It was so funny. Anyway, it was so nice to see them and I wish they lived closer.

On Saturday the four of us drove to the cities. Our anniversary is on Sunday and every year we celebrate by going to the Custom College Shop in the MOA and buying new sweatshirts. This year all four of us got Gopher sweatshirts. I'll have to post a pic sometime. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe which was fun and stopped at a couple other stores in the mall. The kids did well in the car and it was a fun little trip.

So we celebrate 6 years of marriage on Sunday. I'll let you know if we get out for a date or do something special. It's going to be a busy weekend already because Andy works and Saturday afternoon we're going to Fairhaven Farms with other young families from church. It should be a lot of fun - they've got an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay rides and other fun things to do. The kids will wear their costumes and I can't wait to take pics of that!!! Lily is going to be a candy corn (she LOVES candy corn) and Taylor is going to be a bumblebee. :)

One more thing, our friends Dave and April sold their house!!! Woot woot! They moved a year ago August and their house has been on the market since July of last year. This has been a major prayer request and it has been an agonizing, frustrating process for them. They knew that it would sell in God's perfect timing and tried to trust Him as they waited for a buyer. They're coming to St. Cloud at the end of the month for the closing so I'm excited to see them.

Here are some pics - enjoy!

Taylor and 3 week old Logan Jonathan! Taylor is a giant next to him!