Big Brother Taylor

I need to blog things as soon as they happen or I forget things!

Averi bit Ella's arm a little while ago. It was hard and with a small surface area, resulting in quite the pinch! Avi was sent to her room with a spank while I comforted Ella and made a small ice pack. (Ella did not like it on her arm but is happily playing with it...)

After Averi was allowed out, Taylor asked her quite nicely to come with him so he could talk to her.

Not wanting to miss a second of this surprisingly mature sounding request, I made a dash for the room that they had closed the door to. Watching through a crack, I heard Taylor ask Averi why she had bit Ella.

Averi: Well, Ella took the lid off of the bin I was hiding in.
Taylor (placing his hand on Avi's shoulder): That doesn't really matter. You can stay in or get out.

I watched as he continued to affectionately chide his sister, a silly grin on my face.

The moments that make things worthwhile...

Ella Loves Her Toothbrush...

 She does this ALL the time...

Cutest Picture with No Picture

I was notified at work yesterday that Averi was sick and that I needed to pick her up from the dayhome. When I arrived, Averi had curled up on a rug and fallen asleep. The cutest sight to behold, however, was that her baby sister had curled up next to Averi's sleeping form and fallen asleep herself!

I had no camera, of course, but it was the sweetest picture!

Incidentally, Averi seemed to get over her little bug right away.

My Little Man

Taylor was SO excited to go back to school today! He has been missing his teacher (so cute!).

1. He awoke at 6 a.m. and immediately dressed himself.
2. He prepared, for the first time ever, his own snacks! He had an apple, a yogurt tube and some crackers. I expressed that a yogurt tube might be too messy and so he stated that he would get some carrots instead because they were "healthy."
   

   Mommy: Who taught you to eat healthy, Taylor?
   Taylor: You did, Mommy!

   I was pleased, though surprised... I really should follow my own advice, it would seem.
3. He put on his boots, coat and gloves (prematurely) without having to be asked!

I was pleased as punch this morning!

Happy New Year!!

Our version of a New Year's party for the kids involved noise makers and numerous laps around the kitchen island. They slept like babies when Uncle Norm, Aunt Ariel and Cousin Rebecca came over for games!

Happy New Year!!

Battle Bruise

Poor Ella-Bella...

She fell off of the stage at church during a family function bruising her forehead and then fell out of her new toddler car the next day extending the same bruise!

She's still a happy camper, though!

A Glimpse of Christmas Morning

Many thanks to all who gave gifts to our family!

• The trampoline from Grandparents Harris was a hit to all!!
• Averi and Mommy can now play Barbies together!
• Taylor's room is overflowing with his new goodies!
• Ella is now a professional at identifying and unwrapping gifts!

A few pics to share (notice the undecorated bottom portion of the tree!):

The kids got new PJs from Omi on Christmas Eve. Taylor's features amplified torso musculature and a cape! The toboggan has already been used!

Ella's new PJs didn't survive her morning pooh, unfortunately... This is her opening her first present... an electric toothbrush! A huge hit!

Taylor trying to help Ella open her toothbrush.

Ella got into her new car before it was even constructed.

Brushing her teeth in her new car! ;)

Still brushing her teeth as her sibs clamber on.

Merry Christmas to all!

Can You Spot...

Can you spot something odd in this picture?

If you noticed a strange hinge, then you might want a little more detail...

The story: Ella CONSTANTLY goes through my bathroom drawers. She's been consistently (at least by myself) trained that she is not allowed in them but, nonetheless, she scattered pantyliners about the upper floor.

Due to placement height, we suspect that the hinge culprit is Taylor. ;)

Crazy Hair

Due to its fine nature, Avi frequently gets what we call "crazy hair." The following is with a little help from static, though...

Sesame Street: Plain White T's Song

I love, love, LOVE this song (Hey There, Delilah) and now it's been made into a kiddy song on Sesame Street! Fabulous! I can't wait to show Taylor!

Quick Avi Update

Avi was able to get her MRI today instead of February! Her next eye appt is in January, so hopefully we'll have the results by then and whether or not further surgery is possible...

Piggy Tail Goodness!

It's always a happy, happy moment in a mother's life when her daughter's hair reaches the length of piggy-tail-ability!

Aren't they sweet!!

Love and Marriage

The other day, Taylor, sitting with daddy, turned his face up and said, "Daddy? I wish I could marry you."

Christmas "Flash Mob"

I've never heard of Christmas Flash Mobbing before but the video below demonstrates it! How fun!! I love how the singers are of every age!

My Helping Dude

After being sent to his room for some infraction or other, I indicated that Taylor was free to leave. He replied that he wanted to stay in his room. I assumed he was playing with his trains.

A short while later, he invited me to look in his room. Expecting a train system of epic proportions, I went slack-jawed when I found an eminently tidy room with 2 made beds! (Averi is a current sleep-resident of Taylor's room due to Ella's bed "training.") I'm still in shock!

He then desired to clean Ella and Averi's room (Avi's clothing still occupies this room), which he proceeded to do!

It didn't stop there!

He asked for some help to clean the playroom.

He then suggested that we clean MY room, which was actually fairly tidy, just needed the bed made. I quickly vetoed the idea as Ella always gets into trouble in our room...

I asked Taylor if Daddy had showed him how to make his bed and he said no, he taught himself. I'm sure, of course, that it was by having seen Daddy do the chore the day before. ;) I asked if he had cleaned his room the day before and he said no, but that he would from now on!!

*sigh* Be still, my heart!

I [heart] Taylor! ;)