Christmas Time! (Part 3 of 3)

Here are a couple of shots from Christmas morning at the loft. We woke up kind of late (the kids don't know to be excited and get up early yet). Peeking out of the kids stockings were some toys, and they really seemed to like them. There was some funny confusion when Winnie thought that her new toothbrush was for her new doll.

Rush got a bear with a teether, a toothbrush, and a Bass Pro shirt and hat.

Here is Winnie hugging her Abby Cadabby doll, which she loves from watching Sesame Street. Photo was taken with MY Christmas present, a new portrait lens for my camera.


What a great Christmas we had at all our many stops! Sorry for the late posts, Cary has been sick and I have no idea how to manage these kids and the rest of life like she does (and makes it look easy).

Christmas Time! (Part 2 of 3)

We continued the tradition of Christmas in Conway the weekend before the 25th so that all the siblings and their kids on Cary's side of the family could celebrate together. Unfortunately I wasn't my usual "take 1,000 photos" self, so I don't have as many shots as I would like. We had a great time, including movie night for the boys, Scene-it Twilight edition for the girls, time with the kids at the Jump Zone, and of course - presents!

Here is Winnie in her new pink wool cap with her jingle bells:


And Rush watching with his Mom (notice how cool and grown up he appears, but alas: he can't really sit up yet)


Thanks to the Deans and the Lays for a great weekend of fun. Too bad 95% of the family ended up puking from a stomach virus, though.

Christmas Time! (Part 1 of 3)

This is out of order, but Part 1 is our Christmas on the Murphy side of the family. Winnie wore her fancy (sooooo pretty) dress on Christmas Eve, which was a lot of fun. Cary styled W's hair in a really cool new way, but Winnie managed to work enough static into it by game time that you couldn't tell.



Rush was decked out in his red pirate pajamas, which seemed right for the occasion. He has a new go-to move of sitting on one hip which I still need to capture.


He passed out in the car wearing his awesome new Bass Pro hat (thanks, Santa!). Hard to capture the cuteness of the moment...


Here is Winnie on Christmas morning, loving her new dog book from Nana.

Winnie and Al

Aaron posted cute photos of Winnie and her main-man Al on her blog. Click here to check them out. We are so happy to have Aaron, Al, and Beau (and soon-to-be baby girl) in our lives. Plus, Al says Winnie's name SO cutely!

Little Turkeys

So I'm a little late for a Thanksgiving post, but I was looking through old photos (sniff, sniff) and realized that both babies were photographed with this turkey headdress I bought last year and even wearing the same navy blue American Apparel onesie. What cuties!

Away In A Manger

This is Winnie's Fisher Price nativity set. To say she loves it is a complete understatement. She calls it her "Baby Jesus House" and wakes up in the morning talking about it from her crib. She carries Baby Jesus, Mommy, Daddy, and her chosen wise man (the cutest one) around with her all around the house. Our morning was in lockdown a couple days ago because Baby Jesus was missing. When people come over, she immediately pressures them into Baby Jesus House play (Annie, Emily, Grandma, etc.) Many times a day I have to sing the Baby Jesus House song, which is "Away in a Manger" because that is the song that plays when you push on the angel. (Andy tells me I need to take it down an octave, but I could've sworn I was a sorprano...) Our smart little girl memorized the way that I sat it up in the beginning, and now replicates it down to perfect detail. This photo shows all her own work tonight...snapping the trees in place, adding the angel on top, putting the camel with the wise men, holy family in the manger, and all other animals eating around the hay with the white-blanketed donkey carrying the cart.

Rapunzel, Rapunzel...

People are always asking about Winifred's hair...where she gets the curls, do we cut it, do we put product in it (really?), etc. I think it is surprising how long it actually is! This length can only be seen in the bathtub and is quickly cancelled out by a rub of the towel. I love it!

Merry Christmas!

I took the babies to City Sprouts this morning to have their pictures taken with Santa. Luckily, I didn't expect it to go well. Because it didn't. Rush was awesome and cute and perfect and loved Santa (well, more on that later). I do wish his pants leg was pulled down a bit so that he wouldn't be rocking the capri look, but that was the least of my troubles. Winnie wouldn't go near Santa. This photo is her playing at the train table, which was as close as we could do. Her face is red and sticky because of a failed "candy cane as bribery" technique. She loves City Sprouts and was so happy to be there, but one look at Santa, and it was over. Fine, I really expected all of that. What I didn't expect was Rush having a blow-out-of-his-pants-poop while with Santa and getting it on Santa's lap. Yeah, that's disgusting. My kids know how to throw a party.

Weekend What's Ups

Andy is at the farm with his man friends this weekend, so it just me and the kiddos. That really doesn't freak me out, since most of the time it is just me and the kiddos. We spent the morning next door with Aaron and her mom and Albert. Just one more time that I have been selfishly thankful for Aaron's bedrest. Beau helped carry stuff up for me and played with Winnie, and Rob is helping out with Puddy duty, so it really has taken a village (or at least a loft building). I have only resented my beloved husband once--tonight during the "get both babies to sleep in one room" time. That's when it gets a little hairy around here. I did make fun dinner for Winnie and me (homemade pizza and smoothies) and gave Rush rice cereal for the first time (much success) this evening, so I went into bedtime with my head held high. It did not stay in said position, but everyone's sleeping now, and I'm about to retire to my bed with some chocolate cookies and OJ , which is one of my favorite treats, and watch a movie.

I'm going to try to put up another post tomorrow evening, if anything so that Andy can check in on us and see photos and hear how his babies are doing. We have big plans for our Saturday!

This video cracks me up...I was simply trying to get video of my sweet boy jumping happily in his jumer, when who pulls a run-by but Puddy and Winnie (who appears to have a lump in her diaper. yikes)

Rush getting his rice cereal, and, of course, Winnie had to have some too.

Winnie and her man of the hour, Beau. Apparently, they have the same taste in footwear.

Good Doggy

Just another example of what a terrific dog we have. He is so patient and understanding. Winnie was heading into the bedroom to watch her "show," (Sesame Street) and always expects Puddy to come with her. Here she is trying to bring him along. Puddy, I love you...this one goes out to you.

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

I know I just posted a sleeping picture, but this is one I really like and couldn't resist posting. Rush has started rolling over on his tummy and snuggling with his little monkey blanket. He should be ready soon to join Winnie in the kid's room!

Watch Out, Thanksgiving, It's Already Christmas

Here is Winnie playing with her "Little People" nativity scene--she calls it the "Baby Jesus house." (while Rush chews on a camel). Cary decorated the house tonight, so we are already set for the holidays. Once a few finishing touches are done, we will post some photos of the house. My favorite holiday activity so far was playing freeze/dance with the "Rocking around the Christmas tree" Hallmark snowman thing. Winnie would start and stop the music, and I would start and stop dancing. Then it turned into this fast feet blues brothers thing we were doing together. Very fun.

Sorry for so few posts lately - we will ramp it up again soon. I guess two kids under two is starting to take a toll!

The Days Are Just Packed

I'm gonna be an Art-iste

Cary has started using our balcony door as an easel for Winnie, and it is awesome to have her art on display. Winnie has become a lot more vocal lately (favorite new words are 'yes,' 'Rush,' 'help,' and 'up'). Beyond that, she is starting to understand how to draw, and as you can see: will rock the right OR the left hand as she sees fit.

Of course we want to support whatever Winnie wants to do as she gets older, whether it be music, sports, art, writing, xbox360, etc. But since a drum set is out of the question in a one-room loft, we'll push for art in the meantime!

Rush - Growing Up Fast

Maybe it is just me, but I feel like Rush is growing up faster than Winnie did. Perhaps because he has Winnie as a coach? He has been spending a lot more time in the jumper-station-thing than she ever did (although in classic brother/sister fashion, she now suddenly is interested in it and wants to be in there whenever he is). He is starting to laugh and smile even more, and getting some improvement on his ability to put toys in his mouth - which is good, because he cannot figure out how to keep a binky in!

Zoo Time! (Again)

After spending most of the nicest November day of all time in beautiful Swansea, Illinois, I was ready to get out with the family and enjoy the weather. We managed to get to the zoo for an hour and have some fun. First, we went to the Children's Zoo, where Winnie relunctantly petted a goat, but then was so (so so) excited to pet the Gunea Pigs. I was having focus issues with my autozoom, but this picture is cute anyway. Some girls a few years older came over, and you could tell that Winnie was loving the idea of hanging with them around the gunea pig area. Next, we went through the penguin area where Winnie had a great time counting the penguins. She can only count to two, so it took quite a while to get them all. Winnie also showcased the future, when she wanted to be anywhere but in a photo with her dorky Dad.

Rush was a very happy boy, and was all smiles.

It's good to have such a wonderful zoo in town, and we hope to go more and more every year!

Four Months

Rush had his four month checkup at the pediatrician last Friday. He and Winnie had been sick all week with bad colds, so we had all been miserable last week. Dr. Zuckerman (the best pediatrician in the world, I think) said he looks great! He weighed in at 16 lbs, 3 oz. I can't remember length, but he was in the 85% percentile, whatever that means. He said that he was impressed because Rush was really strong and so good natured (which was not news to me!)

Little Helpers

The couple hours before Andy gets home from work and before dinner are a little crazy here. (I think everywhere with little ones) To help keep the babies pacified, they get to help me with dinner. As of late, R doesn't like sitting in the Bumbo chair, but he will on the counter if W is with him. He loves her! I think that W likes the time because she is able to swipe bites of cheese, bread...whatever she can grab up there. I like having us all together and don't really mind the help that really just makes things a little harder. They won't always want to be with me, so I have to take it for all I can get now!

Dear Readers

Happy Halloween!
Winnie here, writing my own entry for the blog. Mom and Dad are both passed out after a Snickers-induced sugar rush and subsequent crash. I paced myself on the candy, hoping that they would fall asleep without putting me in bed - thus opening the door for as many Sesame Street episodes as I could handle. Have you seen the one with Max the Magician? You know, Will Arnett ripping off his Gob character from Arrested Development? Sorry, didn't mean to go down that rabbit trail.

I wanted to say "hi" to all the readers out there. Usually Mom or Dad puts up some cute or zany photo, and exploit me to feel good about themselves. I must say that I like it, though. Being the center of attention is something I really enjoy, and my goal is keep that pesky baby in our house from stealing my spotlight. So thanks for always tuning in and being part of my life.

Uh-oh, I may have overestimated my tolerance for the Crunch bars. MMMMOOOOOOMMMM!!!!!!

Two Loves

This photo features two of Winifred's favorite things: her Baby Stella and this ridiculously small infant hat.

Stella is understandable. She's so cute and lovable. Winnie carries her with her everywhere. She stays dirty from trips to the grocery, being drug in the garage, and naps in Puddy's bed. Winnie does a sweet job caring for her. She rocks her in her little crib, she nurses her, she makes sure she has her magnetic binky, and she gives her hugs and kisses when no one is looking. It's really cute to see her love a doll so much!

However, this little hat is so weird. She pulled it out of the giveaway pile and has been insisting on wearing it everywhere. I try to ignore her when I can tell she wants to put it on, but she just chases after me, shaking it, saying, "hat, hat, hat, hat." I laugh every time I see her with it stretched out over her head!

One (Wo)Man Band

Winnie plays harmonica and wanders the house with her new squeaky shoes. Add this to her lack of gainful employment and time spent in her cardboard box, and you've got a bonafide homeless person.

Big Time

I love this Bumbo chair! Winnie had a different brand that didn't work until she was older. We stole it from my parent's house...it belonged to Remi. This one holds Rush up so well. I think he likes the change of perspective. Mom, doesn't he look more like me than W did? Especially in this picture. I think it's the eyes.

Miss Bossy

Winnie has become a little bossy. She likes to tell Puddy what to do. She likes to try to boss Andy, Rush, and me around. Her latest victim is Baby. (Really, Baby Stella, but she's just now "Baby.") Poor Rush is in for it. I was trying to finish making W's lunch a couple days ago, and I tried to occupy her by sending her in to "read" Rush a book. He was lying in his Boppy pillow. I went in to get her, and she had somehow removed Rush from the Boppy and took his place. At least he seemed fine and happy beside her! Did I mention that she is quite strong? She was pretty proud of herself.

Peek-A-Boo

Where's Winnie?

Here she is!

Zoo Time!

We decided to go do a brief tour of the zoo on Saturday, since the window of warm weather is beginning to close on St. Louis. The River's Edge seemed like the best way to spend our short time, since there are at lease a few animals there that Winnie has seen in books. The rhino, elephant, hippo, penguins (another exhibit), and pelicans did not disappoint. All the bears were inside, unfortunately. Every time we would turn the stroller to walk away, Winnie would start to say "more, more." She was scared of the elephant and the hippo always freaks her out. But overall I think she really loves the zoo.

Rush slept the whole time, that genius.

Puddy

We couldn't ask for a sweeter dog to grow up with Winnie and Rush. Puddy puts up with so much--occasional neglect, tail tugs, face tugs, Winnie pouncing him while he's sleeping, Winnie dumping his bed over while he's sleeping, etc. Sometimes, when it is ultra-chaotic and babies are crying and screaming and puking, I swear he looks at me with eyes that are begging, "Please, no more babies!" We are so thankful for our sweet Puddy.

Puddy with Winnie at 3 months

Puddy with Rush at 3 months

Little Gymnast

Last weekend, my mom "Googie," kick-started Winnie's gymnastic career by teaching her how to do a somersault. She has been doing them this week and couldn't be more proud of herself!

Such Is Life

We went on a big walk yesterday, and I took my camera to get a cute picture of the kiddos in their fall gear. I took about 30 pictures, and this is the best one. THIS ONE. Every time I said, "Say Cheese," W would burst into tears and R would start squirming down if the stroller stopped moving. And W refused to keep her shoes on. I looked super cute on our walk in my fall clothes...I wish the kids were able to take a picture of me for the blog. I think my friend Greta will like this post because it's more real life than a lot of the other cutsie photos I have on the blog. On a good note, Rush, I discovered, is a hat person. This one is from our friend Peggy, and I just LOVE IT.

Schaefer's Farm

The kids and I took a spur-of-the-moment trip to Arkansas so that I could attend a bridal shower for one of my old small group girls. Andy had a bachelor party Friday night, so we took off Friday morning. It was a fun, but too short, weekend. Winifred's love for Pawpaw and Googie was cemented--always wanting them to hold her, take her outside to see the birds, wanting to know where they were EVERY second. She wouldn't let me do anything for her all weekend. Only them. I was virtually invisible, but I didn't mind. On Saturday afternoon, we went to Mayflower to visit Schaefer's Farm. It was such a great place! (And only in rural Arkansas will you find the sign that says "God Bless" and "Remember Our Troops." Love it!

Getting a group shot of these kids was virtually impossible. Here, Winnie is showcasing her famous squat and "cheese." They had a corn maze that I didn't fully appreciate until I saw this map. Unbelievable! Rush and I bailed on the corn maze a little into it...I was having flashbacks of Children of the Corn. Winnie hitched a ride with Uncle Ryan.

The highlight of the farm for me was the tractor rides. A big John Deere tractor pulled these little tractor cars like an amusement park ride. I was a little leery sending Winnie alone, but I did. She LOVED it! I thought they were just going to go in a little circle or something, but they took off and went so far away that we couldn't see the kids anymore. Winnie came back smiling, so I'm so glad she did it.

We also took them over to their petting zoo and playground area. Winnie almost let the little pig nibble on her finger, but backed out at the last minute. She did pet the bunnies--so cute. (Notice W's little piggy tails in the photo--she never lets them stay in)

And, as usual, all weekend, Finn, Raff, and Remi treated Winnie like a princess. They always take such good care of her. Here, Rafferty is cheering her on and catching her at the bottom of the slide. He is such a gentleman:)