He's Bananas...B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

His favorite new word, on record:


If you can't view the video, click HERE

I'm in love with a boy...

Our little man is 15 months old and his motto is "game on!"
He is everywhere, into everything, and discovering all sorts of new things daily. He has really enjoyed our Christmas tree this year. We've caught him double fisting glass ornaments and have had a few causalities. He is ALL boy! He loves to throw anything he can get his hands on. His favorites are: my cell phone, the TV remote, plastic bottles and plastic bowls.
He's also learned several new words...his favorite words are "banana" and "ni ni" (for bedtime). He is still the biggest waver-- will wave at anyone that looks at him....so cute.
His 15 month stats:
Height: 29.75 inches (22%)
Weight: 22lbs., 1.5oz. (23%)
Head circumference: 18.5 (53%)

Here are a few cute pics we caught this month. Really and truly, my mission is just to keep him alive right now. Fortunately, I know this is a stage and not something that lasts forever...but he's so darn cute I don't even mind!

Checking myself out in the mirror. Do I look okay ladies?

Loves, loves, loves baths and throws a huge fit every time he is taken out.
Splish, splash
The boys are having so much fun together

I love making a mess!

Cutie on the go...

He's quite the little poser

This is Carson to a "t." He LOVES spinning wheels and he always crosses his feet. I love his little toes.

And finally, my favorite....what a little mac daddy!

No he isn't auditioning for Chippendales...this was a pic of mommy trying to get him undressed after his dedication. He was on the go so much I had to grab him in phases. HA!

Bathing Buddies

How precious are my babies?! I had to post these if for no other reason, to show Alex someday that she DID adore playing with her little brother and even playing in the tub! She continues to blow me away with her love for Carson. Yesterday she asked me if we could wake him up from his nap so he could take a bath with her. Aww. Just had to share these priceless photos.

Alex, mommy didn't photoshop these pictures. You REALLY did this...and you loved it!

Thanksgiving '09

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We were fortunate to celebrate with both of our families.
Part 1: We spent the day with the Wagners, Cottiers and Morans in Farmersville, Texas. I have to say it was one of my favorite visits. Everyone was so gracious, helpful and laid back. The kids had a blast and boy did we enjoy an amazing feast! My fam can cook it up. Here are pics from our day in Farmersville:

Alex was IN LOVE with this sweet kitten

Alex & Thomas were best friends. I love this picture. So precious.
Alex & Thomas checking out the lizard tank.

My sweet daddy loving on his girl.

There is always one "turkey casualty"-- my dad has become the sleeping Grandpa. Ha!

Mel and Cindy

Genie was great and helped Alex & Thomas with all of the animals

This picture makes me melt. My sweet grandmother and my precious daughter share a moment.

Dang, my boys are hot!

Jake & Noelle (Stuart's kiddos)

Moran girls

Mel with Noelle, the bride-to-be

We steal a moment with Carson. He was all over the place!

Natalee Grace is getting so big. What a doll.

Nikki & Carson - she has a gift with the little ones.

Stuart and his "little girl"- awww.

These two are nothing but trouble!

Part 2: Since the kids were out of school all week, the Darby crew decided to get together early and enjoy a week at the cabin. We met DeDe & Pops and Andrea with her 3 sons at the "little cabin in the woods" on the White River reserve in Arkansas. Nathan stayed behind to work and I have to say it was one of the LONGEST drives of my life. I was glazed over when we finally arrived but it was so so worth it! We had the best week. It was so great to get away from it all. No technology, no stress...just nature and playtime. The kids were in heaven. Deb & Darby just built a new addition to the cabin... a room that sleeps 12! This became the playroom for the kids which we loved, and so did they. Caden, Dru & Eston are the best cousins a girl could ask for. They are always so kind to her and take her in. Alex can definitely hold her own with them too which makes it nice. They tought Alex to build a mean fort. All of the kids loved playing with Carson too. He was all over the place. He spent the day "mall walking" around the entire house. We made smores around the campfire, did several fun art projects and the mommies made custom coasters while the kids slept. Nathan and AJ joined us later in the week which was so much fun. It made the holiday perfect. The meal was to die for and the week away was just what our family needed. I was SOOO happy to have Nathan with us for the drive home!! Happy Thanksgiving to all. We have so very much to be thankful for.

The kids worked on art projects throughout the week. Dru and Alex had a blast together.

Carson shows off his mad walking skills

Aunt Onnie gave Carson the coolest shirt. It says "my aunt rocks." She does rock!

Alex and DeDe patiently watch the shrinky dinks together

Cute girls

I love his big brown eyes!!!

All of the kids huddle around the oven to watch the shrinky dinks

Alex shows off her butterfly creation. Love her Princess Leia hair.

Daddy gets some cuddle time in with his princess

Alex was all over the pumpkin pie...and the whipped cream!

As usual, "the tank" put away more food than anyone can comprehend. Where does it go??

Carson enjoying the outdoors

I adore this picture of DeDe and Carson. I was sitting on the porch and just watching them together. It was a sweet moment.

Daddy & Alex practice "sic 'em bears"

Daddy carries a reluctant princess to bed. She was NOT happy. HA!

What a wonderful holiday. We are so blessed to have our amazing families. Thank you all for an incredible Thanksgiving!

A picture says a thousand words

Today was the dreaded "Santa photo at the mall day." I take the kids every single year, but I just had a feeling that things were not going to go as I planned. Last year, we got lucky and got an awesome pic of the kids. Carson is 15 months old and any parent that has had a 15 month old is aware of stranger anxiety & separation anxiety. Well, as Alex says, "I think Santa was really freakin' out Carson." HA! He screamed bloody murder the entire time. I kept saying, "just take the picture" because I knew it was impossible to get a smile from the little guy. I am usually sweaty by the time I leave from jumping up and down and trying to get the kids to smile. This year, I just stood there and laughed. These are the photos that end up in the rehearsal dinner videos!
Alex was a total pro and stopped every person she could find on her way to the mall Santa to say to them, "Do you like my beautiful dress? I am going to see Santa now." She was so into it and twirled in circles and was just so proud in her fancy Christmas ensemble. When she finally got to Santa, she ran up and gave him a huge hug and said, "Oh Santa, I've been really missing you! Can I just have everything for Christmas this year?"
Needless to say, I never had to coerce Alex to smile. So, here it is. It just makes me laugh every time I look at it. This perfectly defines our stage of life and we are loving it!

click on photo to enlarge and get the full effect

Can you see Alex trying to hold his hand? Such a sweet, mess of family we are!

Play dates

We have had some great play dates over the past few weeks. First, Alex & Kaitlyn get together every Friday...and it seems that every Friday provides a photo op. These two are HILARIOUS together. The pictures say it all:

Silly princesses

Make a crazy face

Sass

Just love this of Kaitlyn!

Sweet friends

Thanks for all of the fun play dates Jaime & KK!

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Then, my prego friend Sally (also a Baylor gal) drove from Waco with her son Jackson to play for the day. Sally is due soon, so this was our last hurrah for a while. Don't worry Sal, I'll come see you! Jackson and Alex were adorable. Jackson was really shy at first and Alex was offended he didn't want to play. We were a little worried...but soon enough they were best friends. They even ate lunch on the patio alone. So cute. Here is a series of photos. Need I say more? We think they have a crush on each other now. I did hear Alex ask Jackson to be her handsome prince and to kiss her. Unacceptable!

Step 1: Ask the princess to dance

Step 2: Show her your sassy moves. Jackson's got game FO'SHO!

Step 3: Make sure you hold her hand

Step 4: Compliment her and watch her swoon

Step 5: Get some hugs...you are doing good buddy

Step 6: Throw her on the ground

Step 7: Hmm, REALLY? REALLY? What is going on?!

Step 8: Pillow talk is always a bonus

Nice job, Jackson. Your da man!

Picture Diva

Here are a few shots of Alex I took the morning of school picture day. I can't wait to see the real photos!

Alex and her usual prop, Macy

Look at that mischievous grin. Love both of these bow heads!
Practicing her pose??

My absolute favorite. She is such a hot mess!

Watch out world!