Bedtime Fun

Matt got a crib soother for Christmas which really works wonders. Both of the boys played in the bed for about half an hour. Jack did not want to leave.

Merry Christmas

The crazy aunts

We survived the holidays with two kids. We started the celebration on Sunday at Aunt Debbie's house. Terry was in heaven with Ray's fully stocked bar and Jack enjoyed the train and pinball machines. I spent a good time with a very overwhelmed Matt. He began the day very happy but was furious in the afternoon. We realized that we need to stick to our normal schedule of putting him back to bed within an hour. So Christmas Eve and Christmas day went a lot better.
We hosted our very first Christmas Eve for my immediate family. My sisters made great appetizers and Terry did his best with the beef tenderloin. It was a little overcooked but still good. The kids went to be easily and the adults stayed up and talked. It was nice not to have to rush home to put Jack and Matt to bed. Terry and I really got to relax.





Christmas day was busy. Jack wanted to play with his toys and did not have much interest in opening gifts. It took a few hours but we got them all opened. That night we went to Terry's Aunt Nancy's house. There were about 6 grand kids there so Jack was busy running around with them and playing in Nancy's playroom. On the way home we drove down neighborhood streets looking at all of the decorations.
I think the boys are happy to get back into their normal routine. The holidays were fun but busy. Jack is now back to playing "look both ways" and Matt is back to eating and sleeping.

Most of the McGuffage, Donovan and Carney Grand Kids

First Place House in the Chicago Ridge Park District Holiday House Contest

The 6 Week Mark

Matthew at 6 Weeks


Jack at 6 Weeks

Did I just have the same baby?

Quick Update

I just realized today that Christmas is next Tuesday. These last few weeks have gone by way too fast. We have been having fun though. My good friend Courtney visited one day with her two kids. She totally saved me because Terry took our car to work with two of our strollers in the trunk. I thought it was going to be the worst day ever until she called.
This weekend Cicely, Dennis and Sophia visited from Indy. I haven't seen them in months and it was such a treat to have lunch with them. Little Sophia is full of smiles and will be walking any minute now. She is a cutie.
On Sunday we shoveled ourselves out of the biggest snow storm to hit this winter. Jack had a blast playing in the snow and throwing snow balls at the tree.
Matt laughed for the first time yesterday. Terry was holding him and talking when all of a sudden a huge giggle came out of him. It was hysterical. Terry made him laugh a second time a while later. I have to get a video of it.

Tummy Time

Matt is holding his head so well and has even rolled over a few times.

Breakfast with Santa

Jack is at a great age for Christmas. Last year he was too scared to sit with Santa but this year he was very excited. When we arrived at the breakfast he said "we are at Santa's house." Both Matt and Jack got to sit with Santa and afterwards we went to a party where Jack got to decorate cookies, ornaments and make reindeer with paper plates. It was a great morning. It was nice to get out as a family and get into the Christmas spirit.

Window Guy

Okay I have been with the kids too much maybe but the highlight of my week was watching a cute guy install our windows. Jack loved that the men were working right outside his bedroom window and wanted to watch. I, of course, had to oblige and I, of course, had to take pictures. Poor Jack thought I was taking pictures of him and smiled for the camera. I was so enthralled with the window guy that I forgot to use the zoom lens. I got really close and snapped a picture which got his attention. I ducked and quickly pretended to play with a sleeping Matt.
After the little show, Jack and I left Matt inside and worked on putting lights up outside. Jack had fun hitting the snow off the bushes and even shoveled a little. He is such a hard little worker. For me, it was great to be in the fresh air. I got to talk to a few neighbors and felt normal for a little while.

Random Pictures

The boys and I have been staying close to home most days. We have had lots of playdates here but have not ventured out too much. Matt is growing so fast. At his 4 week appointment he weighed 10 lbs. He and Jack will be wearing the same clothes in a few months. Here are a few random pictures of this past week.

Happy Birthday, Lauren!

Happy birthday to a wonderful aunt, sister and sister-in-law. We have been so fortunate to have my siblings in our kids lives. I am not sure what we would do without the help, support and love of my sisters and brother. Lauren visits every chance she gets and loves being around the kids who love being around here. Lauren has a great ability to dote on the boys but also make sure they sleep and eat well. I am so thankful for her and enjoy the relationship she has with Matt and Jack. Have happy birthday, Lauren!

Happy Thanksgiving

This year's host



Sisters, Aunt Lil and Grandma Johnson



Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and to give thanks. This year I have so much to be thankful for but what I am most thankful for is family.
The day before my mom was to host 25 people for a turkey dinner, she went into the emergency room with severe stomach pains. She is still in the hospital undergoing tests but is feeling much better and looks great.
Never have we been without our mom. She has always been there quietly taking care of us. Her absence yesterday was very hard but amazingly all of us pulled together and (at the request of my mom) we put on a Thanksgiving dinner. With my Aunt Debbie at the helm, we ate on time, the food was hot and delicious and the day was very enjoyable.
Without the help of the entire family, yesterday would have been a disaster and my mom would have been in the hospital worrying about what to do with all of the food going to waste at home.
I spoke to my sisters this morning and the house is clean and back in order. We are hoping mom will be home today or tomorrow.

Matt's Back Asleep

On Saturday we meet Kathleen's future in-laws. Griffin's parents, brother and sister-in-law feel like family already. It was a great afternoon and the kids behaved. Matt slept in some one's arms the whole day and Jack ran around like a mad man. Terry and I relaxed as much as possible but it is still hard to fully engage in conversation when all we want to do is sleep.

On Sunday, Terry and Jack cut the grass, cleaned the gutters and raked about 2 billion leaves. I can't believe that we will be putting up a tree next week. It seems like we were just gearing up for Halloween and now we are teaching Jack about Christmas.

Matt's Awake

Matt is waking up more everyday which has been great and awful at the same time. I was getting decent sleep before - a little at night and a little at Jack's nap time. Now I am getting a little less and yesterday Jack decided to not nap at all and then get up for some reason at 12:30 in the morning. Lucky for me, we all woke up in fairly good moods. Jack does not seem sick and I have several cups of coffee in me.
I think it is important to point out that Terry took care of the boys last night so I could got to bed at 8:00. Without a few hours of solid sleep I would be insane today. Jack being cute and a pot of coffee would not have sufficed.

After breakfast Jack took out the play mat and wanted Matt to lay down. I thought Matt was too young (plus I have a tendency to want to carry him) but I gave in. Matt loved it (for about 10 minutes) and Jack knew it. Matt also gave Jack a few smiles which thrilled us both. It was a great couple of minutes after a very long Thursday. I think Terry and I both deserve pizza and beer tonight.