Let's goooo Mountaineers!

We're glad the Mountaineers won today against Seton Hall, but we're happier that Daddy was home with us -- especially since we've been sick all week. He was at the Rutgers game when we came down with our colds. Lilly and I both had fevers, snotty noses and just generally didn't feel well. I have an ear infection. Lilly just has congestion. My congestion was in my chest so Dr. Rubin put me on albuterol. I have to go back for a check up on the 12th and then on Valentine's Day I have to go visit Dr. Chiang to see if I still have reflux in my right kidney. It's a busy time visiting the doctors. I heard Grandpa Bott and Great Grandpa Bott had to visit the doctor a lot recently too. I hope they feel better. We're going to visit them in Morgantown next weekend. I have a special birthday present for Great Grandpa Bott. We can't wait to see them, Grandma, Aunt Sara and our new second cousin -- Kadence Whitehair.

First food

Lilly

Mommy was so tired of me not sleeping through the night that she decided I might be hungry. The answer? Let's try solid foods. So they gave me my first taste of rice cereal. Unfortunately, the tongue reflex is still there so I didn't eat the food easily. Most of it ended back out on my bib and chin. I haven't been feeling so great, which has affected my appetite and sleeping patterns. Belle and I both had to visit Dr. Rubin on Thursday. At first, he thought we had RSV, but a test confirmed that we didn't. I had to endure pain on behalf of Belle. The lab technician stuck a swab up my nose and left it for a minute. I was not happy about that. I don't know why Belle couldn't undergo the test, instead of me!

Belle

Well, I got sick again! Good news, I think this has finally convinced Mommy and Daddy that maybe daycare isn't the best option right now. I don't think they would mind so much that I'm sick, but I gave it to Lilly this time. It's hard not to share germs, when we have to share toys and well, I occasionally take Lilly's pacifier, or blanket or wipe my slobbery hands on her face! I have enjoyed playing with her more though. As you can see from the photo, I even occasionally hold her. I wasn't too happy about sharing bath time with her recently. Mommy held Lilly in the tub and we took a bath together. I prefer Lilly to have her own bath in her tub as to not interrupt my play time.

Play time

Lilly

Mommy keeps lying me on my stomach and telling me to "roll over." I don't know what the big deal is about it. She tried to play with me today, but at every turn, there was Belle stepping into the game. I wasn't happy with her when she tried to take over my toys. I think Belle is just jealous that I get a lot of attention right now. She keeps doing things that she shouldn't -- like crawling up the stairs, standing on the coffee table -- to get attention. I sure have given Mommy and Daddy a run for their money at night. They keep trying to get me to sleep in this crib all by myself. It's lonely and dark in there. So I wake a few times a night and call for them to come and get me! Last night, Mommy got upset and just put me in the swing. She has a determined look in her eye. I think my nights in Mommy and Daddy's bed are numbered!

Belle

I sure did keep Mommy and Daddy on their toes today. We couldn't really go anywhere because of the weather this weekend. We did go for a short wagon ride yesterday. It was really cold, though, so we didn't walk very far. Today, it snowed so we stayed in. It's too cold out for Lilly. I sure can't wait til she's big enough so we can go outside together. I love to take, er, I mean share her toys. I tried playing with her today, but she wasn't very involved. I think she may have been a little annoyed with me. Mommy and Daddy are trying to get us to play "nice" together. They even read us bedtime stories together tonight.

Sisterly love or rivalry?

Lilly

Daddy took Belle and me for a ride Sunday evening in our new wagon. We hadn't been outside for a while. It was nice to get out. Not too long into the ride, though, Belle got a little too "relaxed." She decided to lounge in the wagon and lay on me. So I thought I'd get her back by pulling her hair. She thinks because she's slightly bigger than me that she can pick on me. Mommy keeps telling me not to worry that one day I'll beat up on her -- just like the tide turned for Aunt Sara and Daddy when they were growing up with older siblings.

I rolled over from my back to belly for the first time last Saturday. No one really saw me though. Mommy just got me turned over on my back. Belle distracted her. I rarely get time alone on the floor because Mommy and Daddy are afraid Belle will step on me. So when I do I take full advantage of the freedom.

Nighttime is still rough. Mommy is trying to make grow up too fast. She keeps telling me I need to sleep through the night. It's not enough that she has me in the crib now and expects me to put myself to sleep, but she wants me to sleep 8 hours? I don't think so !

Belle

That Lilly sure does take advantage of being the "baby" of the family. She thinks she can get away with anything. I mean, geesh, all I was trying to do was show her a little love during our family walk Sunday. And she kept pulling my hair. I subtly tattled on her though by saying "ow, lilly." Mommy finally came and pulled her fingers out of my hair, but then she just did it again. This time I grabbed her hand. I did hold her hand briefly -- to show my love. I've come to like Lilly, a lot. I like to hold her occasionally, but only briefly. When I'm finished, I shove her away. I like to stay close to her, but Mommy doesn't let me get to close. She keeps telling me "careful," and "easy" every time Lilly is on the floor and I walk by her head. I mean, geesh, what's the big deal. I'm not intentionally trying to hurt Lilly. Or am I? Mommy says I need to watch because one day Lilly will be able to fight back.

I've been going to day care still. Some days are better than others. Tomorrow I'll be home because it's my first day of a new Kindermusik class. Daddy is going to take me before he heads up to Morgantown to watch the Mountaineers play basketball again. Go WVU!

Cheerios

I just love my cheerios! We had fruity Cheerios for breakfast this weekend. Daddy thought I was finished with them, but I grabbed the box and decided to have a few for myself!

Mommy and Daddy tried out some recipes from their new cookbooks this weekend. Mommy made her first cake. Everyone who tasted it said it was good, but I decided I had to try it for myself. I gave her my approval. The Orange Marmalade Cake is good. Daddy made scrumptious crab cakes from what I heard. I don't know though, I wasn't allowed to have any.

We went to church this morning at Agape Christian Fellowship. Everyone was happy to see us because we haven't been there since Lilly was born. Lilly did pretty good for her first time in church. I was excited to see my friend Jaiden again. We colored and played. Occasionally, I went up to visit Pastor Frank.

Wagon ride for two

Mommy and Daddy have been working a lot lately. So we've actually spent some time at Pawpaw and Granny's house. Tonight, though, we were all home together. So we played a little. Since it was raining, Mommy gave Lilly and me a ride in my new wagon around the house. Later, I pushed Lilly in the wagon. It sure was fun. I hope it's sunny tomorrow so we can take a ride outside.

Proud to be a Mountaineer!

Belle

The Mountaineers won the Gator Bowl today and we celebrated. It was a real treat having Daddy home with us this New Year's -- rather than away. I'm glad he was home a lot these holidays. I know Mommy was happy too that they could celebrate their third wedding anniversary. I couldn't say, "Happy Anniversary," but Grandma Bott taught me to say, "Happy New Year." As you can see from the video, Mommy and Daddy are teaching me to be a Mountaineer. Go 'Eeers. I'm learning new words every day. Just last week, I repeated the words "high maintenance" after Daddy told me I was being high maintenance. I heard Mommy telling Granny and Grandma to watch every word because I repeat everything I hear. Lilly is getting bigger and bigger each day. I have fun playing with her now. She likes to laugh at me. She's sleeping right now, otherwise I'm sure she would have something to say as well.

Merry Christmas!

Belle

Wow! I couldn't believe my eyes when I came downstairs this morning (and it wasn't because it was early. We didn't get up until 10:30 a.m.) I had this really neat tunnel to crawl through and then when I came out the other side, there before me was a smorgasbord of toys! I got a new Elmo tool bench, a TMX Elmo doll, a teddy bear and books. Later, Granny and Pawpaw brought me more toys and clothes. They gave me some Signing Times videos, an electric toothbrush, clothes, books, bibs and an old-fashioned pop roller. They seemed to really like the gifts we got them too. Mommy made Granny and Pawpaw their own calendar featuring what else, but me. Lilly's in this edition as well.

Lilly
Santa brought me a cool gift too, but as you can see (from the above picture) my big sister, Belle, is playing with it! Mommy did give me the rattle to play with, but even then Belle came and swiped it from me! There was much excitement in the house this morning. So much, that I had to nap most of the day. I heard Granny and Pawpaw gave me a lot of neat things, like a book that features me, but I didn't get to visit with them much. I was too worn out from the morning activities.

Eve of Christmas

Belle

We had a nice visit with Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Sara on Saturday. They came to see us for the holiday and they brought presents too! Grandma and Grandpa gave me this cool wagon. I, of course, had to have Grandpa give me a test ride around the neighborhood.

Later we traveled to GG Bunny's house in Red House. I recognized the road as the same road we take to visit Tipo and Riley (Aunt KaKa's prarie dog and doggie). Mommy explained to me that we weren't visiting them though! At GG Bunny's, I received more presents, but I didn't care too much about opening them or playing with what was inside. I liked my second cousin Luke's presents better. He received cool stuff -- like cars, trucks and Thomas the train legos. I got some nice presents that I played with when we came home. We had to make an early departure because I was getting a little cranky -- but to my defense -- I didn't have a nap today and Lilly wasn't happy either! So far this Christmas, I've received some very cute outfits (Mommy liked them better than me) and lots of toys. Aunt Sara gave me a Dora toy. I received a Winnie the Pooh phone, large legos from more second cousins and Blue's Clues bath toys!

Santa made an early trip to our house tonight, but I was asleep when he got here! Mommy and Daddy said there will be lots of fun stuff for me under the tree in the morning. I can't wait. I just hope I'm feeling better tomorrow. Mommy and me can't lick this cold we caught!

Santa and Christmas trees

We visited Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Sara this weekend. Daddy had a WVU basketball game to cover so even though Mommy didn't feel well, we traveled to Morgantown anyway. We celebrated Christmas early with Mamaw and The Chase side of the family. Saturday was a fun day. We drove to Bruceton Mills to find a Christmas tree. I was more interested in walking around the property. Aunt Sara had to keep chasing after me. Lilly didn't care much for tree hunting. She wasn't feeling great on Saturday for some reason. She was a little cranky. Then Saturday night we walked through a Christmas light display at a nearby neighborhood. It was fun. I visited with Santa briefly then too. He gave me a baton! I didn't mind talking with Santa, but I didn't want Grandpa to leave me with him. I sure am looking forward to next Monday. Mommy says Santa will bring me lots of fun things. I do hope that I feel better then though. We came home last night and I had a 103 degree temperature. I'll probably have a visit to see Dr. Rubin tomorrow.

O Tannebaum

I discovered the joys of Christmas trees yesterday. Mommy said she put ornaments on the bottom of the tree that wouldn't break if I got ahold of them.

Today, I made a friend in daycare. Cody and I shared our lunches. I gave him some cheese and he shared his peaches with me. I had a good day in daycare today. I still put on a face for Mommy like I don't like daycare when she drops me off in the morning. But the gig is up, as she said. Her co-workers told her at the office Christmas Open House on Monday that I do actually play and enjoy myself in daycare. I do like my teachers, Ms. Elizabeth and Ms. Ronda. And today, I "tried" a chicken nugget -- only for dipping it in ketchup so I could suck it off of the nugget.

The Botts

Belle

We visited The Botts in Morgantown this weekend. Now that WVU basketball season has started, Daddy has to travel up north a lot. So occasionally, we'll go with him -- especially since it's the holidays! We celebrated Aunt Barb's and Morgan's birthday at Outback Saturday night. I did okay for about an hour while Aunt Jane (below) played with me. But when the food finally came, I was ready to go so we had to make a quick exit from the restaurant. I don't think Mommy was too happy with me, but hey, I'd had enough. Even though I wasn't a happy girl, Mommy drove us by house that has a lot of Christmas lights. Mommy said next weekend we'll walk through the lights and then visit with Santa.

Coo-dos to Lilly!

Belle and I visited Dr. Rubin on Friday. I had a two-month check up and Belle had her 18-month check up. It wasn't fair, though. Belle didn't have to get three shots in her legs. I was a little cranky on Friday after those shots. I now weigh 11 pounds and two ounces and I'm 24 inches tall. Dr. Rubin said I'm going to be tall like my sister.

Belle measured 34 1/2 inches tall. She's in the 95th percentile for her age. She weighs 25 1/2 pounds. I hope we don't have to go back to see Dr. Rubin for awhile. It was very busy in the waiting room. I guess a lot of kids are sick this time of year. Luckily, Belle and I both have been healthy for the last few weeks.

Lilly smiles

It's ccccoold outside!

Belle

It snowed for the first time today. Daddy took me outside briefly to let me play in the snow, but I didn't really enjoy it. The wind was too strong. The snowflakes kept blowing in my eyes, which I told Daddy by saying, "eye, eye." I'm learning new words every day. Yesterday I explained to Daddy that my knee didn't hurt by saying, "No knee hurt." I am also learning new signs every day. Today, I signed milk. I still get confused with the sign for "please' and "more." If I want something, I usually just sign "more."

Daycare is getting to be more fun as well. My teacher says I'm coming along very well. I had a great day on Tuesday. I didn't cry very long after Mommy left. When she came to pick me up nearly at 5 p.m., I was playing happily in my classroom.

Mommy and Daddy keep trying to get me to use the potty, but I'm not interested in it much anymore. I have enough change to worry about with daycare.

Lilly

I'm having more fun every day. I laugh and giggle. Belle really makes me laugh. And I slept throug the night for the first time on Tuesday night. Mommy said she couldn't believe it was 5 a.m. when I woke her to eat. I went to bed at 9 p.m. I figured one night was enough rest for her though and I had her up a few times last night. Mommy thinks it's cute to keep dressing me in Christmas outfits. I guess we have a few hand me downs she wants to make sure I wear.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

My sister, Lilly, is starting be a lot more fun. I can make her smile and laugh at me. She thinks I'm funny. Last weekend, we visited with the Gibson families at Granny and Pawpaw's. We had a belated Thanksgiving celebration because Daddy was in Florida for the holiday. I'm not sure why we had to dress up (Mommy's idea), but everyone sure liked our outfits.

Daycare is beginning to grow on me as well. I actually enjoyed myself today. I try not to let the parents know that I'm having a good time, but Mommy walked in on me playing this evening. So the gig is up. I still cry when she leave me in the morning though. Gotta work in that guilt trip!

Lilly gets to stay home all day with Granny. They hang out some, but I think she sleeps mostly still.

Holidays

Belle

I know it's been awhile since I've written, but I haven't had time. That's right. I'm nearly 18 months old and I've got a busy schedule. I'm now going to daycare for half day every day. I'm still not sure if I like it, but it's growing on me. I come home in the afternoons and hang with Lilly and Granny. Lilly is starting to smile at me now. Last night, I shared my insights about Mommy and Daddy with her. I told her to follow my lead and I'd show her the ropes; show her how to get your way with the folks!

Tonight I helped Daddy decorate this tiny Christmas tree that we have in our living room. I guess the tree used to belong to Mommy and she made the ornaments when she was a little girl. We also watched Rudoplph The Red-Nosed Reindeer. But I only like the snowman, not the reindeer.

Mommy keeps trying to bribe me into being good. She told me if I don't stop throwing tantrums then Santa isn't going to bring me any presents this year. I'm not sure I like Santa either!

Lilly

From all the photos you see of me, it looks as though all I do is sleep. That's just not true! I just can't get the parents to take a picture of me when I'm awake. I guess they're just so excited that I have my eyes open and that I'm cooing at them that they forget to take pictures!

I feel much better now that I finally had a BM last night. It had been nearly a week. I was getting kind of fussy. But Mommy finally talked to Dr. Rubin and they gave me a suppository to get things moving again.

I am awake more know during the day and I smile and coo at everyone. I even give Mommy a little break and I sleep a little better through the night now. I only have her up twice to eat in the middle of the night. I think that's a pretty good compromise. Don't you?

Sick but not down.

Belle

I may not be feeling well (I have tonsillitis and an earache), but I'm not down. I started running a fever Sunday night (102.6) and it scared Mommy and Daddy. I didn't see the doctor until Monday afternoon though. He looked in my throat and earas and told Daddy what I have. Now I have to take an antibotic every day. Needless to say, I didn't go to daycare this week, not that I'm complaining or anything. Granny has watched me and Lilly. Lilly is doing well. She's still sleeping most of the day and keeping Mommy up at night.

I dropped a can on my toe the other night so now Daddy has removed all the fun stuff from the cabinets. I can still crawl in them though and hang out!

Squishy & Jaybird

Belle

We made another trip to Morgantown to visit Grandpa and Grandpa. Mommy and Daddy left us with them for the day so they could go to Mountaineer Field to watch the WVU game on Saturday. I don't understand why they would want to sit through the cold and rain to watch a football game. Regardless, I had a great time hanging out with the grandparents (who let me get away with a lot more!) and chasing after "meow! (Penelope)" I got away from Grandpa Friday night and ran around the house for a bit naked as a jaybird.

I had a major development since I last posted. I went to the potty for the first time Wednesday night. Mommy and Daddy were so proud. I haven't gone again though. I'm still learning. I also had my first day of daycare on Thursday. I had a good time playing with my new friends at first, but then I missed Mommy and wanted to go home. I think Daddy was just as upset about me being away from home as I was!

Mommy goes back to work tomorrow and we're very upset about that. Lilly doesn't know how different it's going to be. Granny will take care of her, though, like she did me and I'll go to daycare for a few hours. Mommy said it will be good for me to meet new friends, but I'm not sure about this.

Lilly

Ever since Dr. Rubin diagnosed me as having reflux I've had to take more medicine. I now take medicine four times a day that's supposed to help with my reflux. That's on top of the Mylicon I have to take before Mommy will feed me. It's helping some, but there are still occasions (mostly at night) when I spit up quite a bit. I overheard Mommy say she starts work tomorrow and she's hoping that I'll sleep better through the night. I'm going to do my best to help her out, but it's tough when you're so little and your stomach is upset! Despite my reflux, Mommy says I'm filling out pretty well. You can tell from the picture with Grandma holding me that I'm getting squishy cheeks!

Grandparents are great!

Belle

1.... 2...3... I'm counting the number of pictures we're showing you today -- of our grandparents. We spent the last four days with all of our grandparnets. Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture of Granny, but we hung out with her too! I impressed family by counting up to 5 this week and dancing and singing for them. Granny let me play in her pantry and Pawpaw wrestled with me. Grandpa Bott and I played with the "meow" (their cat named Penelope). They still won't let me play with her food though. I did manage to sneak and get meow's water bowl and dumped it all over myself! It sure was cold. We surprised Grandma & Grandpa Bott by dropping in on them Sunday. Daddy had to go to Morgantown to cover a WVU basketball game. It was a short but nice visit.

Lilly

All I know is we spent a lot of time in the car this weekend. We drove to Granny and Pawpaw's so Daddy and Mommy could watch a football game. Something about a big game for WVU. I don't understand it all yet. I hung out with Granny most of the nights so Mommy could sleep. Of course, I was good for Granny! :-) The next thing I know they are dressing me up and lights keep going off around me. I sure didn't like that and I let them know about it! Because neither Belle or I cooperated very well we had to try again on Saturday. This time I decided to be a little more cooperative and I think Pawpaw said he got some good photographs. Sunday we traveled yet again and this time I hung out with Grandma Bott and Mamaw. It sure was a busy weekend. Then today I had to go to see Dr. Rubin because Mommy insists there is something wrong with me. Despite my spells of spitting up, I've managed to gain a pound in the last two weeks. He said the grumbling in my stomach is from colic and there isn't really much to do about it. I have to have an upper GI done tomorrow morning to see if I have reflux, although Dr. Rubin doesn't believe it's severe enough to warrant medicine. We go back to Dr. Rubin this afternoon so Mommy, Daddy and Belle can all get a shot for flu season.

One month and counting

Lilly

I'm one month old now and life is becoming more interesting. I notice people's faces now and easily recognize Mommy and Daddy.Although I'm alert more during daylight hours, I'm still not sleeping very well through the night. So occasionally Daddy and I will catch a catnap together. When Daddy comes home I hang out with him more. I think Mommy offers to hang with Belle to get a break from all the crying!

Belle

Mommy and Daddy are so focused on Lilly right now that I can get away with a lot more! For instance, this morning, Mommy was so busy trying to get Lilly calmed down that I was able to crawl into the cabinet and and dig out the soy sauce and oil. I found out they don't stack like the cans of soup, though. Well, I guess this baby isn't going anyway. She's been here a month now and I've resigned myself to the fact she isn't leaving. So now I help Mommy take care of her and I will even give her the occasional kiss or two.

Trick or Treat!

Lilly

I'm not sure what all the fuss was about this evening. I slept through most of the activity. Mommy and Daddy put me back in this banana outfit and we went for a stroll. We hung outside until it started to rain.

I'm still sleeping through most of the day and keeping Mommy up at night. I don't think she cares for this scenario, but there isn't much I can do when my stomach is upset all night. Mommy said we'll go back to Dr. Rubin on Monday to see what else he recommends to help me out.

Belle

Wow. I really enjoyed my first night of trick or treating. We visited a few neighbors on our street and then visited neighbors on our usual walk route. Some of the houses we visited were spooky or had scary music playing so I was a little nervous to approach the house. But Mommy or Daddy held my hand and I went up to accept my candy. I carried my pumpking to collect my candle the whole time. I got a lot of candy and a small baby doll. Mommy and Daddy even let me taste some of the softer candy. After our short walk, we returned to our house to hand out candy. I helped put the candy in other kids' bags, including our neighbor Kaitlyn's bag. Our friends Jordan, Jaiden, Jennifer and Jeremy from church visited too. They trick or treat in our neighborhood every year. It was a fun time for sure!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Foreshadowing?

Aunt Sara looks like a natural doesn't she? Could this be a foreshadow of her taking care of her own children in a few years? We had a great visit with Aunt Sara this weekend. I (Belle) sure do love playing with her. Although, she was a little more uptight this time. She didn't want to let me play with the cans in the cabinet! We hope we see Aunt Sara a lot as we grow up. She lives up to her name of fun Aunt Sara!

First Bath

Lilly

Wow. What an experience. As if my life isn't rough enough right now with colic, gas and upset stomach at all hours of the day and night... Mommy and Daddy tortured me with something called a bath! Course, I guess I needed a good cleaning since my cord finally came off and I had quite a messy BM on the way home from Morgantown today. Mommy had to throw out my outfit because it was covered with poo! After the initial shock of the cold air and the wetness on my bum, I actually enjoyed the bath. It felt good to be clean. See how wonderful my hair looks after my bath? The folks discovered I have natural curl!

Belle

This kid sister of mine is starting to grow on me. Tonight, I wanted to help her out. She seemed quite upset about having a bath. I'm not sure why because I just love bath time. I wanted to get in the tub with her and show her how much fun it could be, but the folks wouldn't let me. I like to play with my toy Nemo and other animal friends, read a good book and try to take a swim when I take a bath. Tonight, the residual bubbles stayed on my face after my swim. Mommy and Daddy said eventually Lilly and I can take a bath together and play in the tub. I can't wait for that!

The Great Pumpkin (Monkey)

Everyone sure likes monkeys this time of the year. I mean pumpkins! I sometimes confuse the two words. We visited Grandma and Grandpa again this week. Lilly and I went with them to help pick out pumpkins. I sure like picking them out, but I don't care that much about gutting them. Grandpa let me touch the insides. Yuck! They're gooey.

Mommy, Daddy, Lilly and I picked out our pumpkins last week, but we carved them tonight. Daddy sorted out the seeds and cooked them. I just helped Mommy sort and stack cans while they worked on the pumpkin. Occasionally, I would give them a peek to see what they were up to. Lilly did what Lilly always does -- sleep, of course. She isn't sleeping much at night. Occasionally, she'll cry and wake me up. I then have to make sure Mommy gives me some attention too.

It sure was a fun week at Grandma and Grandpa's. They let me run the house. I played with the cans in their cabinets and chased Penelope around the house. They also let me get dirty when I eat!