Razzmataz

Below is an overly long video featuring one hungry actor attempting to make his sister laugh so his mother will get him some snack. Jelly Belly finds Moose hilarious and it is very helpful when riding in the car to have him provide the entertainment in the back seat. Jelly Belly does the "razzmataz" noise all the time when she wants to communicate. Who knew a razz of the lips could express joy, frustration and contentment...

Photo Shoot

Cardinals Baseball

Os began his indoctrination of Moose into Cardinal baseball while we were in St. Louis. It was a raging success. Os had been going to the game knowing that Moose might lose interest after three innings, but Moose was enthralled the entire time. He gave high fives to the fans around him, munched on his first ballpark dog and got to see Albert Pujols hit a grand slam. Os, of course, was thrilled, too, to share such a great game with his dad and his son.

Os said when they first arrived they were chatting with the people behind them and the woman asked Moose his name. Moose replied, "My name is Moose, but sometimes I call myself Albert Pujols." I guess we'd better start the T-ball.

Family and Friends in St. Louis

Os had marketing trips in New York City, Rochester, Boulder and Chicago this April, so the kids and I took the opportunity to visit family and friends in Colorado and Missouri. Os would pop in and be with us in between his work.
We were able to go out to dinner with Andy and Barb sans kids. We've known Barb since college and feel like we have known Andy since then, as well. They have a six-month-old girl after a string of boys just like us.

We also got to hang out with Matt and Angela Siemer and their super cute Oliver.

Uncle Drew played with the kids when he was home. I think this game involved being pulled around the basement on a blanket sled and yelling.

My Aunt Kathy had us over for dinner. Sweet Deja was thrilled to play with a real live baby instead of just her dolls. She was quite the little mommy.

My cousin, Naomi.

Grandmere reading to the kids.

Colorado Family

We had such a wonderful time with my family in Colorado a few week ago.
Jelly Belly meeting Uncle Peter and Aunt Kim for the first time.

Our little elf making Grandpa smile.

A little comforting cuddle from Grandma. (Notice the box of mini cereal boxes in the background. My Grandma use to get those for us when we would come to visit and we loved it!)

Wrestling with Uncle Peter...

and Aunt Kim.


My mom and I took the kids to the Denver Children's Museum. They had a great time.
BiggiE the builder.

Moose the firefighter.

BiggiE the painter.

Moose the squirrel.

Jelly Belly -- Five Months

As you can see from the picture below, Jelly Belly is finally putting on some weight (though Moose's expression is purely dramatic.) She now weighs 11 lb. and 8 oz. which is sufficient weight gain that the Dr. said we don't need to worry about medication for the reflux.

Jelly Belly is up to all sorts of new tricks: grabbing toys, rolling over, grabbing her feet and giggling. She is also finally sleeping really well (Hallelujah!) She's had a number firsts this past month -- first airplane ride, first time in a swing and first Easter dress (those of you who know me well would laugh to see how much I enjoy dressing a girl.)

Party in Colorado

As part of celebrating BiggiE's birthday we had an early celebration while we were Colorado.



My dad and I had a great time making BiggiE's train cake. Moose helped with a few of the decorations at the end.


BiggiE was thrilled! He sat by his cake at least 15 minutes before it was served. At bedtime he thanked God for his friends and his train cake.


We were so happy to see so many friends at the party: the Blisses, the Philips, the Jacobsons, the Schultz, and the Singers.


Below are some of the progeny: Mia & Mac, Sophie, Thomas & Henry, and the Thomas kids.

Thank you to all the Colorado crew for making time to see us! We love you!