Heading South

We're heading south for Thanksgiving.

It's been a tradition for several years for us to spend the holiday with my side of the family. So off we go to Houston. Right about now, I'm looking forward to a nice, warm breeze. Looks like the weather will be in the 70's for the duration, which sounds lovely.

This will be our first flight as a "party of 4". Airports and airplanes take on an entirely different aura when you're traveling with little ones. I'm so glad we're all going together. I've taken many trips with just Ava, and I'm not super eager to take the 2 kiddos alone. If you haven't heard about my horrid trip through Philly, I'll have to share it another time. I could also rant about the ridiculous baggage policy and the pricey tickets, but again, another time.

Let the record show that Dean Douglas will take his first flight at 13 weeks of age. Ava's first flight was at 9 weeks, so she's got him by 4 weeks. Her first flight was to Houston, as well. That's crazy considering my first flight wasn't until I was 8 years old!

It's exciting because Ava hasn't seen her Aunt Kimmie, Uncle Jason, or her 3 cousins-Colin, Adam & Seth- since June. None of them have met Baby Dean either, so everyone is very excited! And,even though we just saw Mamaw & Papaw over Halloween, we're really looking forward to staying with them too!

I should probably go pack! Wish us luck!

My new best friends...

Lately I've been spending a lot of time hanging out with these folks.
I'm not gonna lie, the relationship is strained, and I am ready to move on. I think they are starting to get the picture.
It shouldn't be much longer now...

Prayers

Our deepest sympathy is with the Gaidusek family.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Daddy Dates

Chet and Ava had another "Daddy Date" today. It's actually really cute. Chet started doing this with her toward the end of my pregnancy. Daddy picks Ava up from school and they do lunch...sometimes run an errand or two. She inevitably comes home with a balloon or some type of candy or something exciting.

The cutest part has become the anticipation. It's like their secret little slice of fun. They whisper about where they are going to go for lunch and all sorts of little things, days before.

This morning while Chet was in the shower, Ava came into my room, fully dressed, socks and shoes on, announcing that she was ready to go to school and on her "Daddy Date." These girls and their Daddy's...it's very fun to watch! =)

3 Months

Our Baby D turns 3 months old today.
A quarter year...passed already. WOW!
Happy Bday, Little Mister!

If you can believe it, I don't have a picture to post! SHOCKER!!
Mommy has been a little sick and my camera hasn't gotten much action since Mamaw & Papaw were here a few weeks ago. I will get it out though soon, I promise. =)

Little Dean is very interested in his hands these days. Touching things and touching me and Sissy and Daddy and everything. But most of all, he wants to touch his toesies!! SO CUTE! He found his feet and they mesmerize him! =)

He's still quite the little conversationalist. He will chatter back and forth pretty much anytime...until he gets hungry or needs to be changed.

We're happy to report that, so far, we have another sleeper! He tuckers out around 8pm and occasionally wakes up to eat about the time we go to bed, at midnight. Then he doesn't wake up until close to 8 am. So, that's been nice. Now if I could just stop coughing long enough to get some sleep, we'd be all set.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Today is my Grandpa's 92nd Birthday! Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Grandpa- I know there isn't even a fraction of a chance that you will ever read this. Even so, I must say that you have always been my hero. You are the best man I have ever known, and I can easily say, the best man I will ever know. I am so lucky to have you as my Grandpa. I love you more than I can possibly express! Happy Birthday! xoxoxo

Happy Birthday Uncle Joey!!

We hope you have a fabulous time in Chicago, celebrating your bday with Caitlin!
LOVE YOU!! xoxox

The Phone

My daughter is obsessed with the phone. Some would say it is getting out of hand.

We used to call Daddy round 4:30pm, after she woke up from her nap. I would recite the digits and she would dial. She just had to tell him that she missed him or loved him or some important news. Anyway, all was well.

Thing is...she learned the number. Hmmm...
She has been calling Daddy at all times of the day. She just grabs a phone and makes the call. No Mommy needed. Cute, funny, smart...but OFTEN! Daddy is working most of the time, or he just left for work, or he's outside, etc.

Well, this morning we got up early because we had ballet. I made Ava her breakfast and I was about to get myself ready. I hear a funny noise from downstairs...is that the phone?? She called Daddy's cell at 7:30am...while Daddy was sleeping! It was plugged in right next to him and our sleeping 2 month old. Oh no! Oh yes!

So- if you ever need a wake-up call, just let Ava know, she'll be happy to oblige!

Visits

Thanks Mamaw and Papaw for coming to visit! Even though it was quick, we got lots of fun stuff in. It was neat for Ava that you were here for the first time over Halloween. She also liked that Mamaw got to come to her ballet class.

Papaw and Chet were busy bees too. They golfed on Friday with Papa and drove to Hartford on Sun for the WV & UConn football game. WV won so Papaw was very happy about that.

Dean loved having you here too. He just cooed and cooed and chatted away to anyone who would listen. He'll be excited to meet his 3 cousins and Aunt and Uncle very soon.

Fun times. We'll see you in a few weeks in TX for our Thanksgiving visit! We love you!! xoxoxo

BOO!

November

Skylyn is here!

Congrats to new parents Steve and Kelly Conner on the birth of their baby girl.Skylyn Patricia Conner was born on Monday 11/3 at 7:41 pm. The adorable little princess weighed in at 6 lb 11 oz, and is 19 inches long.CONGRATULATIONS!!! xoxoxo

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mamaw!! We are so glad we got to share your bday weekend with you in NY. We love you and can't wait to see you in TX in a few weeks!
xoxoxo Janis, Chet, Ava & Dean

Happy Birthday Colin!

Happy 11th Birthday Colin!! We can't wait to hear all about your cool paintball party! We miss you and love you so much. See you in a few weeks!
Love, Aunt Janis, Uncle Chet, Ava & Baby Dean
xoxoxo