Lullabies: Unplugged

Bedtime is meant to be a quiet time; a time to wind down the day with a few stories and songs. Of course, given the opportunity, Owen and Paxton would prefer to have anything but peace and quiet. These two bozos like to boogie and sing along with the music!No wonder Brecken and I have been feeling sleep deprived lately. Put some pajamas on already, and Owen, get out Paxton's crib!

Difference a Year Makes

At times, it is interesting to look back and see how the kids change. For Owen, here is a quick shot from a year ago along with a picture from last week. A year ago we were still in the process of looking at the new house. Today, Owen is just confused as to why I am taking his picture on the front steps.

How Big is Paxton?

It is unclear whether the following is a sign of impressive 8 month old development or purely a Pavlovian response to parental conditioning, but like her older brother, Paxton now responds to the question, "How big is Paxton?" by raising her arms in the air. Similar to her brother at roughly the same age, she particularly likes it when you answer your own question with a loud "SO BIG."

The conclusion to the video is anything but lady-like. Maybe it is just another sign that all kids are a lot smarter and more aware than we give them credit for. Paxton is just breaking the code of silence and conveying, "ENOUGH ALREADY!"

Fall Fashion Show

Here is a little fall fashion show from Miss Paxton. More and more these days she is taking on the "hey, look at me" attitude, particularly when you catch her standing up. We'll begin with her Halloween spirit, captured under the stools in the kitchen.
Followed by the weekend casual look.
And finally, here is the post-church, no way did I cry during the service, glad to be playing at home look.

8 Months!

The growth chart entries continue to be few and far between for Miss Paxton, but the Little Lady is celebrating 8 months this week, and she was not the most willing participant on the rocking chair.
However, she did take a quick moment to sit with her brother for a few pictures. Owen has definitely not been in the rocker for a while, but he is at 35 months in this shot.
They are fun to watch interact. For instance, Owen won't go to bed at night without first hugging and kissing his little sister. In return, Paxton won't let Owen go anywhere around the house without following him. To that end, Paxton climbed up the stairs from the basement for the first time this week.

A Day at the Fire Station

Saturday proved to be a pretty exciting day for Owen. The local fire department had an open house, allowing kids (and parents) to tour the fire house, witness fire fighters in action, and get a little hands on experience.
Sporting his new fireman's hat, Owen invited Brecken and Paxton to sit with him on the front of a big fire engine. He was hoping the siren would go off, but the rest of us were thankful for the relative silence.
The real firefighters burned a makeshift "house" to demonstrate how quickly a home and furniture can burn. Even from a safe distance, the heat was pretty intense.While Owen watched the fire, Paxton was more interested in watching the other kids run around the fire house.The next time you hear a fire engine on the road, beware that it may be Owen at the wheel. I feel sorry for the guy that had to actually pull this engine back into the fire station that evening, as I can guarantee the lights, wipers, mirrors, radio, and siren had been skillfully switched to the "On" position.
One of the biggest highlights for Owen, aside from the popcorn and lemonade, was having the chance to use the firehose. He successfully sprayed open two "burning" windows on a plywood house. The only thing better in his mind would have been getting the chance climb the extended ladder on top of the truck.

Wait 'til Next Year

Well, another baseball season of high expectations has come and gone in the windy city...or at least on the north side of the city. For what it's worth, the Cubs can't blame Paxton for not showing her spirit during the playoffs.

As they've said for the past 100 years, wait 'til next year.