Santa Claus is Comin' to Town!

Santa already paid a visit to Winchester and we wouldn't have missed it for the world. I was not sure how the kids would react--Nicolaus met santa last year but certainly doesn't remember and Carleigh is such a Mommy's girl. Both kids ADORED him! Carleigh couldn't keep the big grin off her face and Nicolaus just talked up a storm. He also thought it was pretty neat he and Santa share the same name. Seeing their pure joy is a moment I will always treasure and one that makes me so happy to be their Mom.

Fall Getaway

Over a long weekend in November we met up with the Soza family for a Fall getaway (and to celebrate Nicolaus' second birthday. We stayed in a cabin at Westmoreland State Park while the Sozas stayed in their camper.

We could not have asked for better weather and were able to enjoy nearby Stratford Hall as well as get in some hiking. We were introduced to Geocaching which was great fun and a pastime we will surely try our hand at again. Tammy even found a shark's tooth at Fossil beach!

No we don't have a case of cabin fever, just good friends having a crazy good time!

Our Six Month Old Girl!

* 16 lbs and 25.5 inches
* Terrible sleeper both day and night
* Sits up briefly on her own
* Eating more of a variety of foods
* Delighted at the sound of her own voice
* Loves Roxy
* Knows how to get what she wants already

It really amazes me how close in age yet TOTALLY different my two kids can be!

Birthday Boy

My Dearest Nicolaus,

Today you turned two years old and I cannot believe you are such a big boy already. You are so smart and funny, determined and outgoing, sensitive and caring. You really enjoy trucks, Thomas the Train, balls, singing, dancing, and reading stories. You love to give hugs and to snuggle with a blanket. You find a way to melt my heart every day. Nicolaus you are my joy and I hope you always know I love you.

Love,
Mommy

* 30 lbs 1 oz and 34 inches

Playing Catch Up

Now with two kiddoes demanding ALL of our attention, John and I are finding it increasingly difficult to get our "to-do" lists accomplished. I fully intend to blog every day about all the wonderful things happening in the Pedersen family as our beautiful children grow and discover. Their big milestones are about all that I seem to be able to handle at the moment. So when I have a few moments I find myself playing catch up with my blogging.

In August we went to the Shenandoah County Fair and Nicolaus had his first ride on the carousel. Initially he was a bit nervous and held on to his Mommy tight, but after a few times around he loosened his death grip and enjoyed the ride on his "horsie." Next Summer I think he will be able to handle many more of the fair's amusements...though I am not sure I am happy about that!


A few weeks ago we visited Hill High Farm, a local pumpkin patch and apple orchard. It was a wonderful warm Fall day and Nicolaus really seemed to enjoy himself. Carleigh fell asleep in Mommy's arms for over an hour, but at this age I think that means she enjoyed herself too. Next year we will go for the hayride--at $6 a pop, we figure better to wait until at least Nicolaus might be able to remember it. John and I are both looking forward to pumpkin carving with him!

You Are 5 Months Baby Girl!

You are 5 months old today my sweet Carleigh. You:

* Weigh 15 lbs
* Still have no teeth (though sometimes it feels like it)
* Have the sweetest smile
* Laugh with silly giggles
* Adore your big brother
* Are starting to enjoy playing with toys
* Roll from back to tummy to back to tummy again
* Don't let Mommy sleep
* Eat cereal two times a day
* Are happiest when Mommy holds you

23 Months!

* 27 lbs
* 16 teeth
* Having fun with pretend play
* Loves to play peekaboo with his sister and giving her hugs and kisses
* Still loves all things truck and likes to build with blocks
* Recognizes when something is a letter or a number
* Likes singing songs with Mommy and playing tackle with Daddy
* His language skills have increased exponentially in the last few weeks
* Continues to be VERY outgoing, saying hi and bye to everyone he sees
* Enjoys going to church and Bible study

(Note: Nicolaus has had a haircut since this picture was taken)