Daddy's Christmas Present to Mommy and Me

Tim spent the week before Christmas installing a new floor in our kitchen. He did most of the work himself, but one cannot discount my role as 'Quality Control,' or Evelyn's as 'Quality Control, Jr.' Actually, Evelyn tried to work alongside Daddy as a laborer on many occasions.

When Evelyn wasn't 'helping' Daddy, she was eating the pieces!

We had a minor setback - the flooring was too close to the door. But, fear not, it was nothing that a grinder and some swimming goggles couldn't take care of. (We got Daddy real safety goggles for Christmas!)

A very happy Daddy pounding in the final piece

Project complete! Daddy did such a good job that Mommy now wants him to do the Master bedroom...

Seven Months Old

The look on her face tells all. Evie has had a rough week. Her top teeth are about to break through(we hope so, anyway), and Evie has been experiencing all the yucky symptoms that accompany teething. It's looking like she's going to get her two front teeth for Christmas!

She played with(aka: ate) her nativity scene while we decorated the tree.

Can you tell she's a Daddy's Girl?!

Mommy sneaks some Tiger gear on her whenever she can!

Evelyn's first Thanksgiving

Evelyn celebrated her first Thanksgiving in Wisconsin, with all of Tim's family. She LOVED the attention she received from everyone, especially these kiddos pictured below:

Elijah, Addison, and Zechariah were so sweet with Evie. They may be getting older(all too quickly, might I add), but they make it a point to spend a lot of time with the little ones. I am thankful she has such good role models in her life!

Sweet Annamarie

We thank you, O Lord, for the gift of Evelyn!

The girls

Uncle Mark playing with Evie...

while Superhero Sam takes on all the bad guys!

Evelyn loved seeing everyone in the morning!

Good thing Aunt Sara has big muscles!!

We experienced some unseasonably warm temps in Wisconsin(it doesn't happen often, so we had to be outside as much as we could). Ethan wanted to play football with the big boys. It won't be long until he's running plays!

Grandpa and his three littlest turkies!

Grandma made these matching ponchos for Evelyn and Annamarie. Unfortunately, we couldn't get both girls to look at the camera at the same time. Thank you, Grandma!

We are so thankful for you, our family and friends! Most of all, we give thanks to God for His indescribable gift!

A Trip to Morehead, KY (way back in early November...)

So, I'm a little behind on my blogging. It feels like we just took this trip, but it has actually been well over a month ago now. Regardless, it was a great weekend trip! Evelyn and Annamarie kept us entertained. They are starting to interact a little more, and it was very fun to watch.

Evelyn's personal escort!

Wildcat fan by day, Husker fan by night

Gearing up for the big game against Oklahoma!

That Uncle Chris sure is a lot of fun!

"Hey Annamarie, think our Huskers have a chance against OU tonight?"
"Hope we do better than last year, Evie. It must have been pretty ugly. I was in mommy's belly, but I could still hear our daddies yelling!"

Evelyn's First Halloween

A very excited little Strawberry. She wasn't on a sugar-high . . . as far as we know!

She was so thrilled with the wrapper; wait until she's old enough to discover what's in there!

"Trick-or-treat, let me sleep"

Six Months Old

Evelyn is now six months and one week old! She weighed in at 15# 15oz. and 26 in. at her appointment. As we watch her roll all around and listen to her coos, squeals and giggles, we marvel at how much she has changed in these six short months.

My procrastination in writing this post has actually paid off. . . Had I written this on her six month birthday, I would not have been able to report two milestones she has since reached. The first, although minor, is very exciting for Mommy and Daddy: Evelyn will now eat her rice cereal. This morning marked the first time she finished more than a couple bites. She actually opened her mouth in anticipation of the next bite. Tomorrow may be a different story, but there was much celebrating this morning. Now if we can get her to take a bottle or sippy cup. . . Second milestone: Evelyn's sweet smile will now showcase two bottom teeth that have broken through! I was feeling her gums yesterday, when lo and behold, I felt something down there. I was very surprised, and of course, excited, about the discovery.

Evelyn with friend Claire

Too sweet

Turns out her favorite toys are plastic cups and bowls - great for the budget!

Forget the rice cereal, I WANT THAT BRATWURST!

Evie and friend Robby at playgroup

I just couldn't resist getting a picture of that cute little bottom

A Fall trip to St. Charles

We recently took a trip to St. Charles to see my family and attend an annual bonfire/hayride. Very cold temps kept us from spending much time at the bonfire, but Evie was able to briefly meet some relatives on my Mom's side of the family. The trip was short, but very enjoyable!

Evelyn and Madeline getting reacquainted.

We were thankful for the opportunity to see both Emma and Taylor play volleyball while we were home. Here's Emma showing us her good form.

Evie and Taylor

Evie having a good time with Great-Grandpa at the bonfire

Great-Aunt Nancy helping to keep Evie warm

Madi went and sat right next to Uncle Tim, unprompted. So sweet.

Evie and Grandma

Evie and Aunt Jessica