December 19, 2005

Hello All, We hope this update finds you happy and healthy in this holiday season. We are excited to have a new nephew/cousin in our family. Jen and Steven now have a 2nd son. Connor was born on December 12th and is VERY cute. We are looking forward to a great Christmas with all the kids together at my parents' house. As for our family's health and happiness- it's been touch-and-go this season. Liam, Brack and I are all getting over a sinus infection. We also had to say goodbye to a very young member of our extended family. My cousin Kurt's daughter Molly was born 11 days after Aida. She suddenly stopped breathing on Dec. 8th and passed away on Dec 10. So far, all indications point to SIDS. It has been extremely hard on our family because of the similar ages of our children and beacuse we have been close with Kurt and his wife Jessica. If it does turn out to be SIDS, Brack and I will be taking donations to sponsor a SIDS Network website in Molly's rememberance. Needless to say, since this tragedy, Aida has barely left our sight. She is back sleeping in the bassinett in our room and we tend to wake her when she is sleeping to see if she is okay. Despite her lack of sustained restfull sleep, Aida had her 4-month check-up today, and she is doing very well. She's a petite little thing at 12.4 pounds( 18th percentile), and 23.5 inches (20th percentile). However, she is very strong. She rolled over for the first time the other night and she has good balance when we sit her up or when we help her practice standing. The doc thinks she is ready to start on some solid foods- rice cereal. She is such a joy in our lives and is a very happy baby- smiling, laughing, and cooing a lot. Liam is doing more every day. More words, more sentences, more consistently using the "potty." He still loves his trains and really likes to play the matching card game Concentration. He has a pretty good memory. He is also helping us more. He picks out his plate and siverware and cleans up after every meal by putting his dishes in the sink. He likes to help sweep. He will get a diaper for Aida when we need and throw the old ones away. He's such a big boy-and a big helper. We are very proud of him. Brack and I are both just trodding along doing what needs to be done. Our "to do" list always seems the same length. As we finish one thing, another is added. We really enjoyed taking Liam to see Santa this year. Both Liam and Aida did well and love Santa. I don't know if Liam knows that Santa is his grandpa, but he is very comfortable with him nonetheless. Here are a couple of pictures: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!