Ella's New Moves

Here are a couple of videos of our sweetheart in action. (Please excuse Luke on the second video. I promise I tended to his needs as soon as the video was over!)Enjoy!

Potty Training!

This weekend we have been potty training!  Wow, what a lot of work!  Our little man is doing absolutely great, but here is an analogy that I think is true:

Potty training is a lot like giving birth: It is hard, it is a lot of work, but it is absolutely necessary to get the result you desire!

In all honesty, Luke is doing much better than I anticipated.  He got through his first day with only one minor pee accident.  Today, day 2, has been a little more challenging because I think the novelty has worn off.  We have decided to keep him in diapers at nighttime only, and just until he wakes up dry consistently.  Since he has never woken up dry in his life, I didn't think it was fair to expect him to all of a sudden and didn't want to discourage him.  He is hanging in there and we are keeping a positive attitude around here!  I don't want him to sense my frustrations with any of this and have setbacks. 

Part of me is sad that my baby boy is growing up.  It was hard for me to watch him go through some stress of having to learn a new skill and grow up.  He is very excited about going on the potty in general.  He was thrilled to talk to Nate, Sammy, and Andrew on the phone about potty training and make all the phone calls for his first poo!  He aslo LOVES his big boy underpants. (My dad thinks we shouldn't call it underpants, but underwear...sorry Dad!)  He got to pick them out at the store and chose Thomas and Cars underwear.  No surprises there. 

We'll keep ya'll posted of Luke's progress.  We're very proud of him so far, and I'm sure that won't ever change!  He is our super star. 

Christmas Pictures

A month later, and I am just now getting the Christmas pictures posted.  We had a fabulous Christmas with our family this year!  It was so much fun to establish new traditions and spend good quality time with both families.  We also got to see the kids' great grandparents around Christmas this year.  What a blessing!

My Grandpa Moschel, Mom, and the kiddos

Mom and Ella

Aunt Vanessa with Ella

Christmas Eve was at Doug and Sarah's house.  I can't believe how big the twins are!

Dylan and Ella: girl cousins.  They have to stick together! Dylan is so sweet with her.

Christmas Eve

Ahhh, a Phoenix tradition for sure.  The Yule Log on the television. 

Luke was so excited to open presents this year!

He's so big, and he brings so many smiles to our faces each day!

My babies Christmas morning.

Ella loved their new driving toy.

Christmas morning at my parents' house.  It is so hard to get a good picture of them right now.

She's not too sure about the camera flash.  Used to love it.  That's why she always had those

big smiles around 4-6 months of age.  Now she just looks confused and worried.

Wow!  A firetruck!

Nana & Grandpa spoiled the kids rotten this year!  So many cool toys!!!

Ahhh. Real women drink beer.  Ella loves beer bottles.  They must feel good on her gums!

The kids with Great Grandpa Lien.  It was so nice to see him!!

Happy New Year!

Hi everyone,

We hope your new year is off to a great start!  I need to post pictures from Christmas and our trip to Sierra Vista, among other fun updates of the kids.  I will try to post them by the weekend, so please stop back by in a few days and check them out!

Until then, happy new year!