Christmas 2014 - The Year of the Train

If I could use one word to describe Christmas 2014 it would be Trains. 
Max has been obsessed with everything Thomas the Train. 
I even found Train Christmas PJ's. 

It was magical.  The boys were really excited to open gifts.  Max though asked "Where Emily?" at the end of opening all the gifts.  Emily didn't make it until December 30th. Max knows the names of ALL the trains, and can easily list them off.  His favorites are James and Emily (of course!)

Will had the flu and bronchitis the whole time, so our usual McGuire Christmas Eve didn't happen this year.  I still want to get our McGuire Christmas Picture. 

Dexter of course loved the boxes.  He would open the gifts and then put them back in the box and dump them out.  He is in the dump out and put away stage of toddler-hood. 

Dexter was very happy with his new stack of books.  He has already had us read them a few dozen times.  I am glad to have a new story or two for our collection of favorites. 

 Max refused to put on pants the whole day.  So during the Winter Storm we went to visit Uncle Matthew in a PJ top, a diaper, and boots.  Perfect.  Parents of the year!

Merry Christmas 2014

Christmas Visit from Poppi

My Dad came out for three days over Christmas.  He arrived late on the 26th and stayed until the 29th.  We had so much fun.  Max was so excited to see "Poppi" and kept asking for him over and over.  And the reunion of Poppi and Max was the sweetest.  Max ran right up to my dad and gave him hugs.  He knows his visits are special and short, and I am so lucky that my Dad can come out to visit!  I am also very grateful for Facetime.  It has really helped Max and Dexter stay in contact with my Dad. 

 We went to Provo Beach Resort and played games.  Then visited the toy store and bought candy. 

 Framing this one ^^^

 We built so many train tracks with Poppi. 

 We went to the Discovery Museum in Salt Lake.  The boys loved it. 

 

The coolest thing was the outdoor helicopter.  Dexter loved all the buttons.  It was donated by Primary Children's Hospital. 

Then came the snow.  Oh boy did we have a lot of snow.  The boys loved it.  It was also my Dad's first time visiting Utah in the Winter.  He was really excited about all the snow. 

Thanks for a GREAT visit Poppi.  We sure love having you here in Utah. 

Mr. Curious

Dexter is so curious. 
He loves life. 
He loves being right in the thick of things. 
He especially loves to be right next to Daddy when he works. 

The Hero Sleeps

Our Link must get some sleep every once in a while. 

Dexter has been an awful sleeper since day one.  When he was born the nurses were amazed at how alert and awake he was.  He hardly slept.  Fast forward 17 months and he still doesn't sleep well.  He slept through the night for the first time last week, and I woke up about 6 times making sure he is still alive and well.  Why does that happen?

He wakes up about 2 times every night, hungry and worried Mom isn't there.  I always am, but just to make sure to touches my face, rubs my belly, and gives me wet kisses.  He then touches Will's back, and finally falls back asleep. 

He will get better, he already has.  He has been through a lot in his little life, and a few extra snuggles at night don't bother me.  And no, we don't do cry-it-out, I can't.  I won't.  I will just be patient.  He will sleep.  He already is better. 

Our little Dexter is just so loveable. 

Santa Called

On Sunday night Max and Dexter got a call from Santa.  A surprise call for all. 
Max wanted nothing to do with the call.
Dexter was a little worried. 
I am a true believer in Santa so I think I get the award for being most excited.  I mean really, Santa called our house?

Thank you Santa. 
We hope you call back again next year. 
I think we will be less shocked. 

(And to be fair, this Santa had a funny Jersey Accent)

Running Link

If you have the chance to dress your kid in a Link Outfit, you should do it. 
Dexter is pretty much adorable. 

Dexter's 15 month check up

Even though he is almost 16 months, he went for his 15 month check up. 
At 12 months he was in the 1% for weight and 7% for height.  My little guy. 
But in three months he has gained 3 pounds, and grew 3 inches.  WOW!! 
And he is still nursing a ton, and doesn't look like he has any interest in stopping. 
All wonderful and happy things. 

Dexter is 23 pounds (50%)
And is 31.5 inches (30%)

Still a little guy, but a happy and chubby little guy.