The Vanderpools

Ava's Birthday--January 12, 2009

2009-01-23T11:05:00.003-05:00

Easy Online Video Editing and Video Sharing

Picasa Web Album

2009-01-05T15:44:00.005-05:00

I am in the process of uploading all of our pictures to picasa web album, I will be removing the videos, because they take up a lot of space, and be uploading them to my channel on youtube. I hope that isn't too confusing, but I only have 1GB of space, and am already maxed out without adding a year's worth of pictures in, so hopefully this will work, I may just have to take the older pictures offline in a few months also, so if you want copies of them, order soon. The link to the album is embedded in the Title of this post. Once I have the videos uploaded, I will be adding the youtube channel link on the links at the top of our blog page.

I will also be polling you on how long you would like me to keep the older pictures from 2006 and earlier up, then will just have 2007 to present up, until I max out space again. So if you want to be heard on the pictures, vote!

Thanks and enjoy!

Chelsea

Ava is Turning 2!!!

2009-01-05T09:31:00.003-05:00

Ava is turning 2, and her birthday is a week from today! I cannot believe it! I still remember when Caleb was just born, and now it's 3 and 1/2 years later. It goes by way too quick. We're going to celebrate her birthday the Saturday after her birthday though with friends and family. Any ideas on what type of games 2 year olds would enjoy at our home, that easy and cheap and/or free? Just post a comment if you know of any. I was thinking of getting a cheap long white tablecloth, the paper kind though that the kids could draw on. That's about all I have so far. Thanks for any suggestions. It will only be about 4 or 5 kids that are 2. Something that's good for lots of adults being there too?

Our First Real Vacation since we became parents...

2009-01-04T22:25:00.001-05:00

Is coming up in February. We'll be staying for one week, we wanted to stay longer, but not really possible with Caleb's preschool and Ricky and I being in school. We are going to visit my Grandma Turner, she has never met our kids yet. They live in Las Vegas, and they've never flown before. So just keep us in prayers for safe, as peaceful as it can be travel. We are excited to visit her, and lots of other family will hopefully come visit us there, since we're a lot closer then when we're in NC. We aren't planning to do a lot of driving once there, other than maybe one day just to go see Hoover Dam as a family, something Ricky wants us to do, and it sounds fun. Needless to say we are really excited.

Turner Family Visit 2008

2008-12-15T11:23:00.004-05:00

Well my three younger sisters came to visit us last weekend, Dec. 5-7th and it was so much fun. Caleb and Ava loved all the attention on them, more than just I can give them. And I loved having a break for a weekend, wow they helped so much, other than poopy diapers, but that's okay, Ricky helps do that :) Saturday morning we all went to Ricky's basketball game that he coached, which turned out better than I would have expected with the kids. Then that afternoon Ricky stayed home with the kids for their naps and I went out with Jocelyn, Brianna and Richelle and saw a matinee. We saw "Twilight." Okay movie for me, not a favorite, but my sisters loved it so much, this was their second time seeing it. I don't see movies in theatres much anymore. Then that night we went to see Christmas lights and had so much fun. I'll post a few photos but you can see all of them on my Facebook account. Caleb loved it so much because we rode on a little train to see the lights!

Mom and Dad then came on Sunday and met us at church, and they all came to church with us. Afterwards, Ricky made us all Spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. It was a lot of fun!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2008-12-15T10:43:00.004-05:00

It was actually very fun this year decorating the Christmas tree because Caleb could help and enjoyed it so much. Ava didn't now how to hang them up yet, but does know how to take them off. But she does love looking at the tree and the lights on the tree. Here's a few pictures, if you'd like to see more you can go here.

Santa Pictures

2008-12-15T10:28:00.003-05:00

Our trip to go see Santa Claus and waiting in line. I'll upload the picture of them with Santa when I find a scanner and upload it, hopefully that will be soon, but not sure.

Wow, it's been a long time....

2008-12-15T08:14:00.006-05:00

Okay, so it has been a long time. But this was my first semester back to school since 2003, so it's a lot to get used to, along with being a Mother now. I just finished my last final Sat. evening and thought I'd try to update you on our family.

So what we've been up to by each indivdual:

Ricky--Has been hard at work with IBM and Strayer. He also is the Basketball coach now for the highschool boys youth from our church. He is loving it, but it does take a lot of time. I think he likes it a lot though. He also has been amazing with the chores around the house ever since our 5th anniversary which was Nov. 7th. Hard to believe it's already been 5 years. I am amazed with how he finds time to help me as much as he does now at home. Going to school part-time, and work and daddy full-time, and now a basketball coach now too. He is defnitely keeping busy.

Chelsea--Just finished my first semester back to school at the college near our house. I'm working towards my Medical Billing and Coding certificate, and if all goes well should receive it after Summer '09 semester. Then hopefully plan to continue for my 2 year degree and finish in 2010, we'll see how that goes. I have been trying to potty train Caleb, which was working okay for awhile, but now he's starting to fight even trying, so that's a struggle in itself. Ava was going for about a month too, but she decided to stop. In a way I'm glad, because it's hard to potty train both of them at the same time. I also have been struggling on new recipes to make for Caleb with his allergies, I found a new recipe book, and so far he's eaten a little of one of three recipes I've made for him. Now I'm getting caught up during my break on the blog, and finishing up some things for Christmas.

Caleb--Has been going to our church Preschool, which was hard for me at first, but I know it is really good for him. And he has an amazing teacher, that he loves, and now talks about his friends all the time now. He loves his trains and cars still and don't know if he'll ever stop, but it is cute. He has progressed so much from when he first started school in August. He will read letters to us, and is right about 90% of the time. He thinks capital i's are l's, but he is just amazing his Mom and Dad. He understands Christmas this year, which will be fun. He will be in a Christmas play this coming week for preschool, which is exciting. I can understand him so much better and he is learning so many new things from going to school. So many things I wouldn't be able to teach him at home with chores, school and Ava.

Ava--Has been saying sentences consistently now. I think we know for sure now that she favors Daddy over Mommy, but that's a good thing I guess. She has grown so much this year, and her hair is getting a lot longer and curlier. She loves getting tickled and playing with "Caweb" (how she pronounces Caleb's name).

Both Ava and Caleb saw Santa Claus this year, and they loved it. Before I even got Caleb on Santa's lap he looked at Santa, smiled and said CARS. We got pictures because they asked we didn't take our own pictures. As soon as we find somewhere to scan it, I'll upload it.

We also just had my 3 younger sisters visit for the weekend and then my Mom and Dad came Sunday and they loved the attention, and I enjoyed all the help, it felt like a break for me. It was wonderful!

I think that's about it in a nutshell with what's been going on since my last post!

Pictures if you want to see here

Vanderpools Visit before Ricky's trip to Tiwan

2008-06-27T11:41:00.004-04:00

These were some pictures we took with Ricky's parents and his sister, Stephanie when they came to visit. They came over about a week before Ricky left so Ricky and I could go to a hotel in the area for the night, get some quality time, just the two of us. I take getting out with Ricky without the children as a valuable time, as to now, we don't have that too often anymore, where we're actually getting to go to a movie or take a walk in the park. I love my kids, but I'm with them normally every day all day long. And let's just say it, they don't talk much yet, and that can get to you mentally when you're watching them all day long. I already understand Caleb so much better than 3 months ago though, it's amazing! Ava's vocabulary is already up to about 30 words and she tries to show me what she wants a lot by pointing or making motions with her hands. So it's def. getting better, but sometimes I just need some adult conversation. So, I'm just trying to say thank you Mom and Dad Vanderpool for coming and watching them so we could get our adult time together, Ricky and I.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-17T02:10:00.004-04:00

We celebrated Father's Day a little early before Ricky left for Tiwan. We got him a motorcycle cover for his new used motorcycle. He was worried about Caleb putting rocks in the muffler while he was gone and various other reasons, but that was the main one. We still are giving him his card and some paintings Caleb and Ava painted for him when he gets back, I will add those later on.

Talking to Grandma Vanderpool

2008-06-17T00:44:00.004-04:00

So, this is a really cute video of the kids when talking to Grandma Vanderpool. I think they really like the way she talks, you'll just have to watch the video. And this is also the first time, believe it or not, we actually got the first time of Ava calling her "Mamama"---not a fake "first" for video. So it's really sweet. Also, notice how Ava has a bowl and spoon. Well, this is her favorite thing to play with when we're in the playroom. She goes to the little play kitchen and pretends to mix the food and then feeds it to one of her stuffed animals, or to me. Caleb also is a little obsessed with the camera in this one at first.
Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Caleb

2008-06-17T00:38:00.004-04:00

We love you Caleb!!! Happy 3rd birthday! You are a sweet boy! Love Mom, Dad and Ava!
Sorry I didn't get to actually post on his actual birthday, which was June 15, but we are really not celebrating it until Ricky gets home. So I'll post again with pictures of his gifts. He got a card from his great grandma and grandpa Potter, a card from Great Grandma Turner and a car and play camera from Grandma Vanderpool. We love him so much.
He and Ava have recently gotten excited about painting with paintbrushes now, as I went and got some basic paint with paintbrushes for them to paint a picture for Daddy. Well now, Caleb has been painting every day since. It's so cute. Ava too! I'll make another post with some pictures and possibly video, I'll see if it will let me upload tonight.

Caleb and Ava Updates

2008-06-13T22:13:00.007-04:00

Here are some recent cute pictures of Caleb and Ava. Caleb has a new little golf set that you can see off to the side. But he always goes back to playing with cars, notice how he has one car in each hand. Updates on the kids, how they are handling Daddy being gone, now only half way through the trip. Ava will kiss Daddy's picture on the computer screen, and seems to punish me for him being gone by not giving me any hugs or kisses since he's been gone. Caleb seems fine till bed time when he asks where Daddy is and when he is coming home. Now if only I knew what to say to comfort them, all I say is we'll see him soon, when we go to see planes, we'll get to go see Daddy.
Updates on Ava's words:
Wow, her words have just sky rocketed in the last 2 weeks. Her words include: (of course, Mommy and Daddy)-- then there is: ready, duckie, cookie, puppy, bubble, balloon (she doesn't say kiss yet but she def. knows what it is, hugs too for that matter). She also says mamama differently if she's talking to grandma, which is neat to me. Caleb didn't seem to get so well with his words till after he turned 2, I guess he was more into observing everything and staring at wheels turn, figuring how stuff moves.
By the way, the golf game thing, we got from Target for $2.50, what a deal?
We were supposed to go visit grandparents this weekend, but didn't make it, as Caleb woke up sick this morning, he still has a slight fever, so we're going to stay home just to be on the safe side I think. We celebrated Father's Day before Ricky left, knowing he wouldn't be home for it. Ironically, Father's Day and Caleb's birthday are on the exact same day this year. Caleb will be 3 on Sunday, hard to believe it's been that long, I still remember being in the hospital with him. What a sweet personality that has come through him in the past 3 years, a very sweet, loving boy who loves hugs and kisses, and occassionally will cuddle, usually only when he falls though or is sick.
I'll try to upload a few new videos, for some reason blogger won't let me upload them right now. Have a great weekend, and to all the fathers, Happy Fathers Day! We love you and all you do for your family! Here's a cute video for Father's Day:

More updates...

2008-06-08T14:45:00.004-04:00

Caleb is finally coming out of his shyness I think. His Sunday School teacher said he sang in class today, how great! When I sing the "My God is So Big" song, he talks in a silly face and tells me to stop singing, like he's embarrassed, as I guess I would be to, as I defnitely am no good at singing. But he finally sang the song during music today, I'm so grateful he loves church as much as he does. When we go to church every week, when we pull into the parking lot he says, we're at the big house, I think it's so cute that he says that. And when we say prayers, he'll mumble what you say and then say Amen about 3 or 4 times before the prayer is actually over, but I think he is starting to understand more and more every day now, it's amazing to me.
On another side note from that, he talks about Jesus to me sometimes too, but I still don't understand everything he says, but hope to soon, and then I'll update you on what He is saying about him. But it so awesome how he is happy when I ask him are you ready to go to church, and he is so excited, and runs to the front door. Ava, of course, is still too young to understand any of it. But updates on her:
She now is a pro at walking for the most part. Yesterday she said a new word: Duckie. Which, of course, she said in the bath while holding her favorite bath toy, Duckie. It's amazing to me how clear her words are the very first time she says them. Almost as she doesn't say them out loud until she knows they are right. She is a sweetheart, and I love how her and Caleb are great playmates now, Caleb shares with her, it's just a joy to watch them play each day, as hard as they can be, is such a blessing to have two loving children who just genuinely love each other and their familiy.

Couponing

2008-06-08T06:55:00.005-04:00

As most of you know, I spend a lot of my time couponing to save our family significant amounts of money, especially with how the food prices went up again about a month or 2 ago, mainly because of gas prices I think. Well, we have saved over $1,000 dollars since January 2008 so far, in coupons alone! So they are definitely worth the time, although I feel couponing is a job, it can be rewarding when you check out with $100 worth of groceries for about $25, sometimes less. I decided to write about this, just so you know if you would like to check out the couponing world, some great resources that have helped me are:
Faye Prosser
Faye wrote a book on couponing, came up with a great way to organize your coupons in a binder so you aren't searching through a pile of coupons in the store

Susan Spencer
If you end up joining or trying out Susan's list, let her know you found out about her from Chelsea Vanderpool :)

Savvydollar
If you decide to join, let Dan know you found about the site from me, my screen name there is chelseav :)

I also make my grocery shopping lists online at http://www.lowesfoodstogo.com/
This helps tremendously, as you can print out your list, but in my case, I take my laotop to save on paper printing, and it has each item in order of the store, including what aisle or section it is to be found, it cuts my time in the store in half. Or I can also do this at Harris Teeter if I go there, but I mainly shop Lowes Foods because of green points.
And one thing many people don't know about couponing, you can use a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon. This many times can make the item 50% or more off the retail value. I always buy with all 3 of these:
1.Store sale, 2. coupon, 3. double coupon
Unless it's something we need every week, regardless if it's on sale or not, like silk milk for Caleb, for example. I could go on and on about couponing though, but if you are interested in more info. post a comment to this post with your email address, or email me if you know my email.
Some other great websites to check out:
Hot Coupon World
If it does ask, say you heard about them from chelseav

HCW CVS store newsletter
Say you were referred by me again, chelseav, this is great! I only get things that will roll Extra Care bucks, mainly only FREE, that's right free, after ECB's, sometimes you make a little for buying it if you have a coupon.

HTH someone!
Sorry so long!

Ricky is going to Tiwan

2008-06-05T15:10:00.003-04:00

So, Ricky is really going to Tiwan for work in 2 days, I think I may go crazy, as he usually will watch the kids just for me to run errands alone, helps keep me sane. Luckily he's okay if I need to pay for a babysitter to keep my sanity, I'm glad of that, as I might. I do love Caleb and Ava very much, but sometimes I need my alone time to get ready for the next day with them. I'm just trying to figure out how to keep busy for the next two weeks. Anyone have ideas for indoor activities with a 17 month old and almost 3 year old in the area? I would love to know. I already tried indoor jumping houses, and they cried when I put them on it, even Caleb. I know I can do story time at the library and take them shopping, but anything else? Ideas please. I love taking them to the park, but they are calling for it to be in the 90's for the next week I think, so that may not work. I'm too scared to take them swimming without help, as it will be just me helping two kids who can't swim to get in the pool. I'm thinking of going to get a little plastic pool for the front yard too, and maybe break out Caleb's birthday present early, a sand/water table. Lol. Well just pray for me to get through the next two weeks, and I am thankful for babysitters! Hopefully I'll be getting some new pictures onto the computer soon, so I can post more cute pictures and video of them. Until then... hope you have a great rest of the week!

So, went grocery shopping with the kids....

2008-06-03T15:26:00.004-04:00

and it went great! I took them last week too, they are finally both old enough where I can take them out more often, I forgot how sane it feels, to be able to get out of the house for a few hours each day consistently, even with them, and they take better, longer naps after we come home, which is a great plus. So we went grocery shopping, I'll have to take a picture next time I take them, it is adorable. We usually shop at Lowes Foods, anyone who knows my shopping habits, because they have greenpoints and double coupons every day! I saved over 50% today, so it's a great deal! Well, they have these special carts for kids to ride in, and you can fit 2 in there, and they have little steering wheels, I was scared of them being right beside each other, they might fight, but they don't, they love it. I thought last week was just a fluke, but they were just as good this week too. And then, the store gives them each a free balloon after we check out, and even always offer to help you put your groceries in the car, what great service from a grocery store, I love it so much better than before coupons when we went to Wal-Mart, where I have never received such great, friendly customer service. Sorry, this started as a post about just the kids finally loving to go places, and turned into a rave about Lowes Foods, but it is nice to actually enjoy one of my weekly chores finally. When I get a picture next time, I'll add it to this post, so you can see. It really is cute. Eventually, we do have to break out the juice cups and snacks, but it is a nicer day for me when we can all go somewhere for a few hours.

So, a neat product to use if you have kids, or anyone who packs lunches

2008-06-03T15:08:00.004-04:00

So, if you click on the title of this post, it will link you to a picture and more detailed info of the wrap-n-mat. Well, I'm posting as this will give me a second chance to win one of these, but they look like a great idea, to cut down on wasted disposable baggies for packed lunches, which is a great idea, but from the website, seems you could use it for most any type of food that will fit in it as well, if you wish. What a great idea! Well if you have time, check out the link by clicking the title of this blog! Or you can click here.

Bath Time

2008-05-29T16:16:00.004-04:00

Well here's Caleb after Ricky washed his hair, can you tell Ricky likes playing with the kids as much as they enjoy spending time with Dad. He's such a great Dad.
"Anyone can be a father, but it takes a strong, loving man to be a a Dad!"--not really sure where I heard that quote, but I'm just letting you know I heard it from someone else. This was after Ava got out, they usually take their baths together, quicker and less energy wasted for the parent(s) giving the bath. He loves taking his bath now, as he used to hate them. He always shows me his wrinkly hands afterwards, I love how he notices every little thing.
I took them both to the park this morning, and he showed me that he could see the moon in the sky and asked why it was out in the day. Well technically I couldn't answer it, I just said I guess it's a really clear day, as there were no clouds in the sky today and no humidity, which is weird for NC to begin with. But they had lots of fun swinging, Caleb would not go down the slides though, I think it was because there were kids playing that he didn't know and he was being shy. But that's another story. Well here is a video below of Caleb during his bath.

Bubbles with Daddy

2008-05-27T14:33:00.007-04:00

Okay, so you know how I told you Caleb like bubbles, well he only likes them for about one minute, so here's the video, hope you like it.

Caleb on his potty

2008-05-25T01:36:00.007-04:00

Okay, so Caleb is on his potty in this picture, just after he finished his bath, I thought it was cute that he wrapped the towel around him so he wouldn't be cold. He actually goes potty on occasion, but I don't think he's ready to try every day just yet, he's close, but just not ready for it yet. Needless to say, I love this picture of him with the cute cheesy smile.

Some cute pictures of the kids

2008-05-25T01:25:00.005-04:00

So I thought these were some cute up to date pictures of Caleb and Ava, aren't they precious? Ava looks just like I did when I was a baby, the chubby cheeks, the being short problem, poor girl---lol, but she makes it look cute, she just has darker hair than I did.

So, here's Ava with her finger in her mouth, she's such a sweet girl. She's her daddy's little girl. We love her so much. Don't you love her cute crazy naturally curly hair, she got that hair from her mommy. I love those big cute eyes, she is really a sweet baby. She gives hugs and kisses now, it's really sweet-she even make the "mwah" sound when she gives you a kiss, and she loves giving kisses to her baby dolls.

I love this great smile of Ava, she is really photogenic, unlike me--that's okay though, I'm working on it with my gym membership.
Notice Caleb's sucker, we make him sit on the couch to eat it though, so he hates that, but I like not worrying that a sucker will go down his throat. I love his crazy eyes, it's like the sugar is working instantly from his treat.
Don't you love how he has a car in each hand. He loves his cars! He has Cars shoes on too, even though you can't really tell. We love him, he's turning into such a big boy already.

Caleb finally wanted to ride his bike again

2008-05-24T23:03:00.008-04:00

It took him awhile to want to ride, as he gets frustrated, it's hard for him to push it himself and he is very independent! Needless to say, we were thrilled that he finally rode his bike again. It wasn't for very long, but it's still cute to watch.

Ava's birthday back in January

2008-05-23T13:57:00.007-04:00

These posts are sometimes in no particular order, as a few things I never posted when I should have. But I found a few adorable pictures of Ava for her 1st Birthday which was on 1/12/08, we had both my parents and Ricky's parents there as well as my sisters, Brianna and Richelle and Ricky's sister, Stephanie. It was a lot of fun!

O, and the video, watch out, it is really shaky and Ava's tummy doesn't take too well to the cake. We found out later though it was just because so much was going on, not because she's allergic to anything, so it's fine.

Enjoy!

Ava's really late 15 month check-up...

2008-05-23T13:48:00.003-04:00

I say this because Ava is now 17 months old, and she just went in yesterday for her 15 month check up, she had to get two shots, but she was pretty tough. Get this, she's a whopping 19.4 lbs., lol and 26.75" in length. This was on 5/22/08. Well, as I remember, me and my sisters were all small babies, so I guess her and Caleb both take to my side in being a small babies. My older sister, I think was 14 lbs. at one year old, and I was 19 lbs.. The doctor says she's healthy though, and that's all that matters. As long as she's eating enough and hitting all her milestones, which she is. So we're happy!! The doctor said she's just a little bit on the petite side. I think she falls in the 5% range for both her height and weight, but we still love her!!!

Easter 2008

2008-05-22T12:06:00.009-04:00

Caleb and Ava had a great Easter, and learned the true meaning of Easter, why it's celebrated, not sure if they really paid attention, but we read the Easter Story.
Then, of curse, the Easter Bunny still brought them a few gifts: Caleb got a remote control car, a Cars book, some Car Shoes and jellly beans. Both Ava and Caleb got a little stuffed animals that shakes when you pull the string. Ava didn't get candy, as she can't eat that yet. She got a cute little bugs toy, that helps her to learn her colors, numbers and shapes and loves it.

Some Easter videos:

Checking In...It's been awhile

2008-05-22T11:02:00.008-04:00

Well, I have been keeping really busy with Caleb and Ava, and busy with coupons to make our money stretch with our groceries, and that takes up a lot of time. Caleb will be having his 3rd birthday next month, but we're waiting until the last week in June since Daddy will be on a business trip during his actual birthday. It's hard to believe he is already almost 3! I can still vividly remember his birth, first time parents, scared and happy all at the same time. We're planning to go to Grandma and Grandpa Turner's house to stay with them while Daddy is away for work. Caleb will be starting preschool in August also, that is hard to believe. He loves his sister right now. Oh, and he is now always talking about car washes, pointing to airplanes in the sky, and talking in real sentences. It seems he's been doing that consistently, meaning at least 2-3 times a day now for about 3 or 4 months. It is great to finally understand him about 90% of the time. He is so smart! We also have been taking him and Ava outside a lot and blowing bubbles with the big bubble wands from Grandma and Grandpa Turner, and they love it. He also loves his baths now, because of all his bath toys. It is such a great blessing to have the joy and experiences of being a Mom, and Caleb is so sweet now. He always asks for kisses and hugs when he first gets up and when he knows someone is leaving. He loves his grandparents, and on occasion will start talking about them. He loves when we get to visit. He's such a happy little boy, who still enjoys cars, trucks, anything with wheels. He loves Curious George a lot now too! It's adorable! He's going to have a Curious George birthday party. I just have to figure out how to plan out his party.
Now Ava: She finally started walking without furniture or any support about 3 weeks ago, and she's already a pro, mainly because she's been walking since 12 months, she walked alongside furntiure for about 5 months before she finally built enough confidence to try coming to me. I have to admit though, she did want to just me, I had some teddy grahams and her juice cups, but it is so cute how she walks now. She had her 15 month check-up today, even though she's 17 months, oops. Better late than never. Well she's still on the petite side, the 5th percentile in both weight and heighth. She is 19.5 lbs. and 26.75" long. Well we love her, no matter how big or small she is. Her personality has been coming out so well since about 12 months, and she just is such a joy to be around. Caleb and her play so well together now, they used to fight a lot, mainly Caleb taking any toy she grabbed away and saying "Mine!", but he recently started sharing with her saying "Here sister." He loves her now, and they are such great play mates, they pretty much entertain each other. We're still debating whether or not to try a vacation this year to either the beach or mountains, maybe, we'll see. Well I'll include some pictures. O, Caleb poses for pictures now instead of screaming and crying. He will actually turn around as soon as he sees you have the camera and say "Cheese!" It's so cute.

January 2008

2008-02-11T11:35:00.001-05:00

Well, we had a great 2007, a new baby, Caleb turned 2, and both of them had a wonderful Christmas. Caleb got a train table, a new train and lots of cars and clothes. Ava got a ton of clothes, a glowworm, some baby dolls, and lots more from friends and family as well. They are growing so fast. We just celebrated Ava's 1st birthday on January 12th, all her grandparents and Aunt Richelle, Brianna and Stephanie came to see her. She got another babydoll, some clothes and, another babydoll from the Turners, and a dinosaur from the Vanderpools. It was a lot of fun. We had cake for her, one Caleb could eat too, of course neither of them wanted any. January has been a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. Ava finally stopped nursing, only because the doctors told me to stop so she would start drinking from a sippy cup, as she has yet to start doing and it's been over 2 weeks, she will eat popsicles and drink from a regular cup though. She is starting to eat table food now too. Caleb loves his cars, trucks and trains, and is starting to notice every little thing. We had a great New Year's celebration at home with lots of snack foods and sparkling white grape juice and watching the ball drop on TV. Will try to post again at the end of February with more updates about everyone.