The Holiday Weekend

It is Sunday evening and we had a wonderful 5 days off together. We had wonderful time with family and friends and got a lot of "things" done. 

Thanksgiving was wonderful. We stuck to the Russell tradition of a movie in the morning (kids were at the Rasuls') and went back to the Rasul home for a delicious meal. Ryan loved being held all evening long (talk about the opposite of Haley) and he even had sweet potatoes for the first time in honor of the holiday. Sure, they weren't buttered and sugared, but plain sweet potatoes are good enough! 

Our house is now decorated for the holiday season. I remember the first time we decorated after Haley was born, we did it during her nap and she woke up to the surprise. Times have changed. We called her the Holiday Nazi. We woke up Friday morning and she was talking about how we need to get the tree and do all the decorations. We went to take a lunch break and Haley said "but there is more decorating to do!" She absolutely loved it and already knows what she is going to say to Santa. She loves seeing all the lights that are already up around town and in the neighborhood. I seriously could write a story a day about her. She just keeps saying the most entertaining things. We read a book and she said "that witch is mean and spiteful." After every fairy tale ending of "and they lived happily ever after" she will respond with "and then she went to college and got a good job." Josh and I have added that one for awhile.

Ryan has been "talking" up a storm. He has been turning the pages of his bedtime stories and, like his sister, LOVES being read and sung to. He is getting so big and gaining some chub, which we just squeeze all the time.

Yesterday I helped the Garcias a bit with their move to Aptos. Wonderful house literally up the street from the beach. We are bummed they won't be around the corner anymore, but excited to have a beach house to go to! :)

Things are good. Good things are happening for people we love, new babies, new homes, new jobs. I love this season so much. Bring out the Christmas music!

Only One More...I Promise!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/iy6WNECSG8CNLokNd6iJ

This one was funnier than the last one!

Happy Holidays!

This is too funny! Thanks Giorgettis! http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/0PCfI8aOi3kUAm9MhrGy

Different

We keep getting asked how Ryan and Haley are different. In same ways they are very alike (loving the outdoors) and in other ways so different (water in the face). The BIGGEST difference has been their schedule. Ok, they are alike in the way that they slept through the night at an early age (thank you kids!) and are consistent with bedtimes. They both had a bath, had a story and a song, and fell asleep on their own. The days are SO different. With Haley she had a set schedule with naps during the day. It was consistent and predictable with no crying involved. it made it easy to make plans because it was so set! Ryan is not the same story during the day. If he happens to fall asleep in the morning, then it may mean a series of 3 small naps during the day. If he doesn't fall asleep, then it could mean having to put him down for a nap which does involve tears. Also, if he falls asleep in the car sometimes he does transfer right into his crib and other times he wakes up. I am not good at the "cry it out" but I've done it and after 10-15 he is out cold. It is hard for me to have the inconsistency because Haley made it so easy. Right when you think you may have something figured out, the next kid throws you off! :)
Ryan loves to be held and Haley always had to face out (she still doesn't really cuddle). Ryan loves the water and Haley tolerated it (though never in her face).
And both babies LOVED to eat!
I love having another soul and personality in our family.

5 Months

We honestly cannot believe that Ryan is 5 months old today. He is getting so big so fast! Right now he is "talking" a ton, sitting up in the Bumbo and getting more steady on his own. He is putting his weight on his legs as he stands and batting at toys while he is on his back. He gives no warning signs of being upset or hungry. One second he is laughing and literally the next second he is screaming. He likes to be held and LOVES being outside. He loves playing with Haley and finds her hilarious. He so enjoys being in the bath and splashing around. He also gets a kick out of being misted with a spray bottle. 5 months...can't believe it.

Halloween Quote of the Year

"Lollipops are good for your tummy. They make your tummy happy."- Haley Rose Russell

Happy Halloween!

We had a very fun Halloween! What a difference a year makes. Last year the girls were shy and hesitant to approach doors and this year they were sprinting from house to house exclaiming, "we got candy!!!!" They even walked through a haunted house. It was so fun to watch. Ryan dressed up but was home with his grandparents by bedtime. He was a good sport (pardon the pun) about wearing his costume. The Garcias hosted another fun Halloween night!