So very thankful...

for these special people in my life...

Mom

Craig's parents: Arley & Diana

Craig & Holly

Sweet Will (I can't believe I didn't get a close-up of my dear nephew!!)

And of course these guys...

Eli put his hand out to touch Uncle Craig during the whole meal. He was pooped before the festivities even began!

Gage loved the company...and all the attention!

Poor Craig gets forgotten in the individual shots. But I am so thankful for my sweet, fun, loving hubby!

Without him, we wouldn't have the wonderful family that we do.

Craig was in a wedding on Saturday so we celebrated Thanksgiving with our family on Friday! It was such a nice, relaxing time. Unfortunately my dad went home on Wednesday so he missed out. After dinner the men and the babies took naps and the ladies plus Will played Spoons. We had such fun! I hope we can host again next year! I absolutely love it!

Happy 11 Months Old Sweet Eli!

Dear Eli,

You just turned 11 months sweet boy! And something major has happened in the past month...you started crawling!! One day you took a few scoots forward and the next you kept going and going! I am loving it! You are so happy to get where you want to be now. And so far you don't seem the least bit interested in the stairs so I don't have to worry about you! We'll hope that continues.

But I have been finding you up to some mischief...


And in some pretty cozy places too.


You have recently started taking an interest in books! Up until now you just wanted to flip the pages or chew on them. Over the past few weeks we have started a new naptime routine. After lunch we go up to your room and read books with you on my lap and Gage next to us in the double rocker. Your favorites are the books he liked at your age too! (Peek-a-Boo I Love You, Tell Me Why the Stars Do Shine, Where is Baby's Belly Button?)

You seem to be liking a lot more foods now! You will try almost anything we put in front of you: green beans, banana, bagel, spaghetti, pulled pork, half of a cake donut... (I never would have done this a year ago! :-)


I am soaking up every minute I get to feed you your bottle. I know that it won't be long and I won't get to do that anymore. We're already starting to add milk to help you get used to it. I'm just not ready to give up you being my baby yet. So will you please stop growing so fast?! And will you let me hold you forever? No matter how old you are, or big you get, my lap will always have room for you.

I love you sweet pea! And I will always be.
Mommy

Gage

I don't want to ever forget some of what Gage is up to lately so I thought I'd write a Gage update.

Last night Gage handed something to Craig and we couldn't quite hear what he said when he did. Craig looked closer at what he had handed him and then we could hear him plain as day this time..."Boogie"! Oh we laughed so hard. He has never done that before, so it really caught Craig off guard.

His latest fascination is sitting on the counter. He used to say, "I see! I see!" And now it's, "Sittin! Sittin!" He is so consumed with sitting on the counter and in the window, I have started to set the timer for 2 minutes per "sittin" now.


Another fascination is being outside. He can't get enough of it. After swinging and playing in the "dirt" (sand) we usually end up with Eli in the wagon and Gage running ahead of us on the sidewalk. He does so well stopping at the end and holding my hand as we cross the street. He loves to find dirt and acorns along the way. And sometimes he pulls a chunk of grass out of someone's yard and puts in the wagon before I can stop him. I hope the neighbors aren't watching!

Gage loves "tickles". Not the make-you-giggle kind, the soothing trail-your-hand-down-your-arm or head or leg or belly kind. He will ask for "tickles" quite often, especially at bedtime. This morning Craig found him in his crib with his jammies unzipped to his belly. Must have needed some tickles!

His favorite word/thing/toy is "truck". And this is how he says it: "truckkkkkkkk" It always brings a smile.

My Boys

Mr. Curious


and Mr. Cool

Our Family of Five

We have a new member in the Engelbrecht household...


My DAD!

He arrived on Saturday and will be staying with us while he recovers from back surgery. So if you are wondering why I haven't called you back or emailed, that's why. I have my hands a little full. But believe me, they are blessed hands!

Our Lil Punkins

Eek! I am so late in posting these, but better late than never!

I don't know who was more excited this year, the boys or me...I couldn't wait to dress up my little punkins into their costumes.


We were looking forward to walking around our neighborhood and talking to the neighbors we haven't met yet. Unfortunately many of them weren't home! (can't blame them when there are very few trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood) But we still had fun!

I love these pics with Daddy!

Just chillin'.

Gage walked all the way around our block but was ready for a ride in the wagon by the end.


We don't eat much candy at our house, but these two seemed to know they scored tonight!