Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Meeting Santa Claus

We took Clayton and Chloe to meet Santa Claus at South Coast Plaza on Sunday with clearly too high of expectations. They were all dressed up in their beautiful Christmas outfits, looking absolutely adorable. The line was ridiculously long on the main mall side, so we headed over to Crystal Court where the line was just a few minutes. I thought Clayton would do okay, but was most concerned about little Chloe. I was wrong! Clayton immediately cried and ran to me. I think Chloe would have at least lasted for one picture if she didn't see her brother bolt! The pictures pretty much explain it all. We did have fun riding the Santa Express train and even more fun dancing in the mall to the live Christmas music.











Fall Wonderful!

I love Halloween because that means my favorite two holidays are on their way...Thanksgiving and Christmas! This Thanksgiving was even more special with the addition of Jett James Aurelio to our family. Kyle and Lindsay welcomed their little bundle of joy on November 11th. Thanksgiving morning started with a yummy breakfast at our house with Ryan's parents and grandma. We then headed to the park for some fun. They definitely enjoyed watching their two grandchildren climb, slide, swing, and kick the soccer ball. After Clayton and Chloe's nap we headed over to my parents house for a quiet evening with Kyle, Lindsay, and Jett. Dinner was delicious and the fresh apple pie made by my mom even better. We had a busy, yet fulfilling day with the people we love. The next day we went to Ryan's parents house for Thanksgiving with his family. Clayton and Chloe had so much fun playing with their cousins Braxten and Emery. Dinner was great as usual and the special time with family even better. It was a perfect kick off to my most favorite time of year, which is so much more special now with my little munchkins.

Clayton and Chloe are busier than ever. Their words are abundant and they are both starting to say couple word sentences. Clayton's favorite line is still "what's this" and like twins would do, Chloe's favorite line is "what's this" too! They both LOVE the park and get so excited when we say we are going to the park. We go most every day...it never gets old. We work daily on the alphabet (I guess it's the teacher in me!). After they have breakfast we spend a few minutes while they are still in their high chairs with the ABC flashcards. Clayton can identify A-D. We added E & F this week, so I imagine he'll have them down within a few days. Clayton can repeat all of the letters, but has the most trouble with A. It's crazy too because it's his strongest letter. He spots A's everywhere, but totally struggles with saying it. Chloe isn't quite there with her letter identification, but gets a little closer each day to recognizing A-D. Chloe's way has always been to act like she can't do or say and then all of a sudden she just does it. Clay is obsessed with balls...soccer, basket, and baseballs. He has a fantastic kick (kicks with his left foot) and his throw was complimented by another dad at My Gym. Looks like he's following in Daddy's footsteps. Chloe just loves saying "a ball" every time she sees a ball! She is still a total lover who loves to give kisses and bear hugs. She loves her Dada so much and lights up the second she sees him. Clayton is a sweet lover too. My favorite are his surprise kisses and hugs, which he does often. He loves Dada too, but loves it even more when he comes home from work in the morning because he knows he gets to "drive" his car. Clayton greets Ryan at the door nodding his head. We don't quite know where that comes from! Both babes have mastered the art of saying "mom" and realizing that when they do, I answer and meet their every wish, need, and command. They think it's so funny to say "mom" and see my quick response. Oh my...here we go!

Ryan and I are both so excited to share this Christmas with our perfect miracles. Every day is a blessing we are so grateful for. There are definitely challenging moments, but the good definitely outweigh the bad. We are both nervous, yet excited for our third peanut to join us. The little one is growing beautifully and already is such a trooper. I am 23 weeks along and feel huge already! The baby moves and kicks all of the time, which I think is the most amazing feeling ever and am so grateful I have the opportunity to experience it.

Here's some pictures from our month...

Chloe loves playing dress up...I imagine Santa might be spoiling her with some jewels!


Thanksgiving Day at Papa Jim and Nonnie's house.






Sweet baby Jett James Aurelio.


Thanksgiving at Papa Louie and Grammies.