Kiki found an awesome pint-sized babysitter while we were in Arizona

She carried him around like a doll, bathed him, built legos with him, and read him stories. He loved it.

We wish we lived closer to Cassidy! It was so fun to have someone watch that kid, and enjoy it too.

Rykie Roosie

Ryker is 5 months old!

19 lbs, 4 oz, 26 cm (percentiles 95, 75)

He is a big, happy boy full of smiles and hugs. He still doesn't sleep that great (8-5:30, too early for me!), he is teething big time, and he fits snugly into 6-12m clothes. He loves gnawing on his fingers, talking to us, pursing his lips and trying to blow bubbles. He loves to nap, eat, and play trains with his brother.

Change

I'm not one to wax all sentimental usually, but a lot has been happening here, reminding me of how the days are passing by and my babies are becoming boys.

Yesterday I packed up Kiki's 18-24m clothes along with RJC's 3-6 months. It was overdue but it was hard to part with some of our favorite items, especially the Baby's knowing it'll probably be

a long while before another baby wears it (or maybe never if we have all girls from here on out). On the bright side we got to open up the 6-12 month box and take in the baby Kiki smell. Love it. Also, all of K's 2T clothes are brand. spanking. new! (There's nothing like pulling off a tag from clothes for weeks at a time. {I know, I have an addiction.})

with his 2nd cousin, two weeks older, and his great-aunt

(she's super old)

Well, I've put the clothes in the drawers, and accepted this fact: Ryker is almost 6 months, sitting up, smiling, jabbering, and becoming our snuggle-bug, less newborn and more baby day by day. Kiki is kicking the diaper habit, and hooked to the adrenaline rush from our incessant proud praises. (warning, upcoming "mom moment") He talks non-stop, making us laugh with the phrases he comes up with. He is spunky and super cute.

Some days I think I have the best job in the whole world.

Yultide Musings

We traveled far and wide seeking the best Christmas ever... Until we reached Grandma Pat's house, nestled in the ever-festive desert mountains of Phoenix.

We ate ourselves sick on rich foods in festive locales

We reacquainted ourselves with long-lost relatives

..and introduced older generations to the newer ones

all the while making off with some seriously awesome free swag in our likewise awesome seasonal get-ups

When we entered the gates of our apartment complex, Nicholas cried and said, "No go home! Go back to Grandma Pat's house!"

I feel the same way, Nicholas.