November

 ^^ We started the month off with a post-Halloween candy experiment! We used our Skittles for math, art, science, handwriting, reading and teamwork. The kids loved it! ^^

 ^^ I'm not sure at what age it's no longer appropriate to post pictures of your children in their underwear on the internet... But this is my Ezra. 100% Unbrushed, crazy, long hair with nothing on but her undies. Always. And I love it! I couldn't pick just one to share - this is just so Ezra! ^^ 

 ^^ Nana and Papa hung around for a couple more days after Judah's birthday and after lots of bubbles, games, books and snuggles, we took Nana to Funderland! The kids rode horses, Ezra was brave enough to ride the Dragon Rollercoaster again and even Judah went on a ride solo! ^^

 ^^ Easy like a Sunday morning... I think is how the saying goes! This is what all mornings look like around here! And I wouldn't have it any other way! ^^

 ^^ Daddy left for work and we left snotty nosed Judah at home with Nana and Papa and headed off to church! I can't believe how tall Uriah is getting...! Or the attitude Ezra is getting ;) ^^

 ^^ And then they left... And their goodbyes are always the hardest. Gosh we sure love them lots! ^^

 ^^ Nothing makes me feel more like supermom (other than flying solo!) than being complimented in Costco. Ha! "I have watched you all through the store and look how sweet and helpful your kids are being and how well behaved! They are absolutely beautiful! You're doing a good job, momma" ^^

 ^^ Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Throwback to college days, anyone?! Judah had his one year check up and the other too braved flu shots (well... one of them braved a flu shot and the other had to be held down by mom...) I have three BIG KIDS! ^^

 ^^ Another morning, another morning walk! Ezra opted for the stroller this time, and Uriah his scooter, which meant we could walk faster and farther. We have found a little free library in our neighborhood and were adding a couple unused books to it's shelves ^^

 ^^ A Friday Side by Side park date and these three stayed long past nap time playing in that tunnel together! ^^

 ^^ November was the terrible Camp Fire in Paradise, just north of us. While we were profusely thanking God for our safety, we were still struck with a lot of smoke. For two straight weeks the air quality was "unhealthy", for a few days it was "hazardous". We couldn't go outside and eventually, not even in the car - Judah was already sick and the smoke had him coughing like crazy. It was sad and scary and gross and had us all going stir crazy. Before it really settled in the valley, though, we were able to drive through it up to Auburn for a beautiful Saturday morning hike. It was a long one for Ezra but she did the whole thing with no complaints! It was an ideal morning in my book! On our way down the hill, back toward the city of Auburn, we stopped at winery. It was after noon, it was ok to drink wine, right?! Ha! We called to make sure we could bring the kids inside and prepped them on good behavior while waiting for mommy and daddy to have a little date ;) Things were going great until Ezra broke a wine glass... Oops! Maybe wine tasting with kids isn't a good idea! Still glad we did it, though. The wine was terrible but Stephen and I aren't very spontaneous (maybe now we know why...?! Haha!) and it was fun to just go for it! ^^

 ^^ That same Saturday evening we celebrated an early Friendsgiving at the Wishy house with other members of RSA. We crammed a lot of people and a lot of good food in that house! It was a fun evening with new friends and I sure am grateful for them and their families! ^^

^^ Twinning with my littlest boyfriend at church! Oh I could EAT HIM! ^^

 ^^ The Sunday before Thanksgiving we had a big Thanksgiving potluck at church. Pastor Daniel was officially called in as a second Pastor and many new members were sworn in - there was a lot to celebrate! These cuties (and their baby siblings!) sure enjoyed themselves! ^^

 ^^ This has nothing to do with our month, exactly, because he is in Pocatello and not here with me like I wish...! But OH MY GOODNESS how could I not share!? I love you Ozzy Howard! ^^

 ^^ The smoke cleared just in time for Thanksgiving Day! We were finally able to go outside and, after four years, were finally able to celebrate the holiday with dad! We went on a morning walk, spent the early afternoon playing Legos and reading books and had an early dinner with friends from church at their house - authentic Mexican! It was delicious! ^^

^^ On Friday, we drove to Palo Alto and spent the night in Nicki's empty house. We celebrated Friday Pizza Movie Night with friends, had a wonderful morning walking the neighborhood together as a family, and spent the rest of our Saturday celebrating Thanksgiving at Ally's house (Nicki came back into town!) Uriah, unfortunately, got sick from the swing and was out for a bit of the night, but other than that, I think it was a pretty ideal weekend :) ^^

^^ Shennanigans around home. Sleeping babies, morning walks, backyard play and big brothers being sweet. ^^

month twelve

Size: 23 pounds and 31 inches! Judah is wearing size 5 diapers and both 6-12 and 12-18 month clothes. He is quickly growing out of his size 4 shoes, too! Big foot ;) 

Eat: Judah nurses when he wakes up in the morning, when he wakes up from both his naps and before he goes down for the night. He eats at least 3 meals a day and usually 1-2 snacks. Homeboy is always hungry! If mom is in the kitchen, he needs to be eating! If anyone else is eating, he needs to be eating! If he is in his highchair, he better be eating! Ha! Hungry, hungry hippo! 

Teeth: 8 teeth + 2 molars. He is constantly drooling and has been putting things in his mouth recently (something he always has been good about not doing) which makes me think his top molars will be here soon! 

Sleep: Judah sleeps through the night and is the best, best snuggle buddy! I love sleepy Judah, always wanting to cuddle with his blankey, be held and read to. He goes down for bed between 6:30-7. He typically wakes to nurse between 6-6:30 and then lays back down until the big kids get up between 7-7:30. He takes a morning nap around 8:30, though this one is always getting messed with due to errands, playdates, Bible study... He's flexible, thank goodness! He takes his second nap after lunch around 1:00. 

Milestones: Gosh, what isn't this kid doing?! Walking, climbing, talking, signing... He can say 'momma', 'dada' and 'nana', but recently everything is just 'dada' ;) He signs "all done", "more" and "thank you", as well as his own sign for "where did it go" and "hold me". He waves, claps, gives high fives, kisses and "loves". He understands so much of what we say and ask of him - I'm always impressed! And a little saddened... He's growing up! He will show you 1 on his fingers when you ask him how old he is and raise his hands in the air when you ask him how big he is. He will sit and flip through the pages of a book, babbling as if he's reading it! I love that :) 

Likes: Judah loves playing with Uriah and Ezra! He lights up when daddy comes home and is his best little buddy. He loves peek-a-boo and chase, being read to (his favorite is Little Blue Truck!), digging through Legos, wrecking Magna Tile creations and playing in the bath. He loves putting things in and out of boxes and bags, music (he's got some cute dance moves!) and being outside. He loves birds, trees and airplanes and will run to the window to look for them if you ask him where they are. He loves the dishwasher, toy cars, riding Uriah's scooter and playing with his soccer ball. He loves his blankey and snuggles "him" whenever he's sleepy. Judah is just the sweetest - 9 times out of 10 content and happy! 

Dislikes: The kid doesn't like waiting for food! He doesn't love getting dressed or getting his diaper changed, either, but he can usually be distracted with a book in his hands. 

Things I want to remember: Oh I want to remember it all... My baby at one...! I want to remember the way he signs "more", using his finger and palm, and the way he signs "thanks you" from his temple instead of his chin. I want to remember his soft, soft, fuzzy blonde hair, the curls at the nape of his neck and behind his ears, and the way it feels on my cheek as he snuggles up on my shoulder. I want to remember his gap toothed smile and his deep belly laugh when he's being tickled. I want to remember how he points at everything and his squeaky sounds he tries to communicate with us with. I want to remember his perfect soft skin, his tall frame and his drooly kisses. I want to remember his sweet blue eyes and his prominent chin and the way he scrunches his nose and breathes heavily at Stephen when he's eating. I want to remember how he waves at me while he's nursing and insists on taking blankey out of his crib with him. 

It has been such a joyous year with you, Judah. Thanks for making it easy on us ;) We love you so!