HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Wow! What a first holiday season C & D had! From a Chanukah gift filled evening at Mimi & Grandpa's, to an early Christmas dinner at Uncle Andy & Aunt Leah's house with lots of delicious homemade Italian food, and then a trip to Austin TX for a WHOLE lot of Christmas lovin'!

LET THE SLIDESHOW BEGIN . . .


** The Whole Gang Christmas 2009 **


** Nonna laughing at Carson, Carson laughing at Carson **


** Carson and Teddy bonding **


** Dean helping Bruce get fed **


**Dean could not take his eyes off of T-Pop's hat, so T-Pop bought him his own and Dean did not mind for 1 second having a baseball hat on! Such a big boy! **


** We love our Nonna & T-Pop!! **


** Santa found them in Austin! **


** A Dean Sandwich **


** That's one good looking family **


** Christmas was so special as Carson and Dean met their Uncle Anthony & Aunt Courtney! They always love seeing their Aunt Whitney. For some reason this year, Carson would just look at her and start laughing!! **


** Carson entertained us at Mimi & Grandpa's house with loads of belly laughs **


** Playing with Mimi **


** Hanging with family at Uncle Andy & Aunt Leah's. They loved their SuperStar present from them (for more pictures on this evening check out Leah's blog: allthingsconsideredmargulies.blogspot.com) **

Other fun notes: They received their 1st pair of Cowboy and Cowgirl boots for Christmas from Aunt Whitney, and some hand-painted art of Dr. Seuss to go in their bathroom from Aunt Courtney! Nonna & T-Pop took them to the park and on the swing sets and babysat several times so Mommy & Daddy could hang with the big kids. We loved seeing Gran, the Rogers clan, and all of the Steiner crew! Overall, a great Christmas!!

Our 1st Chanukah

Instead of eight nights of presents, Carson and Dean got 3. We figured Mimi & Grandpa could do the rest of the spoiling. We got them new Sleep Sacks (Carson looks like she just won the lottery), mittens, and an alphabet puzzle foam mat that takes up their entire playroom floor. Like last year, Meurice enjoyed his dradle cookie! Here are all of the children enjoying their gifts.

Santa Babies

Carson & Dean meet Santa Claus! Carson thought hard about what she wanted to tell Santa. She rattled off her list for him, while Dean did not take his eyes off of Me and Daddy!

We've been busy . . .

Last Thursday Eric left for AZ, for a work trip - - - and came back Sunday evening. 4 full days with the babies by myself, what was I going to do? I knew the days would be crazy, but after they go to bed at 7pm, I figured I'd get laundry done, maybe a Oprah tivo or two, and some holiday decorating. Well, that all changed, and we were busy!!!!

Thursday: My cousin Ronnie, whom I haven't seen since my brother's wedding last October was in Raleigh for business. He stopped by that evening for dinner / wine and had a chance to peek in on the little ones sleeping. It was great to see him and was glad he was able to visit and "see" the babies. I hope his work brings him back to Raleigh more often!

Friday: Mimi came over that evening to help with bath and bedtime. I also recruited Eric's cousin Alisha to come over too and help us decorate the Christmas Tree. (My Jewish family members are such troopers, aren't they?!!!) After dinner and chatting we finally got around to the Christmas Tree around 9:30 pm. Thanks for your help ladies!

Saturday: Our good friend Lillian drove up from Charlotte. The second she got here, I ditched her and the kids and ran to the grocery, and ran back to squeeze in a quick shower. We made dinner, watched a movie, and I put Lillian to work with the kids. She helped with feedings and bath time. Thanks Lillian!

Sunday: After Lillian drove off, I took C & D downtown to pick up Ashley & Noah (our college friends from Chicago) who were in town visiting for a wedding. They came home, ate brunch with us, and hung with the kids (and Meurice) and witnessed the chaos that occurs with a mom home alone with two 8 month old babies and a dog. (I hope they still intend on having kids in the future! :)

Moral of the story - - we had great visitors while Daddy was gone, but because Mommy was such a crazy lunatic by herself, she did not take one picture with ANY of these people and Carson and Dean!!!!! Figures, right? I do have a picture of Alisha & Mimi with the Christmas Tree.

*please note, you are not viewing the Christmas tree incorrectly. It is indeed blocking our closet door. After inheriting the necessary equipment that comes with children -- exersaucers and swings - - we are lucky the Christmas Tree isn't sitting on our kitchen table!!!

December 5th - - WE ARE 8 MONTHS OLD

Holiday Road

Friday morning after Thanksgiving we headed to HOTlanta to visit close family friends. We left at 5:30 am and were there by 1:30 pm. There was very little traffic, so that was nice. Carson and Dean did great in the car, at one point I did climb in back and spoon feed them carrots and bananas to help pass the time. I have to admit I was quite proud of myself for that one. We love you Negrin, Rosenthal, Strongin, Galanti, Calabro, Hamlen, and Bear families!!!! Thank you for loving on our babies for the weekend. We can't wait to see you all up in Raleigh SOOOONNNN PLEASEEEEE!!!


** Carson, Mere, & Elmo **



** I put my hands up they're playing my song the butterflies fly away . . . . . . PARTY IN THE USA ** (believe it)



** Our Modern Family **



** Dean & Lil **

Gobble Gobble Goo & Gobble Gobble Giggle

Thanksgiving 2009!

Carson and Dean enjoyed spending a few hours with family over Thanksgiving. They had fun visiting with everyone and playing with their cousins. They even decided to nap during lunch to give us a few minutes to eat. Very nice of them! They enjoyed their first Thanksgiving and look forward to when they can dig on in!

Highlight of the day . . . . Carson topping off the afternoon by pooping in her pretty party dress. Lovely.

Eric & I couldn't be more thankful for our beautiful family. Carson and Dean, we love you!