Grandma Porter's 50th!

took four people to light the candles


concerned by the number of candles, thought the cake was in danger and he really wanted a piece


slightly blinded by the light



Alex got to blow out one of the candles himself, good practice for next month!

Snow is More Fun Indoors

Making Art for Daddy's Office

Baby Phibbs: 25 weeks

Wow, my tummy looks a whole lot bigger in person than in this photo. Pregnancy with with baby Phibbs #2 has been a bit of a bumpy road. We went for our eighth ultrasound Monday and he is healthy in all ways and proving to follow his brother's ways of being a big baby. He is currently in the 77th percentile for weight, but still just one pound, fourteen ounces. I have been on "bed rest" for the past five weeks and Monday the doctor recommended another five weeks. I am able to move about the house and really just need to rest with my feet up for four to five hours a day, but remain quiet for the remainder. I should be staying in the house except for perhaps a ten minute ride in the car once or twice a week. I have been coping pretty well with the conditions. But have found the hardest thing of all of this is to be constantly asking for help. I think all my family members, especially Kris have the worst end of the deal in this situation. But, I am sure time will come in the future for me to repay them with my help. These are the types of situations that make us stronger and teach us so many lessons on a variety of levels. But, either way, I will be very happy to be able to drive, exercise, go the grocery store, clean my house as long as I would like, escape out of the house on my own, go back to work, make my own food, etc. For now I am sitting tight and waiting it out. Everyday is a blessing!

How I Love to Hug the Kitties!

This was just too funny last night, I just had to have Kris grab the camera. Alex went on the couch to read stories as our usual nightly routine and the cats were sitting on the arm as Lily typically does, but Tessie was there too. They just tolerated it as Alex delightfully hugged both of them. He always asks to hug them but not in the typical way as his expressive language skills are not that developed yet. Instead he points to the kitty, smacks the spot right in front of him, and hugs himself as he rotates his trunk. His gesturing has got quiet expressive lately, but the words are coming too.

Happy 24th Aunt Margaret!

Margaret came over last night to share some of her cake with us, since mommy still can't take any car trips. Like all of his aunts, Alex thinks Margaret is great!


Painting Margaret's birthday card. Yes, we do our painting before we put our clothes on. First time we used the paints that Aunt Theresa got him for Christmas. He now has every standard color, but seems to prefer the hot colors, especially orange.

Bring in the Snow

Well since mommy can't go outside to play in the snow we brought the snow inside! I think this activity brings more smiles than going outside anyway. It kept Alex busy for nearly an hour.

Pictures by Alex

The following pictures (and over 300 others) were all taken by Alex on Christmas morning with his new camera he received from Grandma and Grandpa Ericson. It was a great idea. Alex was always stealing our camera or phones to take pictures. Somehow he knows how to turn on the camera function on most phones and begins snapping away. As you can see he has pretty good aim and loves to see the pictures he takes on the screen. I posted a video at the bottom so you could see firsthand the enjoyment of the camera.

Almost Two, but Still Just as Cute

So the Cats Don't Feel Left Out...

Lily's favorite Christmas time sleeping spot, why I don't know


Tessie in Alex's tent with all his animals that camp out there, just blending in