Dear Blog...

Dear Blog:

My apologies to you, as I have been neglecting to update you. You see, this month (as every month), has kept me quite busy. Instead of having time to sit at the computer posting, we've been practicing with Gage on eating rice cereal, potty training with Zander, practicing the alphabet with McKenna so she can read all of her Princess books & of course, decorating for this beautiful holiday, which is almost over.

Let me take you back to the end of November, when I said I would update more later, then, well,... life got in the way. Gage went in for his 4 month check-up. His stats: 16lbs 10oz & almost 27" tall. Dr. said he was just perfect. (for a butter-ball)

The Dr. said that I should try giving him some rice cereal, since he is such a big boy. He wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but he now opens his mouth when he sees that spoon coming....and yes, he's grown even more.

Thanksgiving week was spent at my parents house, where I met my 7 month old A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E niece Sydnee for the first time.

It was so nice to get all of the grand-kids together.

McKenna & Jersie picked up where they left off over 1 year ago.

The girls had a blast dressing up like princesses, dancing ALL OVER the house (Jersie even showed me a couple new moves) & baking some yummy snacks.

I wish we still lived in AZ. Those 2 would be best buds. (even though they can fight like their married) Here's some pictures of the cousins in action.

Oooh how we miss them already!

I'll have to start planning an AZ get-away soon, especially if this snow continues! Aunt Tracy also gave McKenna her very first real much needed haircut.

Even though the picture shows otherwise, she really did love it.

Thank you for cutting & coloring my hair too Tracy!!

December, well, is much of a blur. I can't believe it's almost over!

Most of this month was a winter wonderland.

There was snow, snow & more snow! I think we've already had 3 snow days this month. The kids enjoyed sledding & trudging through the snow,...when it wasn't blistery cold outside. (like -10)

Our sun windows which always allowed the light to pour through, went covered in a thick dark snow.

I can totally see how people can get seasonal depression. UUGH!

The kids went swimming at Brecken's Birthday party!

Happy Birthday little man!

It was sooo much fun! Me seeing myself in a swimming suit....not so much fun. Time to lose this baby weight!!

The Bartel/Meyer grandkids also went to the mall to get their picture taken & swing by to say hi to Santa & the HUGE line that followed. McKenna didn't mind performing her version of Swan Lake for all of the last minute Christmas shoppers either.

I guess I assumed that if you work at a place where TONS of children get their picture taken, you would know how to take a freekin' good picture of multiple children. Not the case. After 2 hours of waiting, we settled for this.

Not bad, but not what I had in mind either.

I managed to get the Christmas tree up in time,....

But not the Christmas cards out on time! (If you know me, this is not a surprise.) So, for all of our friends & family out there that didn't get our Christmas card yet, here it is. Click on the picture to enlarge. (Kev & Tracy,..it's in the mail)

Santa came to visit the kids at the Bartel Christmas party! Zander was so freaked out at first. It wasn't until he saw that Santa had candy that he went remotely near the big jolly ol' man. By the end of the visit he was smooching Santa on the lips. It was so funny.

McKenna pretty much received all princess things, after all, it was her only request.

Zander delighted in all of his Spiderman toys & HUGE Monsters Inc stuffed animal, Sully. He's a Monsters Inc. addict. The MI DVD is played at least 2x a day at the Bartel household. (that & Nemo & Kung Fu Panda,...not to mention all of the Barbie DVD's on the other TV) Oh, & I can't forget the mega huge electric four wheeler he's trying to climb on & drive (in our family room) as I write this. Summer will be SO much fun riding that! (I would attach a pic but my camera died)

And Gage, well, what can I say....he's our 3rd child in 3 years, so he got a BOOK. Boring I know, but seriously, the kid doesn't need anything. He did get some cute toys & bedding from relatives. When he can enjoy it more next year, he'll get more. He didn't seem to mind.

Gagers has this new thing where he constantly needs to stick his tongue out. It's so darn cute I want to eat him up!

It also poses a problem when trying to feed him.

He now rolls over to his back from his tummy. He chews on anything & everything he can get his hands on to soothe his inflamed gums. I bet by next month he will have 2 bottom teeth. Despite the fact that Gage awakes 3-4 times throughout the night, he is still that happiest baby.

Zander goes potty on the toilet...well, almost. He's doing such a good job going to the bathroom & wearing his undies vs. a diaper. Sure, there's an accident or two a day, but he's trying.

Like I said,...almost. (at least he got it in the bathroom)

Yes, McKenna still dresses him up as a fellow princess now & then. (we're working on that)

McKenna is 16 yrs old already....or at least she acts like it. I cannot believe how fast my first born, only girl, is turning into a little woman. I posted before when I could barely see the baby in her, well, now I can barely see the toddler in her!! (wiping tears from my eyes)

Daddy & McKenna went on a date yesterday. (to a wedding)

Jason doesn't go back to work until January 5th!! I don't think I've been this excited in a long time!! It will be so nice to soak up some quality family time. He also deserves a rest from working so hard.

So you see blog, I've been much to busy to update you. Can you blane me? Now,...back to enjoying my life with my hubby & adorable kiddies.