we love to read...

Oh, Say Can You Say?

How much we love to read each day?

We'll read in a box or with a fox.

Oh! The Thinks You Can Think when we read a book

we open it ip to take a closer look.

I Can Read with My Eyes Shut (or I could If I Ran the Zoo),

If I Ran the Circus I would read there, too!

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? to have books to read?

We can do it fast or slow or any old speed!

We can pretend There's a Wocket in My Pocket or to eat Green Eggs and Ham,

How lucky are we, Sam I am?

I love reading, I want you to know -

Reading with mommy or daddy, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

keeping it real...

My beautiful sister-in-law has added several KIR moments to her blog, so I am following suit.

KIR: I am tired and sick and sick and tired of being sick. How is anyone supposed to take care of a little lovie when sick and oh-so-tired? Okay, so that sounds like pure complaining, but it is the truth.

Also, if I hadn't extended my maternity leave, I would be going back to work THIS Thursday. Just the thought is frightening, no?

surprise visit...

Dear Jaimee, Jilian,

Joslyn, Jenica,

Uncle Stuart,

and Aunt Maren,

Thank you for letting me come to Missouri with my mommy to SURPRISE you! All the singing, playing, snuggling, and fighting over me resulted in one happy baby. I love you and miss you already.

Love, Zoey

6 months and counting...

To my 6-month old baby,

I smile when you say, "da-da-da," when I hear you cooing in your crib, and when I see you do something new.

I get tearful when you cry, when we have to leave loved-ones, and when I think about you growing up too fast.

I love your chubby legs, arms, and cheeks, your bright eyes, and your squeal of delight.

You smile when daddy comes home, when you use my hands to pull yourself up to stand, and when someone else smiles at you.

You get tearful when you get shots, when you are tired, and sometimes when mommy leaves the room.

You love toys, music, and when mommy "dances" for you.

Thank you for continuing to make our lives complete.

(These beautiful photographs were taken by Christie H.)

froggies...

In some countries frog legs are a delicacy.

Here in the Olson home, we prefer the frog's head.

first snow...

Daddy let me "help" him de-ice the driveway and sidewalks today after our first little snowfall and it was so much fun (for me)!

pre-crawl something or other...

This bum up in the air just makes us laugh.

welcome, baby Holmes...

Maya Dalene Holmes

Congratulations, Rob & Melissa! We love you so much!

If you had known that...

I would insist on color-coding and labeling everything,

I would be cranky on a weekly (or daily) basis,

our hanging clothes must face the same direction,

there is a correct way to fold laundry,

I am a horrible cook,

I don't like to grocery shop alone,

it would take us 6 years to have a baby,

my sisters' phone calls could interrupt anything (yes, even that),

would you still have married me?

Happy 8th anniversary, my love.

2009

Here's to your New Year being filled with lots of lovin'...