We Love Chest

The other day Nicolas and I were playing a rousing game of chess whilst Alisa looked on collecting the killed pieces. Alisa calls it "chest." I don't know why I was playing chess with a 6 year old--quality time? Or more likely . . . that's about my chess level. He is catching on to how each piece moves and how to look ahead a few moves. He instinctively plays very defensively by building up barriers around the king and protecting each piece. He's not very proactive about killing . . . there has got to be some sort of psychological cues to him in that. I don't now . . . self preservation, I guess.

Anyway to get on with the story, as Alisa collected our pieces she would line them up or set them up in formation for parties or whatever and they would talk to each other (typical girl--turns chess pieces into dolls.) Later, I heard her say that they were at church (I'm sure you can see what's coming) but I wasn't really paying attention. Soon though, I looked over and she had all the pieces on one side of the piano bench in a group while one piece was on the other side facing the group. It was a church congregation. It just so happened that the piece that was facing the rest was, of course, THE BISHOP. She must have been listening to us pretty carefully to figure out which piece was the bishop. Very perceptive.

Housework, Staples, and $9.00 Fleece Pants

Last week was Thanksgiving and I did no, absolutely no, housework. I'm paying for it this week . . . had that panicky feeling yesterday when I realized there was no place in the house where I could sit down without utter chaos. Nothing a little floor scrubbing won't fix.

Also, the cold is coming. I thought it had already got here until I checked the weather report last night. Fourteen degrees. Are you kidding me? I went and bought some $9.00 fleece pants for running. I told Diego this morning that it is one of the best $9.00 I've spent. Adidas vinyl just doesn't cut it.

Speaking of spending . . . I feel like it's an avalanche right now. Sorry Diego, I really am trying to reign it in. Holidays and growing kids aren't a good staple.

Speaking of staples . . . Alisa had staples in her head last week. A heavy pot fell off the counter and landed on her head. It split right open. The staples look like real staples. Imagine that. I'm too lazy to download the picture but here are some other pictures.

I've Got Crazy Hair

Washing the Blankie Requires Constant Supervision

Is He Really Painting Wood Chips?

Mom Forgot to Wash My Cute Little Face

Waiting for Mom to Get Ready for Church

Beautiful People

I know I am completely biased but I think that my family is beautiful. Here are some pictures that we had done by my friend Amber--Emoticon Photography. We have some more traditional shots too but I love these leaves shots. You get only kid pictures today. Sorry.

Update on Jackson

The Pincer Grasp


Musical Protege


(I tried to capture the movement in his arms.)

First Day of School Pictures

Kindergarten

Preschool

Playing with Dad

Six Months Old

My baby has reached the half year mark and I have to say that I am already missing his babyhood. He seems like a kid already--no more cuddly little ball. Grabbing, sitting, crying, eating, and lots and lots of toys are the name of the game for six month olds.

Ten Things I never want to forget about Jackson:

1. He'll lay on my bed with his arms around my neck and gaze into my eyes.

2. He thinks Alisa is hilarious.

3. He smiles, and smiles, and smiles.

4. He hasn't disliked any food yet. (Even that rice cereal which Alisa tried and almost threw-up)

5. When he falls asleep in my arms, I have the strongest urge to kiss his angelic face. . . but I don't because I know it will wake him up.

6. How easily he falls asleep (except when he's sick or teething or constipated or overtired or in a strange place.)

7. Sometimes, especially when he is asleep in my arms, I just don't want to put him down even though I know I should. Let me cradle him just a bit longer.

8. He gets really excited when Dad comes home from work.

9. He gets constant love from his brother and sister.

10. He loves his mama!