Sunday, December 30, 2012

Christmas in Bearadise

My parents continued the tradition we began last year by renting us a cabin in the mountains for the holidays.  We just enjoyed the most relaxing 5 days in Estes Park!  And let me tell you, Mike and I really needed a little relaxation.  Our two babies, full time jobs and house transitioning have depleted us these last two months since I returned to work.  It was so great to get out of town and put the brakes on for a few days - our "batteries" needed recharging and there is nothing better than time with family in the mountains.  The first day we never got out of our pajamas (kids included!).
A few family pics on the stairwell.....

Uncle Tom and Lillian spent some time exchanging dance moves.  I'm pretty sure they each learned a thing or two...

Santa brought Lillian a Little People Farm to go with the Little People Dollhouse Mom and Dad gave her...


Getting ready to go sledding...
Lillian was happy to let us do most of the work.  Up the hill we go....
She caught on to the thrill right away, chanting "More" as soon as we reached the bottom of the hill.
We could not get her snowsuit off of her she loved it so much!
She played all evening in it...only removing it in time for dinner!
Jak got lots of good cuddle time this week.  He sure does like to snuggle up on your shoulder.
Uncle Ian made Lillian very happy sharing pictures of her cousins Holden & Everett.  We missed them!  We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning together before Kim and the kids took off to Pennsylvania.   Christmas morning we agreed to meet at the 9:30 AM mass.  Only we forgot to clarify which church we were going to meet at.  Mike and I assumed we were going to St. Anne's in Arvada near Ian and Kim's.  Mom, Dad, Ian and Kim assumed we were going to St. Dominic's where Mike and I got married.  Long story short...we learned a valuable lesson in quantity vs quality communication! 
Great picture of Opa holding Jak at Twin Owls restaurant.
Equally great picture of Gramma making Jak smile.
Since my parents flew back home to Indiana today, Lillian has asked for Opa multiple times.  I think she misses them already.  Good thing we'll see Gramma again in 2 weeks for Aunt Casey's baby shower!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Sunday, December 16, 2012

House For Sale

4465 Meade Street Denver CO 80211
Actually, I should say, house SOLD.  In 5 days.  We listed it on the MLS on 12/8 and had an offer on 12/12.  Then we got another offer.  Then they tried to outbid each other.  One of the potential buyers offered us ABOVE asking price.  Mike and I couldn't believe our luck.  We weighed our options and chose to sell to the 2nd buyer at full asking price, no closing costs and no concessions.





This house has been so good to me.  When the moving van pulls away at the end of January, my eyes will not be dry!  But I will leave it knowing it's going to bring good memories and joy to the next owner.  We met her this morning.  She's me - 8 years ago.  A single woman, 27 years old, who just relocated to Colorado a few years ago and is trying to convince her little sister to move out too!  She's delightful.  When she left Mike told her, "You don't know how happy you just made my wife.  She's so glad our house is going to continue to be loved."  I couldn't agree more.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Jak at 4 Months


Jak smiles at EVERYONE.  It never fails, as soon as a stranger, a friend or a relative gets a glimpse at Jak he smiles right at them.  He has this look in his eyes as if he's really, truly smiling right at you.  Every single person feels as if he likes them, no one else, just them.  Maybe he'll run for office someday...
Jak's latest favorite thing to do is watch TV.  Lillian still really doesn't care for television, but Jak will stare at the screen without blinking.  It mesmerizes him.  He likes to sit in the bumbo, lay under his activity gym and lay on his belly but his favorite position is to be propped up in the corner of the couch where he can check out the view all around him.  He talks and smiles the whole time.
We just took both kids to the doctor.  Jak's 4 month check up showed he weighs 13 pounds 1 ounce....3 times his birthweight!  He's growing like a champ.  Lillian's 18 month check up showed she weighs 25 pounds 1 ounce.  Only 12 pounds between them?  She still seems so much bigger but he's catching up. 
Lillian is talking up a storm.  The doctor asked me if she had at least 5-10 words yet.  I said I'm pretty sure she has about 50.  When I got home Mike and I started rattling off her favorites and she probably has over 50!  Off the top of my head - Momma, Dadda, Lily, Jak, brother, milk, bath, Hope, Droste, Kitty, Light, outside, shoes, story, monkey, cheese, up, down, playdough, chickens, swing, water, wash, blue, yellow, blankie, baby - are her favorites.  But the names we hear over and over are Lallow and Sue Sue.  Lallow is her friend Lola who lives next door and Sue Sue is her friend Frankie Sue from school.  Lillian talks to Lallow and Sue Sue all the time.  When she's playing by herself in the pantry or the kitchen cabinet, in the bathtub or with her doll house.  Lallow and Sue Sue are always with her.  It's so sweet...
Posted by Picasa

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Santa and his elves....

How many families can say this is a holiday tradition for them?  For the 6th straight year, Mike dressed as Santa at my work.  This year we had the whole Kerschen Clan join in the fun. 
Lillian charmed the "Grandma's and Grandpa's with her beautiful dress. (a hand-me-down from Layla!)

Uncle Ian brought Holden and Everett to join in the fun, and enjoy a breakfast buffet!  They were the entertainment!
As usual, Lillian didn't want to go in the house when we got home.  She sure has taken advantage of the warm fall we've had!


Monday, December 3, 2012