Happy Healthy Holden

We recently returned from a 1 hour evaluation of Holden and we're thrilled to report that he is a happy, healthy 6-month old with no developmental delays. The evaluators just loved him and continually commented on his good nature, eye contact, and practically constant smile. What joy he has brought into our home. Another comment both evaluators made and I have noticed of late - his hair has some red in it.

Fall to Winter

The leaves are all raked up and flurries are expected this week. At the risk of sounding cliche, it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas around here! Our tree is up and the neighborhood is fully decked out.

We've immensely enjoyed our 4-day Thanksgiving weekend. Thanksgiving Day was relaxing and delicious. Many hands make light work, which is why we were a able to enjoy a bike ride to the park on Turkey Day. Kjell made the turkey and gravy, I did the grocery shopping and set the table. Together we made the stuffing and yams. Pam baked delicious rolls and pies and helped Kjell with the mashed potatoes. Shawn brought the drinks. Our only regret was not enough leftovers!
THat evening we had several neighbors over to eat pie and play games.

I actually went shopping on "Black Friday" after watching Santa arrive via helicoptor at the University Mall and I did find a couple of great deals. Kjell and Shawn went shooting together while I was at the mall with the boys.

Holden had his 6 month appointment on Monday. His is 95th percentile for height and 50th for weight. All went well except that the Dr. and I are both concerned with his lack of reaching out and grabbing. Oh, and he had ear infections in both ears (later in the week Marcus was diagnosed with a severe ear infection as well). Holden and I have a meeting with a specialist in a couple of weeks but it may not be necessary seeing as he is already making quite a bit of progress with his fine motor skills. Of course we are hoping that he's just taking his sweet time to use his hands. His favorite activity is to watch Marcus (see video).

I've posted our current home for rent on a couple of websites, hence the photo, and we've gotten a very good response. Four 18-year old boys are hoping to move in next year, but we're holding out for another week or so to see if we can rent to a family. This home has been very good to us.

Progress on the new house continues and it is quite exciting for me to go see the newest addition each time I visit. Pictures to come soon.

Brothers

Here are Marcus and Holden at 5 months old. Do you think they look alike?

Grandpa & Grandpa

Marcus calls my dad "grandpa" and my mom "grandpa". There's no distinction. So here you have Grandpa, Grandpa, Marcus and Holden.

Walking Home from Church...

It took Marcus and me half an hour to walk home from church today, normally a 5 minute stroll. There were so many interesting things to see along the way! The grate we always stop at to throw leaves and grass down but get perpetually frustrated because our shoe won't fit through the bars, the friendly horse Fred (see video), tractors, dogs, cars, fruit trees, walls, rocks, etc.

Holden can sit up on his own for a few seconds and is trying new foods daily (note, green beans is not his favorite). He stays entertained in a room much longer if Marcus is with him as opposed to mommy or daddy. Pictures of Holden to come soon.

As I was driving this week, periodically a flying sock would hit the steering wheel. Marcus would inform me it was a "naughty sock!" Sometimes his diaper is naughty so he takes it off.

Grandpa, Grandma, J.P.

Marcus woke up this morning and was sad to find Grandpa and Grandma's room empty. He was Grandpa's little shadow while they visited the last few days, continually following him around the house even when Grandpa was on important phone calls! Uncle J.P. and Aerin watched the boys one night so Grandma and Kjell could beat Grandpa and I in a tennis match (we're ready for our re-match). We also went on a bike ride to Utah Lake, a hike at Sundance (see photos) and visited our house under construction frequently. At night we ate out, played games and caught up on each other's lives. The time went by way too quickly.