Our White Christmas

"Face Time" W/ Santa (As Avery Calls It :)

Please go to: www.portablenorthpole.com Click on "Watch a Video." To watch Lily's, Avery's, and Bryton's: Username is jessengle@msn.com; Lily's PIN is po2y; Bryton's is 0z2c; Avery's is hab9. They were happy to see that they made the "nice list" this year :) Merry Christmas!!!!

Kiddo Update

Lily is growing, growing, growing! She watches people and toys as if she is inspecting them. She gives almost anyone a smile, and she giggles for her Mommy. During the day she’s the queen of cat-napping; however, once she is ready for bed at night, she is down for the count, with her arms up in the “touchdown” position, all night long. We are learning she likes the feel of a snuggly blanket on her face, when she is tired. She is starting to play upright in her exer-saucer, and she still loves her mobile and play mat with the arc of toys over her. Bryton and Avery can really get her “talking” and Bryton is very sweet about talking to her while he’s playing, explaining what he’s doing, and helping her play with her toys. Avery enjoys kissing and hugging Lily, and reading to her. She is almost 4 months old now – where does time go, seriously?! Avery is stretching out, now taller than most everyone in her class. Now the wise 7 year old that she is, she enjoys playing at her desk – “working” there – writing notes, letters, drawing, coloring, reading. She also enjoys playing in her kitchen, making food for her horse and her puppy, and taking care of them. Homework isn’t a burden for her, yet, and she is sure to get it finished as soon as she gets off the bus. Avery’s teacher says she is a delight to have in class, and she is a very good leader and helper. She’s a no nonsense girl, when it comes to her brother when he’s acting silly, and she is very very excited about Christmas festivities/traditions, Santa Claus, and Delson (our Elf on a Shelf). Like her sister, when she is ready for bed at night, she doesn’t put up a fight, and is usually asleep within 10 minutes. Singing and dancing come easily for Avery – she seems to be a natural entertainer! Soon to be 10 years old in February, Bryton is taller and surprisingly a little (only a little) wider! Lego’s are one of his favorite past-times – he can still spend hours building, and what he is capable of building on his own still amazes us. He is a very good drawer, and his story writing is sure coming along, too! Semi’s, trucks, planes, helicopters, tractors are some of his favorite drawing subjects, and people are his least favorite….although, they’ve come a long way with practice. Basketball will start soon, which he enjoys as much as football and baseball. Playing Wii and looking at magazines are also favorite past-times, as is eating. He’s still our sugar fanatic. Homework is something he greatly dislikes, and procrastinating is something he does very well. It seems that he’s had a birthday party to attend every week over the past few months – he’s well-liked by his class-mates because, as his teacher says, he’s friendly, fair, and funny. Lily, Avery, and Bryton continue to keep us busy, laughing, and "believing."

Our Compassionate Son...

Sharing a story/email.... Hi Brian and Jessica, I want to share the story of my delivering Bryton's poster/card to the nurses in the ED. (I know tonight will be crazy with the School program and I want you all to know how touched they were!) When I took it to the nurse's station I told them I was delivering a picture my Grandson drew for them in memory of Jim and the others killed in the crash. Several stopped their work and came over to talk...lots of emotion still for them. They were very touched and wanted to know how old Bryton was--since it was such a good picture! They put the picture up in the Nurse's Station for others to see. Also they told me that Jim's wife was here this morning and she asked them to put together a memory box for her of special "things".... They want to put Bryton's picture in that memory box. I took a few pictures. You can see it posted on the cupboard door. Thanks Bryton...from all the nurses in the Emergency Room...Such a sweet gesture! I have a big hug when I see you! Nana Cheryl Cheryl Rife RN, MSN Director Clinical Quality & Professional Development FHN 1045 West Stephenson Street Freeport, IL 61032 815.599.7747 crife@fhn.org

Lily is growing so quickly...its hard to believe she is 3 months old already. She is 90th percentile for height and weight...so she's a big girl! 6 mo. clothes fit her well, and she is in size 2 diapers...soon to be size 3. Bedtime is usually about 8:00 for her, and she sleeps until between 3-6 am, takes a bottle, and goes back down. She is a good baby and she loves to smile at her big bro and sis! Grandpa Jack recently invited Bryton to go hunting, and Bryton happy accepted. Brian got a good pic of the 2 of them...no deer, but they had a very good afternoon together.

Holiday Cheer!

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!

A few recent pics...

Oh Dear

Bryton came down with the flu this weekend, and last night he scared his Dad and I by passing out :( Yes, like Mother like Son, but man oh man do I not like being in these shoes, as his Mom, while he's doing it! I could tell it was happening before it occured, and the feeling of helplessness is not a fun feeling for a Mom (and it brought back icky memories of Avery's breath holding days, when whe was toddling around). Thank goodness he snapped out of it quickly, and today he seems to be slowly on the mend. I hope this doesn't become a frequent thing, when he's sick...and Why does he have to get my bad traits?!

Happy Halloween!

A Dad and Avery Day

What a fun way to spend a Friday...a Field Trip to Dubuque, IA! They built a project at Lowe's, visited a Radio Station, and played at "Jumpin Janes!"

Lily's Baptism

May God bless you... Lily Grace

Pretty Girls

Lily got to meet Great Grandma Neuendorf, and they had some very special time cuddling :) She is also into "stylin" to match her sister and cousin!

It's Been Awhile...

But here are a few of our (Kids and I, since we are usually rockin' in the car together :) favorite songs these days... (copy and paste pls) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PvebsWcpto; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EajrbieKxwo

This Week's Favorites

Halloween Candy - Any kind, but my fav's are any chocolate peanut butter or chocolate caramel combo - Mmmmmm...I love this time of year!; Fall Bow Hunting Season w/ my Husband - This is peaceful for me, even when it is rainy and cold; Baby Lotion - again, any kind smells nice and clean on our babe's skin - what have we used so far? - oatmeal, lavender, and regular scents; Mary's Mantle - I've only been there once, but have sent Mom on a few excursions there after work, to buy very special Christian gifts; Three Sisters Guest House - Brian's family will be staying there tonight, while they visit for Lily's baptism - check it out: http://www.threesistersguesthouse.com/#!.

Bryton's First Deer