Mark sang in the Joyful Noise choir this morning. The kids did a great job.

September was a busy month. We celebrated Max's first birthday and then the following weekend he was baptized. On Sept. 24th we drove to Oklahoma City and had a Day Out with Thomas.

Max is crawling and pulling up. He babbles a lot and says "mama" and "dada" He is quickly learning how to get into everything.

Vacation

We had a wonderful vacation in Texas. April 30th-May 9th. We stayed in Austin before and after our trip to South Padre Island. We all had a great time. We enjoyed our time on the beach. Mark liked running in the sand and building sandcastles. We were also able to climb the steps inside a lighthouse, go on a Dolphin Watch boat ride, and see birds and sea turtles. It was a wonderful relaxing vacation. Max and Mark were both wonderful travelers. We were also able to celebrate birthdays and Mothers Day while we were visiting in Austin. We returned home on Mothers Day.

Birthday Party

On May 15th, Mark had a fun birthday party. We had a bit of a challenge since thunderstorms earlier in the week left us with a wet muddy lawn. The party was moved inside with lots of activities planned. We started with the kids playing with Mark's train table and then we had a fun game of jumping on bubble wrap. We also played train ticket relay, treasure hunt,and stick the number on Thomas. We had pizza and then the kids got to bat at the pinata. (Eventually we had to "help" the pinata release its bounty). We ended the party with cake and presents. I think everyone had a good time. Nanny and Papa came towards the end of the party and they gave Mark a bicycle.

Max enjoys watching Mark play with his trains. Max giggles and babbles as he watches his big brother.

We are finally settling into a more "normal" routine. Since I don't have as many appointments and I am feeling more energy, I will try to put more info. up on the blog. Mark's favorite TV show is Curious George. I let him watch it when I need him occupied, like while I am taking a shower or cooking dinner. Mark enjoys riding his tricycle, swinging, playing ball, and going on walks with Mommy and Max . Max is babbling more and is starting to sit up. I can prop Max up in a sit position long enough to snap a photo. The two boys together are a wonderful pair. Mark has adjusted well to having a little brother. Mark said that when Max gets older he can have Easter candy too. Max is showing signs of teething (lots of drooling and mouthing on everything). Max is also grabbing at everything, so my short hair is a real benefit. Max likes to watch his big brother playing with trains. It is school for Mark and swim lessons for Max and me today. I will post some Easter pics soon.

We were very happy to hear this week that my PET scans are clear. My Mom has returned home and I am regaining my energy. The boys are growing all the time. We are starting swimming lessons. Max and I have a swim class together and Mark will start his swim lessons soon.

Today we went to Nanny and Papa's house. GG came over and Max had a good "conversation" with her. Max babbles a lot now.

On Thurs. Max turned 5 months old and had his first bite of peas. Max is now big enough to fit in the PJs that Auntie Karin and Uncle Matt gave him. Mark and Max look so cute in their matching PJs.