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Orange You Glad It's October?

Well it was October, just barely. Halloween pics are coming soon.
10-19-08 with Aunt Kins

Sturdy

October 18

I Like Lunch

10-16-08

Eight Months Old Today!

Lennox has been crawling for a couple weeks, loves to eat, can pull himself up to standing, usually has a strand or two of Mom's hair wound around his fingers, thinks his brother is hilarious, is delightfully ticklish, considers having his face wiped to be the cruelest torture, no longer breaths like a Pug--thanks to Zantac and Prevacid (silent reflux), is super strong, still wakes up for a bottle at 3:30 am a few nights a week, can splash his bath water out of the tub like no other, is frightened of the vacuum, gives the best snuggles, has a high-pitched squeal, yanks any necklace within reach, tries to catch the dog, gives friendly strangers the sweetest bashful smile(think: "Aw, shucks"),starts crying about halfway around the block while riding in the stroller, kicks his legs most of the day, and brings lots of love into our home.

Blessing

I, for one, was shocked to look out the window last Sunday morning and find everything coated in thick snow. I coated my thick baby in white knit, and he was a little angel for his blessing. Brent did a beautiful job, and X didn't buck or twist in the circle nearly as much as we feared he would. It was so nice to have our families at church with us for Lennox's special day. He is such a smooshy love.

Gotcha!

When I say X's favorite place to be is close to his brother, I'm not just trying to be cute. He wants Oliver in his sights at all times. Unfortunately, Oliver usually doesn't stay in one place long enough for Lennox's liking. But when Oliver is close (like when--joy of joys-- he is strapped in his high chair beside X's), Lex likes to touch Brother's face like a blind man getting a good look at someone. Oliver construes this as an invitation to chomp X's fingers. OUCH! Lennox forgives quickly and can't help but come back for more.

BUTTER

Forever Family

September 9, 2008 was Mom and Dad's 9 year anniversary, and we celebrated the best way we could think of. The boys looked like angels when they were brought into the sealing room. X was a little cherub at the altar where Grandma Lora held him. He looked quite at home in the temple: all white and sweet. And Oliver was a well-behaved little man as he sat on Shayna's lap. Brent's uncle Alan did an exceptionally beautiful job officiating the sealing. Heaven was tangible. Thanks to our dear family members and friends who joined us last Tuesday night in the Jordan River Temple for this special event. We took lots of photos afterward. We look a little wind-battered, but we feel very blessed.

My Favorite Place is Close to Brother

Six Month Check Up

X was six months old on August 21st. His check up was delayed because our pediatrician's wife had a baby on our original appointment date. But we got in to see the doctor on Wednesday, and here is our report: 18 pounds 11oz ( 77%) and 28 inches (93%). 100% cute. Lennox was very brave for his shots--he only cried briefly. He is sitting up well; and when he tips over, he scoots himself backwards on his tummy. He is endeavoring to give himself a concussion, we think. He bucks and squirms and throws himself around. He's a madman in the bath and always leaves the whole bathromm drenched. We can't believe how quickly he is growing and changing. By the way, on August 4th, Lex was the same age Oliver was when Oliver became Big Brother.

Finalization

We spent a special morning downtown at the courthouse on Thursday for X's adoption finalization. (Quite a feat to arrive within 20 minutes of our 8:00 am appointment. Oliver doesn't usually even get up until 10:00.) We were lucky to have Judge Robert Faust, son of the late President James E. Faust, preside. He was so cute with Lennox. I was about to pass X to Brent while I took the stand, but the judge said to bring him up. Lennox sat on Judge Faust's lap while I answered our attorney's questions. His Honor had a vast stash of teeny beanie babies behind the bench, and he gifted X a token giraffe. After the proceedings had ended, he let Oliver sit in his chair, chew his gavel, and choose a little plush toy, too. Brent helped Oli select a bear with the Union Jack on its chest. The judge, father of seven, mentioned that "Lennox" is a family name in his family. How do ya like that?

After court we headed to Little America for a hearty finalization breakfast. Thanks to our dedicated grandparents crew: Mimi and Pa, Grandma and Grandpa Morley, and Great-Grandma and Grandpa Stuker for their undying support. And special thanks go to Aunt Nicole, Uncle Ryan and cousins Jackson and Henry for getting up at the crack of dawn to join us from Eden, while they were in town (or nearer town) from Denver.

Lennox is our own squishy boy! But he always has been, thanks to Heather, his wonderful birthmother. Now we're looking forward to our temple sealing in a week or so.

Goofy

Bedtime Shenanigans

Rice Cereal

I've been putting off starting Lexy on solid food, mainly because I don't have enough hands for one more task. Our pediatrician recommended starting anytime between four and eight months. Lex hasn't been interested in solid food-- and he's clearly not hurting for calories--so I've been in no hurry. But since Daddy was home on a Sunday morning, we gave it a go today. Lennox had mixed feelings...but his overall response seemed to be, "Thanks, but no thanks."

Rock-A-Bye

This is X's favorite spot for a snooze, lately. He loves to float in this big-boy swing as he watches his mobile a few feet away. A couple of lambies, strategically placed, make for a comfy nest.

Mom's Birthday

Independence Day

All Aboard!

Soft and Scrumptious at Sunset

Always chewing his bubblegum tongue

Lennox can:

*roll from tummy to back

*roll from back to tummy

*smile while crying

*keep his composure for up to 3 "love taps" in the face/head from Oliver

4 Months!

I took our chubby bunny to his four month appointment a week ago. He's in the 85% for height, and at 15 lbs. 3 oz. he's in the 55% for weight. He eats often and still only stays awake for about an hour at a stretch during the day. Lots of naps. Lots of chow. Lennox loves to watch his brother, and has an easy smile. We love our little marshmallow!

Pals