Christmas Time

Just before Christmas, we were able to spend a day with Jude's BFF from far away, Ben. He was up visiting from FL. and Jude learned a lot about washers, dryers, and Tide (good & nasty).

To the left was one of Livey's favorite gifts...yes, ribbon! The girl could've cared less about toys with meaning and use...she'd rather be sucking on some ribbon!

And here we have Livey and Finn. They are best of buds already...I think they kinda look alike too--it's the "Zeller" gene...there's no getting away from it :)

Here we have Jude in his Police hat. He definately thinks he has authority to boss us around now!

We were all so blessed this Christmas, by gifts, yes, but also by being able to be with all our family throughout different days around Christmas! Here we have Zoe, Zoey, Fallon, and ...all hammin' it up for a picture. They all know how to say "cheese" when the camera aims their way.

And here is another one of Livey's favorite gifts...it's a shelf with hooks on it for her wall..she was cracking us up with her "bobble-head" movements!

Jude's Rough Night

Tonight, Abe and Jude went to the girls' basketball game at RB and when they arrived back home prior to 8pm (both with frowns on their faces), I knew it wasn't good. Jude right away said to me, "I was a bad boy at the basketball game".

I took him in his room to get his pajamas on and I said, "Did you not obey Daddy?"

He right away started crying and said, "I still want presents???"

I said, "Well, we need to tell Daddy sorry and ask Jesus for forgiveness".

Jude says, "You call Jesus on your phone.?.?.?"

I couldn't help but laugh...and said, "Well, how bout' we pray?"

Jude said, "o....k...."

Usually when we lay down with him for bed, he'll try to prolong sleeping as much as possible by saying things like, "what you doin' mommy" or "I need a drink", but tonight it was "I wanna pray again" and I said, "What do you want to pray about?"

Jude says "wanna say sorry". The boy cracks me up, but at least he's starting to "get it".

Jude's Entourage

I just had to post this, because for the past month, Jude has had these fab five following him around as if they were his entourage. The five include the following: Jax (his little dog and the one who started this whole thing), Little Jax (which is a bear, not a dog, but kinda looks like Jax--the dog), his "baby" (and no, I don't mean Olivia), his blankie, and binky (Yes, I know we need to get rid of the binky--thank-you very much!) Sometimes there happens to be a #6 and that is his "Just a little bit of chocolate milk", ie. his cup. He's quite attached!

Poor little Livey lost her headband...hopefully it's at church somewhere..

Here Comes Santa Claus

Jude's school put in a "Mingle with Kris Kringle" this past Saturday and we thought this year, he would actually enjoy seeing a Santa and sitting on the lap and the whole bit. We thought, it could go either way--he could be totally freaked out or totally love it. I'd say he loved it! And little Livey wasn't scared one bit, she just wanted to take that fake beard right off the guy's face! Things are beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Zeller house. Yes, looking like Christmas means, the house, on most days is kind of a disaster--ie. Basketball season is underway. We had our first win of the season this past Friday; very exciting! Livey is trying her hardest to crawl, but just doesn't have it down yet. She kind of does the "rocking" thing on all fours....until she gives up and puts herself in the superman position. Then she really gets ticked off! She'll get there sooner or later (especially if she's trying to keep up with, or get away from Jude:)

That's all for now, hopefully this isn't my last post before Christmas, but if it is,

"Merry Christmas!"

Liv's first big shopping experience

Well, I took Livey to see her Aunt Carrie this past weekend to do some "Girl-power shopping". We met early at Starbucks, of course...and then headed out to the shops at Woodfield, Woodfield, and The Rack. Good times.. She totally enjoyed seeing all the people and loved the Bjorn more than anything! She's pretty mobile at the moment. Doesn't like to sit still. She hasn't quite mastered crawling yet but I would say she is pretty close.Meanwhile, Abe and Jude spent the day together, enjoying some male-bonding--AKA; Watching Football! Jude calls it basketball, but one of these days he'll get the difference :)

6 Months Already!

Just returned from Livey's 6month appt...The girl is growing like a weed. She was 17.5lb (75%) and 25 3/4 inches long (50%) and her little head is only 30%. Shots went as well as could be expected. Big brother Jude was along to encourage her and give her her binky/blankie when they were all done. He kept saying, "Gonna be all better Livey!". It was pretty sweet.

Happy Halloween

Jude's Halloween began on Friday with his Parade at "school". This photo is he, and his BFF, Ruth. Yes, she's the one who looks like a cupcake, in front of him! They are in L-O-V-E. It's so darling...they kiss/hug each other prior to leaving . Cracks me up!Livey enjoyed her 1st Halloween as a "PeaPod". It was kind of humerous...Humerous that we dress a 6-month-old up in a costume for fun! We know, she doesn't have a clue but it's still fun to see the little cutie

Lizzie was kind enough to open her home up to all of us "crazies" the night prior to Halloween so that our kids could enjoy one more night in their costumes...and make the cost worthwhile!

We only made 3 stops on Halloween night. Jude didn't even want to go trick-or-treating, but we forced him to get into the jogger and go! So, we made it to Pete & Jan's, Hoyt's, Grandma & Grandpas, (had a hard time leaving there)...and back to Gree & Grockey's for a delicious meal!

Livey did not know what was going on!

Buds

These two are really beginning to form a bond..."love-hate relationship", you ask...well, maybe! But, regardless, they love one another. Jude just cracks little Livey up and Jude gets a kick out of getting to help with her (well, some of the time anyway). The kicker on this picture is...our pediatritian would say that Jude should not have his binky anymore and of the two, he is the one who wants it more! What are you going to do???

"Jesus Loves Me" --Jude's Rendition

On-The-Go

Jude couldn't sit still this morning as he was awaiting the arrival of Grandma & Papa, who were going to take him to the Pumpkin Patch! The excitement couldn't be contained! Check out these sweet shoes from Aunt Nancy! They are crocs but look like tennis shoes! He's in LOVE with them!
He just looks so much like Abe anymore, it's not even funny! Praying Livs will have some of me in her!

Jam-packed

What is that, you ask? The mind of a 2-year-old. This morning, 6am, we hear Jude in his room saying "Daddy, where are you?"...well, this morning, it was my turn to get up with him, so I enter his room and from the moment he sees me, it's ramble, ramble, ramble. It's like he's got all this up in his cute little head and he just can't get it out fast enough. He started with "I'm a good boy mommy and you're a girl and Livey's a girl and Daddy's a good boy and Charlie's a good boy...I bumped my lip on Daddy's knee...Not runnin' anymore, I'm a tough boy...I wanna watch Caillou...Caillou's a good boy...I want some milk...My milk's all gone..." and on and on. It was hilarious to just listen to him, because he didn't expect a response from me, he just wanted to say what was on his mind.

Everytime I tell a friend at work a funny story about Jude she tells me that I should be jotting down little things he does, because I will want to reflect back on them at different points in time. For instance, Abe made a cake the other night and it was in a 9X13 pan with a lid on, and you really couldn't tell that it was a cake, especially when you aren't as tall as the counter. Well, I'm getting Jude a muffin for breakfast and he says "I want some of that cake in there". I say, "That's not cake". He says, "Yes that IS cake in there mommy!". Ok, so I lied! I had to distract him to forget about the cake. A day later we're driving in the car and he says,
"I want a piece of gum". I say "I don't have any". He says "Yes you DO have gum in here!" The kids is not dumb!
He's starting to sing more songs like "Twinkle Twinkle", "Itsy Bitsy Spider", "The alphabet", and he's counting all the time. He can count to 11...but once he gets to 11 he goes back to 8 for some reason. I can't get him to stop that! He pointed out a circle and a square to me on Friday. I feel like the kid is growing up so fast...
These pics were taken this week.. Mom and Dad came to the rescue and kept Liv one day while my poor babysitter was down with the flu..

Big Boy Pants

Today marks day #5 of "big boy underwear" for Jude. As you can see below, he's pretty proud. Today, he also had 2 accidents...oh well, that comes with the territory. Daddy and I have to work on our patience, that's for sure! Little Miss Olivia is getting bigger by the day! She's really starting to talk and giggle a lot! She is NOT sleeping through the night though...Not sure about this girl! We even tried cereal and a little bit of baby food...not sure what her deal is!

She and Daddy both, were not quite crazy about this hat...but it sure looked good w/ her outfit ;)

Will try to continue with updates....basketball starts in just a few short weeks..YIKES!

The weekends fly by!

It is just crazy how time flies anymore! This weekend seemed like it was gone in an instant. We spent Friday night with Grandma & Papa eating pizza and playing. Saturday was a gorgeous day--but Jude & I spent some time in the kitchen together making bran muffins...He's taken after his friend Ben; at becoming somewhat domestic. (Don't worry Ben, he has no interest in Tide..yet ) Sunday brought another gorgeous day--church and dinner with friends. Jude had a date with his little friend Kate! (Can't believe I didn't take any pics)

We got out the jump-a-roo that was Jude's for Livey to try out this weekend. And, surprise! She love it just as much as her brother did! Not sure if this will work or not but here's a link to Jude when he first tried the jump-a-roo...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG--io8kDvc Cracks me up to look back at Jude...what a difference between then and now..
I feel so blessed that the Lord has provided a way for me to be home one day a week. What a blessing it has been to have that one extra day with these two little munchkins!

Pumpkin Fest

Our Friday night consisted of attending the Pumpkin Festival in Morton..Eating lots of good food (including pumpkin ice cream; of course!), Seeing lots of people, Riding rides, and thanks to Nate--attempting for a goldfish!
"Who is this girl in the picture", you ask...well, we don't know for sure, but she told Abe she would hold onto Jude and keep him safe during this fast and furious ride. And that she did! Mid-way through the ride, Jude's face was buried in her chest. It was so darn cute!

And above here you see Jude attempting to win a goldfish; that he did NOT, but thanks for suggesting it Nate :) He was a mess after this...Really wanted that goldfish and really really tired!
Saturday we ventured back to Morton for the famous parade. I tried it solo--just the kids and me! Luckily we had a nice spot w/ Joy and their family on Jefferson! Jude was hilarious going after the candy.. He was kind of timid, surprisingly! But, thanks to Mom's help..he came home w/ a bag-full-of candy!

Livey 4Months!

We made our trip to the Dr. today for Liv's 4-month check up. Jude traveled along with us and surprise, he got a shot too! He did so well though; didn't shed one tear. Livey weighed in at 15lb 10oz (75%). She was also 75% for height but her poor little head only rang in at 25%. She is still not sleeping through the night, but according to the Dr., that is completely normal. Ugghh! Anyway, she has started eating a tad bit of rice cereal here and there. She can roll front to back and vice versa.

She is just loving Jude! She could watch/listen to him for hours and she is just in awe! It's quite cute! Jude is becoming a great big brother. Still a little rough now and then, but for the most part he's gentle and loving.

Life at the Zeller house has returned to normal chaos. As most of you know, I developed shingles about two weeks ago... That had me down for about a week but I seem to be back to normal...just a little itchy at times. What caused it....stress, lack of sleep, nursing, not eating well, you name it! Not fun! Hopefully we will have some normality for a month when golf is finished, before basketball starts!

Back to School

Abe went back to school last week and we are adapting to us both being away from home throughout the week. He is in the midst of "coaching" golf. Isn't really difficult coaching, just requires TIME, which I feel like we lack--as a family. We'll get through it, it just seems so fast-paced at times. Run, run, run! Here is little Miss Livey from this morning's coffee w/ Becky and Caleb. She is growing so rapidly. She's full of giggles and smiles and is doing an amazing job w/ holding her head up. We tried the Bumbo last night and she did really well.

This is Jude & Ben w/ their "Gree & Nana" out at the lake. They were preparing to head out into the sun and work w/ the water! Jude absolutely loved the boat ride that "Nana" took them on.

These pics were taken by Katie on Tuesday afternoon (after no nap from Jude). I thought he would be horrible, but turns out, fruit snacks do wonders! Great job Katie! Can't wait to see more :)