December 22, 2008

my husband is 32 today, and as subtle as ever (see below)


poop!
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Yes, those of you who know Matthew know that he is clever and has a great sense of humor. Well, I'm glad he does, because I get to experience moments like these. I walked into the livingroom today to Abby's giggles and Matthew's instructions to Noah: "Go show mommy. Go find mommy and turn around. Go on. Go get her!" Look closely at the picture. The sign should have been more of a warning sign, but it communicated truthfully enough.

Matty, Happy Birthday! I don't know anyone else who would sharpie their kid for a laugh, but I am so glad you are just the way you are. OK, so maybe there is a teeny tiny room for improvement--God isn't totally finished yet--but, really, you are an awesome guy. You are becoming the finest man I could hope to know, and you are a model dad to your little ones. 32 years isn't very long, and to think you are as terrific as you are already! I love you, baby. Happy happy birthday!

December 14, 2008

The most wonderful time of the year

We've been quite busy around here! Matty and I are nearly done with the quarter's grading work, and we're trying to get Christmas gifts taken care of as well as putting together the last bits of M's job interview wardrobe. We're having fun!

Hanging out with daddy on the weekends.

December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.



Picking out our Christmas tree (Abbs picked the cutest tree, just her height!)

December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.



Being visited by dear friends from seminary--all the way from their home in Brazil!! This was the first time we had met the Pires' children, Mila and Pedro! Luciene and Luciano met Abby when she was born (in St. Louis) and hadn't seen her since was about a year old! What a huge delight to see all of them! I didn't know if we would ever see each other again this side of heaven!

December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.



Mom sent Noah this car (and gas pump). He LOVES it. He sits in it and drives around the house. Whenever he watches a show, he sits in the car, drive-in style.

December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.



This is my favorite new development of the week! Abby is learning to sew with the grown-up sewing machine!! She designed this headband/belt ON HER OWN!!!!!!! No joke. She took a pile of scraps I gave her and cut, pinned, and coordinated pieces until she had the look she wanted. I helped her with the steps to make a bow tie to finish things off, but she had a hand in every step. She threaded the machine, worked the pedal, the presser foot, the thread cutter, all of it! I am SO SO proud of my girl! When it was all done, she exclaimed: "I made my first piece of clothing!" The pride and wonder at her accomplishment was beautiful. What's more, seeing something made of her own whimsical, creative ideas makes us truly delighted and proud of her. Abby, you are inspiring! (see our other photos for more pics!)

December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.



Snuggling in the morning. The kiddos continue to love on each other, snuggling and laughing a lot.

December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.



Noah's morning antics today: he's decided to be naked. We can't keep jammies or a onesie on him. He will wear only socks and his diaper. Good thing we have heat.

OK, that's the update! I'll check back in soon!

December 3, 2008

Matty&G


Matty&G
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
I needed no better excuse to take a few pics of Matty and me than Matty was looking extra cute today as he rode to campus for a mock interview with professors. The job market season is revving up! I hadn't expected the added bonus of a dapper Matty running around the house all the time!

We had a great time visiting my family in San Diego this Thanksgiving. I'll post pics soon, but highlights included (according to Abby and Noah): lab puppies to hold, sit-in cars to ride around in, M&Ms at Mimi's house (LOTS of M&M's!) to eat, snuggles to share, and play time with cousins ti enjoy. It was fun to see Noah bonding with my mom and grandma. He already took to my sister, probably because we look so much alike now (minus her blonde hair, of course)!

Anywho. Things are good. We have so much to be thankful for, and life feels very sweet these days for our little family. Just thought I'd share...