Inauguration and Dawson

Today, Dawson was home from school with an eye infection. Since he was at home, I thought we would spend the morning watching the inauguration and talking about President Obama "taking office", the historical impact of Obama's election, etc....in 4 year old language of course.

Well, we had been talking about all of these subjects then I had to go put Abigail down for her morning nap. I left the TV on the inauguration coverage. When I came back into the living room Dawson was looking in our coat closet...also where we keep all of our games. When I asked what he was looking for and if he would like to play a game he reponded, "I'm looking for our United States of America puzzle. I want to put it together." As we dumped the pieces out I could tell that Dawson was searching for certain ones. Finally, he found the two pieces that create Washington D.C. and put them together. He said, "Look Mom, it's Washington D.C., that's what they've been talking about on TV." I think he got the lesson!

It was a sweet moment! Just wanted to share...

Christmas '08

Here are some pictures of the Christmas at the Propes house. It was a great time! Dawson really got into Christmas this year, and Abigail just enjoyed all the paper and boxes.

Abigail's 1st Birthday!

On December 12, we celebrated Abigail's 1st birthday. It's hard to believe that she is already one. It seems like only a few months ago that I was hearing her cry for the first time in the operating room, and now she is walking and talking. What a joyous journey this 1st year has been with Abigail!

We have a tradition in the Propes house that one has to be sick on the first birthday. Dawson started the tradition when he had 104 degree fever on his first birthday, which led to his first and only trip to the ER. Well, Abigail has never been one to disappoint, so on her birthday she, too, woke up with a fever and cold symptoms. No trip to the ER, but still she wasn't her normal, happy self.

Despite feeling a little under the weather, she still had a great birthday! We had two birthday celebrations. One on her actual birthday with just me, Kevin and Dawson, and the second on December 13 with extended family. I made her birthday cake...with help from my trusted sidekick Dawson...and it was actually quite yummy.

The Best in the World

First, let me start by saying that my son Dawson is quite possibly the most complimentary 4 year old...maybe any age person...that I've ever met. He notices even the smallest details and makes a point to compliment those things.

For instance, Dawson was at my parents house the other day, and my parents had recently repainted their bathroom and gotten new accessories. Well, Dawson just went on and on about how much he loved the new paint colors, towels, even the "winter scene" picture.

It's not just obvious things like a new bathroom, but even the little things like the pajamas I'm wearing or Kevin's shirt or Abigail's behavior.

Lately, he has turned to complimenting my food, and I have to say I feel like a hero of the kitchen these days. We made some cookies together the other day, and he continued to talk about how they were the best cookies in the world. Not just to me, but to Kevin as well. I overhear him and Kevin downstairs talking, and Dawson's telling Kevin how "Mommy makes the best cookies in the world."

He's just one big compliment, and it's so endearing. I'm so thankful for the fact that Dawson takes in his surroundings and takes the time to positively comment on it. He's an amazing little boy!

First Steps

Yeah...Abigail took her first steps on Thanksgiving day! She took three steps unassisted on her way to her favorite target...mommy. We were so excited!
Since then she has only ventured out on her own for a few steps before realizing what is really happening, but she is well on her way to walking. Exciting times in the Propes house.

Halloween

This year was Abigail's first Halloween. To my surprise, she really enjoyed dressing up and showing her costume off to everyone. She was a lion...just like her brother was when he was one. Dawson was James the Tank Engine...again. This is year number two being James. I was going to be creative and make him "Hamper Boy", but I was told that people at school might make fun of him. Sad times that my boy already feels the pressure from his peers. What's this world coming to? Oh, what's that you say, why yes, I do remember making fun of other kid's when I was in Kindergarten...okay, never mind, on with the pictures.

Pumpkin Patch Fun

This has been a long time coming, but here are some pictures from the Propes family visit to Hinton's Orchard. Dawson enjoyed hanging out in the silo and sliding and climbing on the tile slides and hay. Abigail just enjoyed looking at the pumpkins and cows. It was a fun day had by all.

Dawson playing in the silo

Daddy & Dawson taking a break from sliding & climbing.

Mommy & the kiddos chilling by the pumpkins.

A sight you may never see again...Kevin on a tractor!