Here are a few recent photos that I thought I would post before going to work. It is hard to pin down three kids for a decent shot!!! I return to work on Dec. 15. I feel so lucky to have been able to spend the past 12 weeks with my new baby boy! I had an enjoyable maternity leave full of visitors, extra time with all the kids, lots of walks in the neighborhood, sleep and relaxed days watching the leaves change from my "feeding post" on the living room couch. Going back to work will definitely put a cramp in our new routine! This maternity leave has been different, to say the least...Eric lost his job in early Nov., Madelyn started staying home all day with us beginning mid-Nov., and Rylie now takes the bus home from school and is home at 3pm. Not exactly the mommy-and-Kai time I thought it would be, but it has been wonderful to spend such valuable time with my family.

Kai discovered his hands this week and is now trying to grab things. He likes to blow bubbles with his slobber, look at himself in the mirror (we call it "hanging out with his best friend"), watch the ceiling fan or mobile and stand up on our lap, but hates tummy time. He doesn't cry very often and it is usually pretty easy to figure out the reason. He is eating every 2 1/2 hours but sleeps all night from about 11-7. WOW! We will introduce formula this week.

Rylie lost her second tooth. Maddie is going through a mini-depression (just my diagnosis) it seems. She is used to having many friends to play with during the day so it is hard being at home, I think. She spends too much time lying on the floor, watching cartoons with her thumb in her mouth and her blankie. Eric has started taking her to the library for story time and she loves that. There's also a few friends that are home during the day that she can play with so he is going to start scheduling play dates.

We wish you a joyous holiday season!!