Zippy Zane

Zane is three months today. This time last year we had no plans for a child in 2010. Obviously things went a different course than intended. And now, as a result, we've been incredibly blessed with this cute little man. What a way to spend the last quarter of 2010!

Grandma and Grandpa gave him his first guitar, and he's loving it. He was so tired from his jam session with Jack's Big Music Show that Vanessa begged to take five.

Zane is zippy in many ways. He's showing a bit more of a temper. We even wonder if he's teething a little bit. Vanessa took forever with her teeth, and when I think how he seems to be in more of a rush than Vanessa was at this age, I won't be surprised if Zane teethes in a zippy manner too.

He yells out what sounds like "Hey!" when he's bored or wants to be turned. It's pretty humorous and I need to capture it on video. He's not liking the bottle, refusing it the few times it's been offered. You might remember that he impressively was able to flip himself over a few times when he was much smaller. As he's grown bigger, he struggles with that, having to learn it for real this time, not doing it in the fluky manner in which he did it. So Zane spends a lot of time swimming and arching on his belly.

He's beginning to relax his hands more, and you'll see in this video how he loves to bat at things. I noticed a couple of weeks ago his exceptional interest in his carseat toy, much more interest than Vanessa ever had. He can do this for long periods of time and bickers when his hands are covered with a blanket, keeping him from being able to bat at it.

And it's been really hard to capture his long conversations, but kind of like the last video post, this video gives a slight hint to how he likes to talk.

Mollohan Madness

This is the madness we enjoy -- fun conversations, silliness, and lots of play. And with our new fabulous camera with remote, we were able to capture the groups without a timer! We desire these moments, planned or unplanned. Vanessa cried hysterically when it came time for them to leave. Our time together goes by way too fast.

The last couple of years have made it hard for us all to be together at the same time. Since our last group picture, we've welcomed two new little ones -- Seth and Zane. Welcome to the madness, boys.

Zane's First Christmas

Went like most. He slept a lot of it. Had help from his sister to open his presents. And he loved watching all the movement. His job was to look cute. And he did.

Vanessa noticed after opening presents at home this morning that Santa didn't bring her the Dora house she specifically asked for. Instead he brought her a remote control car, which she also requested and was excited about, but she had obviously prioritized. We assured her that if she's been a well-behaved little girl, Santa sometimes shares ideas and requests with people who love her. She got it!

She was so happy that she put it into another requested item, just to play with both at the same time.

Both Vanessa and Zane are incredibly blessed. I hope and pray they never take it for granted!

It was a fun day spent in the company of many we love. Vanessa was feeling pretty nutty by mid-afternoon. And her nuttiness lasted the rest of the day. So much excitement! We spent the evening moving from one new thing to the next.

Zane conked out early from the excitement of celebrating. And Mommy was lucky to doze with him in a quiet room this evening.

Did you notice the quality of some of these photos? Being gifted a new camera makes blogging and sharing even more fun! How lucky are we?!

The Day & Night Before

Spent the morning baking cookies for Santa. Molasses are his favorite.

Early in the week Vanessa said she wanted to make a birthday card for Jesus. So we did.

  

She delivered it this evening.

They placed their stockings carefully. (Vanessa attempted this once before earlier in the day. She hung hers on berries on the mantel. We pointed out that her stocking couldn't hold anything when hanging there. So we moved it. )

And then we read and shared Luke 2:1-20 and Christmas stories before we nestled in  . . .

Cabin Fever

So soon, and between Christmas projects and all the running we do?! Good thing this girl can figure out something to do with her time.

Christmas time brings large boxes through the door. Awesome fun!

Water play never gets old. Just be ready to get a little wet. :)

Although Vanessa considered this a high wire, and the idea to walk across it, we discovered that a game of Bathing Suit Limbo can be tons of adequate fun.

And when Inside Baseball gets old, add an ottoman with casters to make it Inside Skiing Baseball. Real smart. Good thing we used really soft and light balls and short bowling pins, and Vanessa has incredible balance.

And why not make resting and napping more difficult?

 
Zane is just happy to sit by and watch, always surprised at how crazy his sister is.

But he's also great to doze through much of her play. And with the help of a little TV, Vanessa is good to give her little brother calmer moments.

Enjoying the Arts

Zane had his first performing arts experience this afternoon. His cousin Ben (Big Ben) did an incredible job. And it was really neat to see and hear It's a Wonderful Life as a radio performance. Zane was left saying "Uhhh . . . "

Let It Snow!

Let it snow! Let it snow! This is one of Vanessa's favorite songs of the season. And frankly, it was nice to see white stuff for a moment, and it might be cool to have on Christmas Day, but I'm ready for spring. :) The weather is just too frigid . . . and frightful . . .

Zane will just have to wait for his first snow experience.

Vanessa wants to eat snow all the time. I strongly discourage it since her places for scooping it up are sometimes questionable.

Designer Tree

With lots of patience and lighthearted fun, these two designed the tree perfectly: 

Vanessa: "It's perfect."

Yes, my daughter is wearing a spring dress. Her choice.

Yes Vanessa . . .

 . . . there is a Santa Claus . . .



This is the very moment she's been anticipating for the last few weeks. She's rehearsed with me what she would say and do: "I will say it's a pleasure to meet you. Then I'll ask for my Dora house." When it came her turn she got very excited. Once on his lap she smiled, cleared her throat and was ready to talk. Then he talked, in a deep voice . . . and Vanessa covered her ears. But with a little encouragement, she made her request and then ended the visit on a good note . . .

And Zane didn't need to visit with Santa -- he knows his ever so cute toothless grin puts him at #1 on Santa's list.

And Vanessa doesn't mind . . .

                                                           

Christmas Elf

Vanessa dutifully helped with Christmas cards this year.

 She even placed stamps. She loves the post office.