Anybody there?

Hallooooooo!  Anyone out there?!  

I can't quiet believe it's been so long since I've updated the ole' blogeroo.  Sorry to my loyal follower(s).  Fear not, we have not been struck down by zombies (though I have been watching The Walking Dead).  We have not eschewed technology (though my laptop is about to blow up).  We have not moved to a different charming village (though Rob is tempted as the ridiculous Otonabee Regional Conservation Authority discusses draining Millbrook's pond and ripping out the dam).  Nope.  We're still here, just busy, and lately the bloggy has been low on the list of priorities. 

We survived Xmas barely (after all 4 of us were struck down with that festive horrible influenza-ish plague that was going around).  We welcomed in 2013 in style with great hilarity.  We got back into our regular routine, such as it is, after a long break from school and work.  And now we're just trekking along.  Surviving winter, playing, laughing, loving, eating (most of us), sleeping (some of the time) and enjoying our general hysteria, hijinx, and happy times.

Chimp 1 and Chimp 2 in their play tent.  Clearly, too much fun for Henry

Stay tuned as I do my best to update more frequently.  Lots of good times a' coming in the HigginJax household - a fun trip to Florida in the very near future; more winter frolic, tho not this week as the temp is hovering around -20ish; and more daily adventures with the chimps!

Christmas re-cap

Despite both kiddies being sick, we had a lovely Christmas. 17 people here for dinner on the 24th, with all the associated chaos and calamity. Seriously. I'm buying all the adults noise-canceling headphones for xmas next year. The 25th included a quiet morning here with the kids, then supper with Grandma and Grandpa in Lakefield.

This is the first year that Evy has really 'gotten' it. She was SO super excited that she opened her presents in about 4 minutes flat and then just went ahead and opened Henry's too. Luckily he didn't mind too much. Here are a few photos of the festive magic from the xmas morning.

Present opening speed-arms

Lookee!  A popper from Popper!

Back off, sis!

Henry, this is a book I opened for you

Tiny Snow White

Gown + sleeper is a great combo

The aftermath.  Time for breakfast!

The rest of the week has flown by with some boxing day shopping, a visit to Toronto, more sickness for the kids.  Will the snot ever stop?  [New Year's resolution #42 - more Vitamin D!].

So, now it's Jan 1st.  The Christmas Tree is outside for the birdies to play in for the rest of the winter.  Unfortunately, the bulk of its needles were left inside. The decorations have all been put away, and it's back to reality starting on Tuesday when Rob's back at work.

In other news, Henry is officially 9 months old and he celebrated today by doing a victory lap around the living room.  He's crawling like a champ with an occasional misadventure where he ends up under the coffee table.  (Better than the other day when I came in here and he was hanging from his teeth on the edge of said table.  Boys are weird).  Speaking of teeth, he clearly misunderstood the song 'All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth' because he suddenly has another 2 up there, 6 in total now.  All the better for clamping onto furniture with, I suppose.

And, Miss E is offically 3.5 today!  6 months until she's 4... and then it'll almost be time for SCHOOL!  The time sure has flown by.

I hope that all of you had a jolly Christmas too (with less teething and snot)!  Here's to 2012 bringing even more adventures for one and all!

Two sleeps

Two more sleeps 'til the big guy is here! Someone (Miss Evy Maude) is more than a little excited. Here she is at playgroup last week - super shy all of the sudden when the big guy himself arrived unannounced. Pretty cute.

The blue eyed boy

Happy '11 Days Til Christmas' to one and all. Have you been out today? If so, you no doubt enjoyed streets packed with crazed shopping-blinded drivers, doing their best to kill pedestrians and sideswipe innocent cars in search of the next purchase. Ah, bless us every one - it really is a magical time of year.

For us, things are much less chaotic. Evy has asked for a colouring book and a hairband for xmas. $2 at Dollarama later, and she's crossed of the list. And I'm truly blessed to come from a family where instead of giving presents, we give each other indigestion. Or love. I can never remember which.

And I have no excuse as to why it's been so long between posts. Well, actually I have a dozen excuses (computer in for repair twice, lack of sleep, general festive events with many parades etc to enjoy) but the main reason is the wee blue eyed boy.

Can you believe he's almost 8.5 months? He's still not sleeping well, so I went back to remind myself what Evy was like at the same age. Not much better, alas.

Anyway, I shall live in hope that things get better soon. He has had 2 fairly good nights, so fingers crossed this trend continues. In the meantime, it sure is good that he's so cute:

Special delivery in time for Xmas, anyone? 

And finally, we did our 'bowl' shots recently and the lil' dude looked great in his first ever bowl photo.  Isn't he too cute? 

It's beginning to look a lot like...

...that time of year when kids start being completely insane. Santa-mania has hit the HigginJacks household big-time.

Here's the letter Evy dictated to me. She's hilarious. I shall transcribe for you in case you can't read it on the photo.

Dear Santa Claus,

I love you. I love toys. I love Christmas.
I'd like toys and to set up my Christmas tree.
I'd like a princess table. Rudolph has a best friend
with a bow in her hair. I'd love a teapot and an Ariel
doll for Henry. I'd like a teddy bear and a reindeer
with a rudolph nose.

When you come to visit we will leave cheese and
toast and macaroni and cheese.

My best friends are Maia and Ethan and Santa Claus.
Also, Henry would like a big grown up Snowman. And
I'd like a pink car and a hippo and my own computer.

love, Evy