Sickness

We have been ultra blessed to have really healthy kids. They really don't get sick much at all. This week was different. Colds hit the house. Kenzie had an ear infection in both ears with a cough and runny nose. Abigail was all boogers and cough as well. Jeremy and I weren't much better. It is interesting being at home with 2 sick kids for so many days in a row. It tries your patience for sure. We are working on having good behavior despite not feeling well, but it's a challenge for everyone. I have never had to deal with so many boogers and so many meltdowns. Abigail became addicted to tissues, getting very upset if there were any boogers in her nose. Kenzie was miserable too, and I was just hoping that she would become a bit more interested in television, which she didn't. We are at the end of it now, but I wanted to write about the realities of the struggles we go through. I wish I had a picture of their pathetic red under-noses and boogers dripping down. I am just so thankful to have such healthy kids, and my heart goes out to families who are dealing with real illnesses because despite having patience tried, you feel so bad for your babies.

Blake's Basketball Game

Despite the girls being a bit under the weather, we were able to make it to Blake's basketball game. Blake is Jeremy's cousin who plays for Seattle Christian School. It was great to see him in action. The girls seemed to be entertained by the game, but when I asked Abigail if she would like to play basketball when she gets old enough, she said, "I could be a cheerleader." That is a true Abigail answer. She seems to know herself well.

Christmas with the Kerns

We were all able to gather together to celebrate Christmas on New Years Eve this year. With 10 grand kids, it was a bit of craziness, but it is always fun to see everyone together. It was fun to do the family tradition of acting out the Nativity Scene combined with Christmas carols. Santa came to visit also. He was having some hair issues, which was pretty pathetic and will need to be resolved next year. The kids were delighted that he paid a visit. We fed the kids and sent them to watch movies while we did dinner. They enjoyed a book exchange with each other. Then, they played on their own again while the adults did a gift exchange. I love my family, and it is getting harder for all of us to gather together. Love the time with everyone.

Michelle's Visit

After Michelle is here, I always determine I neede a full time nanny. We had so much fun having her visit for three days. We had great talks, did a puzzle together and just hung out. She's amazing with my kids and helps out a lot. She is such a baby freak, and has just been looking forward to holding the littlest, which we all appreciated. Fun having you, Michelle!

Christmas at the Webers

Final destination for Christmas day was the Weber's House. We had a big meal. It was the first year we had the guys eating in one room and the girls eating in another. A constant joke was how many of the guys came into the room to see how we were doing, check in on us and find out what we were talking about. It was also the first eyar that all the adults brought a gift cards, and we had a white elephant type game for the gift cards...a great idea. The kids all drew names and exchanged gifts. The gathering has about 30 family members and is always so much fun.

Christmas with the Durrs

Christmas at the Durrs started with a delicious breakfast. We the began the gift giving. We exchange names, and the kids get spoiled. Julie gave Abigail a book of when Abby was their flower girl - adorable. Both girls received clothes and toys. Then, we had a bit of time to lounge around before heading to the next destination.

Christmas Morning at Home

Christmas morning was fun. We woke up and opened our stockings in bed as per our family tradition...stemming from Jodi's side of the family. Next, it was making lattes for the parents and then opening all the gifts from under the tree. The highlight for me was my husband's thoughtful gifts. He made my blog into books. So, I now have a hard copy of Wandurrings 2007, 2008, and 2009. I'm thrilled. It's been a goal for a while, but I hadn't done it yet.

Christmas Eve

It was a quiet Christmas Eve this year. We were suppose to go to Stacie & Ross' house for a big Prime Rib Feast and our annual traditions of Christmas Carols, acting out the nativity and Santa coming. However, Elena started throwing up in the middle of the night Christmas Eve. So, we had to make alternate plans, which was a huge disappoint to everyone. So, my parents just came over to our house to play cards, eat ham and cheese sandwiches on the rolls I had made, and we watched ELF. We also let the girls open one gift. The other traditions were moved to our get together with the entire family on New Years Eve Day. It was a good alternative, and we had fun laying low with my parents.

First Smiles

Gotta love the smiles and the sweet nature of this little guy.

Corban at One Month

Corban is already one month old. He turned one month on December 20th. He has been a great baby so far. His sleeping has been a bit erratic but nothing too bad to complain about. He has given us some really good nights of sleep - 7 to 9 hours. Most of those start a bit later than we hope though - around 11:30 to 2:30. The evening hours are the bewitching hours for us. We call it "the storm before the calm." He is pretty easy during the day though. He definitely prefers to be in someone's arms. I have found myself wanting more time to just sit and hold him too. I hear that happens more and more with each child. He is a good eater. No problems there. He checked out well at his one month appointment. He weighed in at 9 lbs 9 oz, which put him at 42%. He was 22 inches long (67%) and his head circumference was 15 inches (46%). He has been tracking well and has already began to smile. He is always calm in the car, which is a huge blessing. His sisters continue to adore him. I can't get enough of staring at him. I'm just loving this little man so much. I can't wait to see his personality develop more and more.

Progressive Dinner

It's our annual Durr family progressive dinner. We had a delicious soup at Jenn & Corey's. Then, it was to Dan and Lori's for the main course. We finished off at our house for dessert and movie. It was another fun and delicious event.

Santa

Glasses

Kenzie now has glasses. In the picture you can see how her left eye has been turning in. We visited a few optomologists to find someone we liked. She is far sighted and she crosses her eyes to try and focus. The glasses just came in before Christmas. It's amazing how quickly they have become a part of her personality. She has been pretty good about keeping them on, and we have been told that is often the case because they see so much better. We can already tell that her left eye is straightening itself out. The doctors say that this problem often corrects itself in the teen years (it did for Jeremy), but she will be in glasses for quite some time. We think she looks adorable.