Whirlwind Fun

How do we all feel after this whirlwind busy week?Beau pretty much summed it up at lunch! We have had a fantastic week of celebrating with family and friends, playing, laughing, crying (yes there were a few fits!), eating, napping (yay!), and just having fun. Even though we've had a blast, I think we're all ready to get back to the normal routine and get rested for the new year. Beau got a jump on napping before I could get to him.

Lincoln's Eating Adventures!

This post is amazing to me because I couldn't have imagined that Lincoln would be trying so many yummy things. A few months ago (even a few weeks ago) we were still in our usual eating routine. Lincoln's meals were meat (chicken, turkey, ham), steamed veggies (no sauce or dip), cheese and bread. That's about it!!! Suddenly he's been interested in branching out, and we love it! Here's just one day of adventurous eating:

This morning we met Nana and Pops at Cindi's for breakfast. He knew like their yummy pancakes (that Lincoln wanted butter on!), but he wanted to try bacon to go with it. Success!

I know it seems like every kid likes hot dogs, and mine does too. It was just the way he ate hot dogs that was different. He insisted on the actual Nathan's (yes, we've made the switch from Hebrew Nationals!) dog cut into bites and the bun on the side of his plate. The left side to be exact. I convinced him to put the hot dog in the bun and got big laughs. He was so proud of eating a "big hot dog sandwich" today!
My Aunt Sarah and Cheryl are visiting from Arkansas and wanted Campisi's for dinner tonight. That's one of my favorites too. When I got back with the pizza, Lincoln was so excited to have a bite. I couldn't believe he would eat pizza with stuff on it, but he was brave.

It seems my picky little eater is growing up a bit. What's next: sushi?!?!? Not with me!

More Fun Christmas Pictures

I thought I had posted all of the fun Christmas pictures, until I looked through my photos. There are plenty of fun moments I captured that need to be shared!

It finally warmed up enough for Lincoln and Beau to take a wagon ride around the neighborhood. The both loved it. Beau loved being in the same "car" as Lincoln. Lincoln loved being near Beau until Beau spit up in the floor of the wagon. He immediately said that he needed to get out and walk!

Lincoln was mesmerized by the pool outside of the window at the hotel on Christmas Eve. It was raining a little, and the droplets hitting the water were fascinating! I love the reflection!
Ally was a good Beau babysitter and was on duty to make sure Beau didn't get too big for his britches while walking. She loves my boys more than I could imagine! I don't think anyone bought more gifts for them than Ally!

One of Beau's gifts was a Mickey Mouse Choo-Choo, but I'm not sure who loves it more! Luckily they are happy to share right now. Lincoln wants Beau to push him around, and Beau just wants to be near both Lincoln and the Choo-Choo. I love toys that multi-task! Thanks, Minnie and Bubbles!

Lincoln was drawing on his new easel, but he wasn't alone. Beau was sure he needed to check it out too. One second later, Lincoln was coloring Beau's hand. I hope they are always so happy to work together!

Bubbles and Linc did lots of giggling. If Bubbles was out of Lincoln's sight for one moment, it was a disaster. He would search everywhere to find him.

Mommy got a few hugs during all of the festivities. There's been so much going on, but the boys know the one constant is Mommy! I love every hug and kiss.

Beau has show how determined he can be. No matter what the activity, Beau is sure to be near. He has perfected the "real crawl" over the weekend (as opposed to the "army crawl" he was doing) because it's faster for him to get to the action. He didn't want to miss a single thing!

This has been the most fun Christmas ever. We are so blessed to have good health, loving families, lots of laughs and fun toys. I couldn't imagine a better holiday season.

More Christmas Family Fun

Our last Christmas event was dinner and gifts with Nana and Pops. We had a yummy dinner at Cafe Express then began the present opening. Lincoln was very helpful to hand out gifts and help each person open theirs! Lincoln and Daddy got a set of Sesame Street walkie-talkies! Of course they had to try them out right away.

Not only did Lincoln help hand out and open gifts, he also helped put them away! He found the perfect spot for Nana's angel under the tree. (Someone moved it later, and he took it right back to his chosen spot!)
Beau and Pops took a break during the unwrapping to check out his new book. He liked looking at the pictures of himself!

I think Lincoln's favorite part of the night was petting Gracie and Emmitt. Every few minutes he needed to got wake them up or check on them. They were sweet and let him pet as much as he wanted. (I know, I know, we need a pet. But seriously, give me a year. I have to change a diaper, clean spit up, or help with the potty every 15 minutes, and I don't have time for a pet right now! Trust me, I'll be in the market for a non-allergenic and kid-friendly doggie in 2013!)

Beau played on his new soft laptop toy. Kevin played on his (not new) iPhone nearby! A few minutes later, Daddy got in on the action and helped Beau with the buttons.

Of course there were lots of great gifts and lots of laughs. Lincoln and Beau were blessed with so much love from our families this Christmas. Lincoln was so excited to say "Merry Christmas" to everyone at any occasion he could! We had fun celebrating Christmas with Nana and Pops!

Merry Christmas Day!

Christmas Day finally arrived, though I bet Lincoln thought it would never get here! He woke up a little confused because both Beau and Daddy were up, and usually it's just Mommy and Lincoln for a while. First we checked to see if Santa had eaten his cookie and milk, and Lincoln was a little disappointed. Santa left a few crumbs, but Lincoln said Santa just broke the cookie. (Santa, please remember next year to eat ALL of the cookie!!) We checked the stockings and found bananas (in both), books (in both), M&Ms and a candy cane (Lincoln) and Puffs (Beau). Score! Santa left some pretty cool gifts for the boys, and they were very excited to check everything out. Santa even left an extra gift for Lincoln and Beau under the playroom tree . . .

Kevin and Linc had fun trying out the new remote control race car track.

Beau got busy with his barn set.
Before long, Lincoln needed to inspect Beau's gift too!

So far Lincoln's favorite gift is the Elmo umbrella. Why do we spend so much money on expensive gifts when a $6 umbrella is the greatest thing ever?!?! He's carried it everywhere!

Daddy and Linc immediately dove into the Lincoln Logs . . . always a favorite at our house. Just minutes later, Beau demolished the whole thing! Sigh!

Minnie, Bubbles and Ally drove in from Arkansas after lunch, and Nana and Pops came over to join us all for Christmas dinner. It was super yummy! Kevin loves to take a picture of our food!

Minnie and Bubbles brought the coolest wagon for the boys. We gave test drives all around the house tonight. I can't wait until we can head outside with it! (And yes, it comes with seat belts because daredevil Beau would dive right out!)

Beau had so much fun nosing around in everyone's presents. He likes the paper, and the gifts, and spitting up on the gifts! Yikes! Mostly he likes being right in the middle of things!

Lincoln was in heaven with all the unwrapping. I kept trying to get him to slow down so we could write down who gave him what! He wanted to play with each gift right away. Ally went overboard with the gifts, and the boys loved them all!

Beau decided to take his Mickey Mouse Choo-Choo for a walk, and he was walking everywhere. He did so good and bulldozed anything in his way. I was a little nervous to just let him go and followed close behind. He didn't have a care in the world and was probably thinking "Freedom! I can walk without Mommy!" Am I ready for this?????

What a wonderful Christmas! Healthy kids, safe travels for all, yummy food, and so much love - we are so blessed. I know life is totally crazy with two little ones, but it is also so much fun. Lincoln and Beau made our holiday season so exciting this year. Lincoln hit the toy jackpot, as he is as interested in his toys as he is Beau's. Luckily Beau is still a little too young to care. It has truly been a Merry Christmas, and as Lincoln says, "Thank you my Jesus."

Christmas Eve Fun

The Annual Kuhlman Christmas Eve celebration was again at the Solana Marriott, and we were so excited to celebrate with everyone. Lincoln was especially excited to sing Christmas carols, play with his cousins, and to open a few gifts. Linc and Daddy played catch with his new Razorback football then stopped for a picture! Thanks to the Conns for the cool Razorback football that Lincoln wouldn't let go of, and thanks to Lincoln for stopping for one second to smile!

Beau stole everyone's hearts with his big blue eyes and sweet (sometimes sly) smiles! He and Pops chilled out a bit!
Lincoln recruited Nana to play a little ball too. Another great picture! Lincoln was on his best picture-taking behavior!

Beau loved all the paper in the presents. I should also mention that Beau got the coolest gifts. Both Lincoln and Mason loved playing with Beau's baby toys!

Mason gave Lincoln a cool Monster truck that chases him around. Watch out!

The boys had Christmas cookies after dinner. Yummy!

Lincoln had been waiting all day to sing Christmas carols. Marian had a make-shift piano to accompany the vocals, and Linc was thrilled. He passed out the song books and gave the order of carols.

I love that there are Official Kuhlman Family Caroling Books! Lincoln was singing Deck the Halls (more specifically fa la la la la la la la in the picture.)

Pops needed a little help handing out more gifts, so Lincoln delivered the envelopes.

We left in good spirits, watched Linc's new Veggie Tales DVD on the way home (thanks Joanne and Larry), and made it home before anyone fell asleep! Lincoln sprinkled the reindeer food in the yard and prepared Santa's milk and cookie. He was really concerned that Beau would steal Santa's cookie and demanded that Beau get away! He knows how grabby can be!

It was a wonderful evening with the Kuhlman family. I think Santa has a few cool things to deliver for the boys. The spirit of Christmas is alive in our home, and for that I am glad. When Lincoln says his prayers these days, he adds "thank you for my Jesus." I am so glad that he's thinking about Jesus along with his presents!

Bobby the Elf

The Elf on a Shelf began his annual visits to our home this year. Lincoln named him Bobby, and Bobby has been a very important part of our Holiday season. Every night Bobby goes to tell Santa if Lincoln and Beau have been good that day, and he appears in a new spot the next morning. We search the house when Linc wakes up to see where Bobby has landed for the day. That Bobby comes up with some silly places to hang out! Sometimes he steals an ornament from the tree . . .

Once he sat on top of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree . . .

One morning we found him hanging from the light fixture in the playroom to get an extra good vantage point of Lincoln and Beau playing . . .

Bobby even stole one of the Christmas cookies that Linc decorated . . .

It has been so fun to search for Bobby each day and giggle at the funny places he hides. I think Bobby might need to make a few appearances throughout the year to remind Lincoln and Beau that Santa and Bobby are always watching to see who's naughty or nice!!!!!

Oh, Beau!

Oh, Beau! I'm sure he suffers from Second Child Syndrome often, but it is apparent tonight! I'm just trying to get Lincoln a short bath and shampoo, and Beau is all over the bathroom. Before I can turn around, he's got toilet paper everywhere! I would NEVER have let Lincoln play anywhere near the toilet or toilet paper, but if Beau is happy out of the tub and Lincoln is happy in the tub . . . live and let live!

Christmas Cookies

Lincoln is being very helpful with our Christmas preparations this year. Nana was getting ready to make cookies and asked Linc to pick out his favorite cookie cutters. His choices: candy cane, gingerbread man, Christmas tree, and Santa's sleigh. When it was time to decorate the cookies, Lincoln was all in! He "helped" me with the icing. The mixer was really cool, and he did a good job holding it steady. We only had one mishap; Lincoln turned it on (out of the bowl) with icing on the beaters, and the kitchen got a spray of sugary icing!

After all of that hardwork, Linc needed to test the finished product. He labored over which cookie he should eat, and finally picked a candy cane with green icing. It was super yummy!
He's already decided which cookie we should leave for Santa. Such a thinker!

Beau is 9 Months Old

Beau is the busiest 9 month old! There is never one dull moment with Beau, and we are all trying to keep up with him. He wants to be involved in every single thing that goes on around here. Beau is such a happy baby unless he's been cut out of the action. Here are Beau's stats at 9 months.

Weight: 21 lbs 3 oz. 70th percentile. Beau is a great eater, and is pretty good about whatever fruit or veggie he is served. He also loves lots of snacky things like Puffs, crackers, vanilla wafers, and anything Lincoln has in his snack bowl. We transitioned from breast milk to formula just a few days before his 9 month birthday. He didn't do too well at first, but he's come around. Now he's formula-only and doing great. The sippy cup isn't really interesting to him, but we're working on that.

Height: 28 1/2 inches. 50th percentile. Beau is wearing 9 month clothes but occasionally 6 month pants. He's not squatty, but he's not long and lean. I think he's perfect!

Crawling: Beau is a crawling monster! He tries to do the correct "up on all fours" crawl, but he usually reverts to the army crawl because that's way faster for him. He is such a bulldozer and so fast. He crawls way more than Lincoln ever did.

Pulling up: There is nothing Beau can't pull up on. He loves to stand and cruise around the furniture. He pulls up on chairs, walls, ottomans, tubs, trees, anything! He's pretty brave and will let go to see what happens. He's not bothered when he falls back on his booty or crashes on his face. He just scoots around and pulls up again.

Teeth: 3 all the way, 2 emerging. Beau's 4th and 5th teeth are making their way out, and he's handling it way better. I am so thankful! He had a couple of days with fever and fussing, but he mostly chews to relieve the pain. He crunches everything with his big teeth!

Fun Stuff: Beau is really the happiest kid ever! He loves to be around Lincoln and now wants to participate in everything (instead of watch). He loves peek-a-boo, loves when we sing songs to him, and loves to splash in the bath.

Beau doesn't have any "real" words yet, but he talks up a storm. He mostly sticks with vowel sounds. When I'm coaching him to say dada or mama, Lincoln always tells me Beau should say Lincoln first. We have a lot to work on! Dr. K gave Beau a clean bill of health at the 9 month check up, as if I didn't already know that he's perfect! We love our Bo-Bo!

Sunday Fun

It was an especially fun Sunday, and we spent lots of family time just playing around. Lincoln got to enjoy the warmer weather on the playground after church, and that always makes his day! Beau found himself in many interesting predicaments while playing. He bulldozes over anything to get where he wants to go and sometimes gets in a little trouble. He's definitely in the throw every toy in sight stage. Fun!

I kept telling myself (for 9 months now) that one day the boys would really enjoy playing together. I was starting to wonder if that was going to come true, but they decided to surprise me. I got so many things done while they played. Beau doesn't need me to play with him if Lincoln is willing to do it. I kept sneaking glances at them as I passed by the playroom. So cute!
Linc decided to build a fort and invited Beau in. Of course Beau knocked down a block immediately, but they recovered! (Notice that Lincoln built windows in the fort-they yellow blocks stacked on top of each other. He thought that was very important to share!)

All of Linc's friends were moved to the floor by the tree for a better view, I guess. Instead of sitting with them for a picture, Lincoln just dove on top!

Beau and Mommy had a quick hug. I love Beau hugs, and he is usually agreeable to hugging. He's always trying to hug Lincoln, but Linc thinks that Beau is trying to attack him.

I had to stop a couple of slap fights, and calm a few crying spells, but overall they played great together. Daddy and Mommy got so many things accomplished - Christmas cards mailed, laundry put away (that one's a shocker!), floors swept and vacuumed, dinner prepared and cleaned up, toys vetted (to make room for new Christmas toys), and even our holiday grocery list and recipes prepped. I love that they had fun together, and I loved watching them interact as buddies (for the most part). They are brothers for life, and I'm glad they've started to get the hang of it!