OH LUKE!!!

I just couldn't resist taking these pictures this morning.

Luke has now discovered that he can lay on his tummy in the bath. He thinks it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I have an even harder time now washing him because he never wants to turn over.



I tell him that he is swimming and he needs to kick his legs. He kicks real good with his left leg, but hasn't quite got it down with his right.



Luke is completely fascinated with the dishwasher. He loves to take the utensil basket out and put it in the living room. Why... I have no idea. Here he is trying to get to it, but having a hard time because I hadn't pulled out the bottom basket yet.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND A LITTLE BASKETBALL

This past Saturday, Marc surprised Luke an me with an early Christmas present - tickets to an UVA basketball game - they were playing Auburn. We decided to make the day of it, by going early so we could enjoy a nice lunch beforehand, and not have to rush to get to the game on time. Well, we definitely didn't have to worry about that. We ended getting up to John Paul Jones Arena at 2:30 (when the gates opened) with the game not starting until 4:00. This gave Luke plenty of time to stretch his legs. Him and Daddy walked back and forth, back and forth, and back and forth in the concourse behind the area where we sat. We went up to our seats at about 3:00 and settled in for an exciting game. The game was pretty boring for the first half, with the Hoos losing, but in the second half they made a major comeback and even took the lead for a little while. Unfortunately, they lost in the last few seconds by two points. Despite the loss, we all had a great time, and plan on going back for a few more games. Before the game, Daddy couldn't resist buying a little something for his little man. On Sunday, Luke tried out his new basketball hoop.

DECORATING THE CHRISTMAS TREE

It's that time of year when I get to do one of my favorite activities - decorating the Christmas Tree. This year however, was very different. One, I had a little helper. Two, I had to be very cognizant of what I hung where. And three, I was only able to hang maybe half of our ornaments. Despite these obstacles, I wouldn't change anything for the world. My little helper was actually very helpful. He hung his Santa ornament and he hung one of the LOW hanging ornaments.



While I finished decorating the rest of the tree, Luke and Daddy had a special moment together sharing milk and Oreos.



Luke shows off his pride of helping with the tree by giving me a big cheesy grin.



Lucy even got in the spirit of the season.



The Faucheux's finished Christmas Tree for 2008



Note the absence of any ornaments below 4'.

1ST ANNUAL "HOOD" CHRISTMAS DINNER

This year, with ALL our friends in the hood, it was decided that instead of exchanging gifts - especially since our group is growing - we would have a big pitch-in Christmas Dinner. We had it at the Walker's garage (upstairs), in which Brenda and Rick did a wonderful job setting all the tables up and making it very festive with candles and Christmas decorations.

Since getting back from our trip to Grandma and Grandpa's, this was the first time that a lot of group had seen Luke. So, of course, he had to show off his new walking skills. He had so much fun walking everywhere, playing with all the kids, and showing off one of his new Christmas outfits that Grandma had bought him.



Luke wasn't very cooperative, but I was able to capture this photo with all the "Hood" kids. It's a great picture of all of them - not so great of Luke. From left to right we have - Kelsea Filter, Aly Judy, Taylor Myers, Kayla (Scott's girlfriend), Luke, Scott Myers, and Eryn Judy.

The night was a lot of fun. The food was great and we always have a blast with all of our wonderful friends.

A LONG VISIT HAD TO COME TO AN END

We've now been home, back in Virginia, for a little over a week. It's SO good to be back home and be with Daddy and Hubby - we missed him TERRIBLY. But the 3 weeks we spent with Grandma and Grandpa were GREAT. The last couple of days went by so fast with all that we did.

On Monday, we had to go to Amarillo so Grandpa could go to the doctor. While we were there, of course, we had to go shopping. This was the day that Luke met Santa.

On Tuesday, we spent the day packing. Here, Luke is helping with the packing. For some reason, he thought we might need some extra toilet paper for the trip.



On Wednesday, we went back to Amarillo to spend the night so we would'nt have to get up at the ass-crack of dawn to make it for our early morning flight home on Thursday.

Here, Luke gives Mommy a big grin because he knows the following day he gets to see his Daddy.



On Wednesday night, Grandpa took us out to dinner at Logan's Roadhouse. Luke really liked their bread.



And then sadly, on Thursday, we had to leave to come home. Grandma and Grandpa got really attached to the little guy - especially Grandpa.

Here are the three of them saying goodbye at the airport.

...AND LET THE HOLIDAY SEASON BEGIN!!

On this First Day, of the Christmas month - at the Westgate Mall in Amarillo, TX - Luke got to visit with Santa Claus. He sat on his lap, with no protest, and just kept staring at him. He wasn't scared at all. Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas, and Luke just kept staring. I was waiting any second for Luke to try to grab Santa's glasses, but he never did. He was such a good boy - as always.

BATH TIME

AND NOW... ALL THE WAY FROM VIRGINIA, INTRODUCING THE SEXIEST BABY ALIVE,
LUCIEN FAUCHEUX!!
MODELING THE LATEST IN PAMPERS DIAPERS WHILE ALSO SHOWING OFF FASHIONABLE TODDLER FOOTWEAR.

"I'm too sexy for my... BOAT"

Bath time is always fun. Luke really doesn't seem to mind when Mommy dumps a full cup of water on his head.

His most favorite part is splashing, of course.

ALL "DUDED" UP FOR CHURCH

Today was Sunday, so of course, Luke had to get all "Duded" up for church. Mommy got him dressed in all his Cowboy glory.



Mommy and her Little Cowboy.

FUN WITH WILDLIFE

Yesterday, was another beautiful day here in the southwest. Grandpa decided to take us to feed the ducks. As soon as we got out of the car, they waddled up the hill just knowing we had food for them. At first, it was a little scary because they swarmed us. But Luke didn't mind - he wasn't scared at all. I was afraid they would try to bite him, but they didn't.



He just got right in the midst of them and even petted one.



After the ducks, we went to the state park so Luke could play on the Jungle Gym. Luke and I together, climbed to the top so we could go down the slide. Thank God Grandpa was at the bottom to catch us because it was really fast - Luke just laughed!! We put him in the middle so he could go down by himself.



After the slide, he tried to decide if he could climb part of it himself - he decided no.



Grandpa had a good idea for how we could enjoy such great weather.

1 TRIMESTER DOWN ... 2 TO GO!!

As of yesterday, I am now officially beginning my second trimester. I still feel great, but am a little freaked out by the fact that I am already so big. I know that in a second pregnancy one tends to show earlier, but I wasn't this big at this point last time, and I was carrying TWO. Please...again...let's all pray it's only ONE. Also, I can already feel the baby moving, which is about a month in a half earlier than last time.

Everything is still going great, and I go back to the doctor on December 8th. Then on December 29th we go for our first trip to the Perinatologist. This is when the baby gets all his or her measurements done and hopefully, if baby cooperates, we find out if it is a boy or girl.

VISITING GRANDMA & GRANDPA CHARLES

We've been here a week, and a lot has happened so far. The biggest thing is that all Luke wants to do is WALK. He walks everywhere. Grandma and Grandpa's house is so much bigger than ours, and they have a great long hallway for practicing. Now because of all this walking, he has had more boo-boo's than I can count. Mostly bumps and bruises on the head, but the biggest injury (so far) came Thursday morning. We're not sure what happened, but he ended up with a cut on his chin.

This picture was taken Friday morning, after Grandma put medicine and a band-aid on it.



On Friday, we headed to Tucumcari, to do a little shopping and it was a little windy and chilly out, so Luke was dressed appropriately.



On Saturday, Grandpa and Luke started rooting early for their team on Sunday.



Sunday was a beautiful day, so after church and a much needed nap, Luke, Mommy and Grandpa went outside to enjoy the weather. Again, all he wanted to do was walk, but better yet on ROCKS!! I don't know if it was the sound of the crunching or the challenge of not falling, but he loved it.



Later that day, some friends of Grandma and Grandpa came over and brought their grandson, Rowdy. Yes, his name is Rowdy. He is twenty months old and only a little bigger than Luke. It was so cute to watch Luke play with someone near his size. Rowdy has red hair, which Luke was constantly trying to pet.



Monday was another gorgeous day, so on our way to lunch we stopped at the little park so Luke could play. He had just woken up after falling asleep in the car, so he really wasn't into it.



On Tuesday, we went on a big shopping trip to Clovis. During this shopping expedition, Grandpa bought Luke his first pair of Wrangler Jeans. This picture was taken when he was trying them on. They are very long on him, so they are perfect for the "Stack 'em up" style that is popular with the cowboys.



Grandpa also tried to buy him his first cowboy hat, but he wouldn't keep it on his head. Maybe next year. He sure makes a cute cowboy.



On this shopping trip, Grandma also bought Luke a pair of overalls. He's just so adorable. Check out the frog slipper socks!!



Today was REALLY COLD!!! We had to go out to the Senior Center for their annual Holiday dinner, so Luke got to sport the new winter coat, hat and gloves, that Grandpa bought him. The coat is HUGE on him. Check out the overalls and boots. He's turning into a real cowboy.

FALL FUN

Yesterday was a perfect fall day here in VA. Luke and I took the opportunity to head outside to play. Since we live in the woods, we have an over abundance of leaves, so I got out the rake and raked up a pile on the deck for him to play in.






I think he had FUN!!


A boy and his dog.

LUKE'S GOING TO BE A BIG BROTHER!!!

Yes, amazingly it's true, Luke is going to be a big brother - again. I am about 11 weeks along with an estimated due date of May 23, 2009. I say estimated, because I have no idea when my last period was. The doctor is making this estimation based on the measurement he took of the fetus, which is about 1-5/8" long. To quote my doctor, he says..."AT THIS POINT..." there is only one in there, but he will check again when I go back in four weeks. Please, everyone, pray for ONE healthy baby.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!

Every year, our neighborhood, Windwood Coves, hosts their annual Halloween Hayride. There are three trailers set up with haybales for the kids to ride in and driven around to all the homes offering treats (and some tricks). This year however, due to the high number of kids, we had in addition to the three trailers, many pick-up trucks and golf-carts. With around 50-60 kids and their accompaning adults, we had quite an entourage. Now we don't have that many kids that live in the neighborhood full time, but with families that have weekend homes here, grandparents with grandkids, and friends of the kids, the numbers can really add up.



This year, we went as Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Our Goldilocks was the one and only Ali Judy. She is one of our neighbors, who's family has a weekend home here and spends a lot of time with us in the summer helping out with Luke.



Ali and Luke as Goldilocks and Baby Bear



Baby Bear practicing his walking



Mommy and her Baby Bear



Daddy and his Baby Bear



Luke got to help Mr. Mark drive the lead tractor, but once everything started at 5:00, he got in one of the trailers with Mommy. The Trick or Treating, via Hayride, lasted about 3.5 hours. With all the houses that were visited and ALL the kids, it definitely took a while. Mamma Bear and Baby Bear bailed out at about 6:30. We got off the trailer and got in the truck with Papa Bear, who was following along at the end of the entourage. We kept up with the group until around 7:30 so we could experience the "TRICK" house at Mr. Johnny's house. We had to wait to go there until it was totally dark. Mr. Johnny had is house completely decked out in Halloweend decor. When the kids were pulled up in front of the house in the trailers, he jumped out with a circular saw and made them all scream. He had bloody dismembered body parts on the porch and a rat that was caught in a trap and flopping around. Every year, all the little kids remember this house. They cry to their parents saying they don't want to go, but once they're there, and scream a little bit they love it. Mr. Johnny definitely goes all out to scare and entertain our little Trick or Treaters.

I linked up here (10.8.10)