WHY DO WE BUY TOYS? WHAT'S THE POINT?

As parents, you go out and buy toys that you think will stimulate, help educate, and entertain your growing toddler. With Christmas having just occurred, this particular toddler's toy-stockpile grew. But, what was the point? It's not the toys that holds his interest, but the stylish wicker basket in which the smaller toys are stored.

He truly enjoys completely emptying the basket, climbing in, and taking a seat - maybe leaving one small toy behind to keep his hands occupied.

INTRODUCING... ONE, HEALTHY, BABY.........

BOY

Yup, Luke's going to have a baby brother. We are right on target at 19wks so our due date is still May 23, 2009. ALL of his vital organs are accounted for and he is in the 46% for his size, which is well within normal range. At this point he weighs 10oz. He was very active during the sonogram, so there were two images of the heart that the doctor was not able to get. Because of this, we will go back in six weeks for a follow up to check on the heart. If all looks good at that point, then we won't have any more sonograms.



He has Luke's same profile.



His little left foot.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers - they definitely helped. Our apologies to the neighborhood ladies for it not being a girl.

CHRISTMAS 2008

Christmas 2008 was wonderful. Unfortunately, we didn't get to spend it with any of our family, but we were certainly thinking about all of them spread across the country. The three of us started out our celebrating on Christmas Eve. Marc built a fire and we started making goodies to nibble on throughout the day. Of course we had to take pictures. These two were taken in the afternoon in front of the fireplace.



Early in the evening, one of our neighbors, Gerry Kane, stopped by with a gift for Luke from him and his wife Marlene - very sweet and thoughtful. Here he is playing with his first present.



Later in the evening, we had a couple of friends come over - Mark Wood and Carl & Heidi Filter. It was so nice to start the holiday with wonderful friends.

After Luke was "nestled all snug in his bed with visions of sugarplums dancing in his head," Santa came and set up all the treasures he had for a good little boy.



On Christmas morning, Luke was pretty excited when he saw a familiar toy. The Animal Train was a toy he had played with at Grandma and Grandpa's. Santa must have been paying close attention when he was finalizing Luke's list.




He also got an activity table, which plays music, counts,and says the ABC's (both in English and Spanish). He seemed to really enjoy pushing, turning, and sliding all the parts.



The other big item that Santa brought was a table and two chairs that Luke could use for Arts & Crafts. On the table was also some toddler crayons and markers, a drawing pad, and two coloring books. He loves being able to crawl up in the chair all by himself. Someday, if Mommy ever gets her s--t together, the table might get painted in some fun funky colors.



Luke had a big surprise for Daddy, and was so excited to give him his present. When we all went to the UVA vs Maryland football game back in October, Luke got the crowd around us all fired up by doing his "Touchdown" gesture. Mommy was able to catch it on film, and Daddy talks about the moment and photo all the time. So for Christmas, Mommy took the infamous photo and did it in "Paper-Tole" fashion, which makes the photo look 3-D by layering different elements. Needless to say, Daddy LOVED it!! I think he even got a little teary-eyed.



After opening all the presents and having breakfast, we enjoyed the rest of the morning just playing. Mommy decided to torture Luke a little (for her own enjoyment) by putting a piece of tape on his forehead. He could feel something, but kept touching the top of his head and looking up to see if he could see it. It was quite hilarious and went on for about 1/2 an hour. Eventually, I took the tape off. Then, Luke showed Daddy all the interesting parts that came with his Mr. Potato Head. Of course, they all had to go in his mouth first.




Christmas morning was a hit!


In the early afternoon, after a nap of course, we headed over to Bob & Arlinda Kesock's for Christmas dinner. When we got there, Luke had more presents to open. Bob and Arlinda got him a Tow Truck that vibrates when you pull out the tow rope - a big hit. Jon and Marcia Sayre gave him a toy that Jon hand-made. It was an old-fashioned type wooden Duck with wheels with rubber feet attached, that when you push it with the attached stick, it looks like it is walking - very cute.



Along with Jon & Marcia, Arlinda's son Randy and his fiance Sonya were also there. At around 3:30 we all sat down to enjoy the delicious dinner that Arlinda had prepared. Of course, we all ate way too much. After dinner, we all went downstairs and played the Scene-It Seinfeld Edition game that I had gotten Marc for Christmas. Through out the rest of the afternoon and evening, more friends started to trickle in - the Filters, the Kanes, and the Tismans. We eventually headed home around 9:00. Our little man was exhausted from such an incredible day. We want to thank all of friends that shared the holiday with us, it meant a lot.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!

19 WEEKS ON CHRISTMAS DAY

On Christmas Day, I became 19 weeks prego. For being only 4 months along, I still think I'm big - definitely bigger than I was at 4 months with the twins. We go to the Perinatologist this coming Monday for our first sonogram, so at that time, they should be able to exactly determine how far along I really am. With my luck, I'm probably right where my doctor told me I was, and I just have to face the fact that I'm big. But honestly, I LOVE being pregnant, so in reality, my size doesn't bother me.

Please remember to keep us in your prayers for ONE HEALTHY baby. We should also hopefully find out the sex of the baby on Monday. Of course a little girl would be nice, but we just want a healthy baby, so boy or girl doesn't matter.

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.