Doodling Kids

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Ben loves watching Hannah do everything, so we thought it was a good idea for him to learn how to doodle like a pro. He watched very intently for about five minutes until his neck muscles gave up on him. But we're sure it won't be long until they're fighting over who can draw the best school bus. And when they ask me, I will give them the classic Mom answer, "they both look very nice."

Crinkly Book Mystery

One of the best baby toys out there is what I call the "crinkly book". It's a nice little three page soft book that has soft edges made for teething and different shaped links on the side and it makes a squeaky sound when you press the middle of it. But most important of all is that when you pick up up or move it around, it makes a crinkly sound. Hannah loved her crinkly book as a baby and when she lost hers, I bought her a new one within days. Now, I knew right away when we lost her book, it had fallen out of her carrier while I was at the store, and I realized it when we got home.

It now seems that Ben's crinkly book has disappeared. This picture was the last time Ben was seen with his book. We have searched high and low and in the most odd places, but still haven't found it. I haven't rushed out and bought a new one, because it has to be here SOMEWHERE! I know, I know, I just need to look where all the missing socks, mittens, random toys, and Hannah's hair clips are...if you have any ideas, let us know!

Steelers Traditions

Pittsburgh will always be this family's "home town" dispite the fact that only one of us was actually born there and we don't live there now. The most important part of being a Pittsburgher is rooting for the home teams: da Pens, da Pirates and of course da Stillers.

Rooting for the home team is about more than just sports; it's about passion and committment. This is fulfilling when your team is winning, but can leave you inconsolable when they let you down. Now these values and traditions will be passed on to Ben.

The Steelers flag replaces Old Glory on gameday, jerseys are sported often, and the rooting policy is strictly adhered to: root for the Steelers and for whomever is playing against The Cowboys. Note: rooting for individual fantasy players is allowed, but cannot conflict with the team rooting policy. (ex. I can root for my 3FL QB, Carson Palmer, to get 3 passing TD's as long as I still root for the Steelers to beat the Bungles.)

This may seem humorous to some, but Pittsburghers know it is a serious matter. Even if we don't defend the championship, you can bet there will be plenty a wave of the Terrible Towel and plenty a click of the Campbell's Chunky cans throughout the season. Go Stillers!

PS. Ben's jersey is a gift from Uncle Brian, the winner of the baby poll.

Best Buds

For being siblings, Hannah and Ben seem to get along pretty well. Ben watches Hannah play and sometimes Hannah lets him join in. Today Hannah showed Ben how to lay on his belly and hold his head up.

We tell her that Ben is learning from her. She likes "teaching" him and watching him grow and learn. I think she's learning just as much as he is though.