Happy Birthday Kyle

Today my brother Kyle turns 18... that is starting to make me feel very old! Here are 18 fun facts about Kyley-wiley... through his big sister's perspective!
1. He used to throw a temper tantrum when he didn't get to buy something at the dollar store (I was soo embarrased)... he still does this at times!
2. As a baby he had adorable chubby cheeks... that must be where Ory get's it!
3. Nickname as a baby was Mr. Chubbers... as a kid "Denis the Meenace" because of his cow lick
4. When he was a kid, hated when we would sing, "Kyley-wiley puddin pie, kissed the girls and made them cry"
5. Loved the camera as a kid... always had a fun personality
6. He liked to dress up in costumes (still does I think... see picture below!!)

7. I will never forget the day Kyle broke "the pot"
8. He could recall facts from commericals as soon as he could talk
9. When he was little he wanted to grow up to be a dad... he's always been great with kids
10. He still loves cartoons

11. He hates the texture of certain pasta noodles
12. Requires little sleep (my mom used to make me sit outside his bedroom so he wouldn't escape during nap time)!
13. A natural athlete... La Cross, Hockey, football
14. Has his own style... can pull off a mullet
15. People had compared his looks to Lord of the Rings character Frodo Baggins

16. Loves to have fun
17. He is a awesome uncle

18. Always picks good friends to surround him and doesn't gossip

He does smile too!

funny faces

Orin has soo many different looks... it's funny to see his little personality coming out! I just had to share some of the funny looks he makes!







(he makes this look when it's windy)

a month late...

Here are some pictures of our Christmas this year... we had a blast!!! I loved being with my baby for 2 full weeks and spending time with family. Ory got soo spoiled and it was fun to watch my family interact with him! He really adds so much to our family and we had an incredible Christmas!

Poor little Ory

Orin has been sick now for almost a week! He has RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and has to do breathing treatments every 4 hours... he's not a fan of these!! Shawn has pretty much been the one taking care of him-Orin is one lucky boy to have such a great dad. Today when Shawn took him to the doctor they found that he has an ear infection in both ears!! This little boy is sure tired of being sick... and so is his parents... and so is his auntie Melina!!! But he does look rather cute in his mask! I think there is nothing quite as sad is having your baby sick!!

Also this week, our black Explorer broke down (while I was at the doctors office... it sounded like gears grinding-not good...I was trying to push it into a spot by myself... that was interesting, but I got some much needed help). Then the next day when I was headed to work, the white Explorer wouldn't start either... needless to say it's been one of those weeks!!

Pictures of our Christmas will be coming soon!

yes... we're still alive

Wow... it's been over a month... time sure does seem to fly by!! This is mostly just a quick note to say that there will be more to come. I seem to be overwhelmed by all there is to do, so let the juggling begin!! We spend Christmas with my family, which was so much fun... it was a month of firsts for Orin:
first time meeting his Nelson uncles
first Christmas/New Years
first time swimming (Florida was 80 degrees and sunny:)
first time rolling over by himself (that just happened yesterday!)
first time going on a safari ride (Animal kingdom)
first time being on an airplane (he did quite well... i was so relieved)
I'll have pictures and more updates to follow...