Braden 6 months

Happy half birthday little man! 

I can't believe half a year has gone by with you in our lives. It's been an adventure adjusting to two kids but we are having fun. There are no shortage of dull moments these days. 

Height

Weight

Diaper

Clothing

Shoe

No teeth. Hair dark blonde and lots of it. Eyes brown greenish? I'm pretty sure you will have your dads eyes. Your favorite person is Madison, she can make you laugh harder than anyone... Except for when your dad dances around like an idiot while singing show tunes. You had your first experience with snow, and hated it. You aren't a fan of the cold like your sister is. 

You've been sick pretty much the entire month of December so you have turned in to quiet the mamas boy. You want to be held all day long and I swear my arms are gonna fall off. 

You love to chew on everything! Not a huge fan of binkies but that's ok.

Recently started doing raspberries but mostly make them out of frustration. 

December photo drop

Braden's first trip to the ER

December 13. Two days before he turns 6 months. Day three of the stomach flu and major dehydration has lead us here. This is the I'm pretty sure 8th trip to the ER this year for the Lyman family. Sheesh. Get it together Lyman's!!!! 

Momma and dad are exhausted. Thursday night Madi got the stomach flu so we were up all night with her. Then everything was ok. Friday night around 3 am

Pay it forward.

The last 6 months have been financially difficult for our little family. We used up our savings, had tons of extra medical expenses and fewer hours at work. 

Christmas is in two weeks and as much as I plan in advance and shop early, this year we weren't able to do much. Zach and I got nothing for each other and just wanted our kids to have it all. 

Tonight two large and very personalized packages showed up randomly on our doorstep. One for each child. They were filled with gifts that were perfect for them. My heart burst and I cried. We live in the best ward. Seriously I cry every time I think of moving. We may live in this shoebox forever just so we don't have to move. The thoughtfulness and compassion is beyond measure. One day I hope to be in a good enough place to be able to pay these "blessings" forward and adopt a family for Christmas. 

Remember to do good and be kind, my babies. You will always be happy if you are in the service of others. 

Elf on the Shelf Reject.

I debated for the last couple years about doing the "Elf on the Shelf" thing for my kids. I figured Madi was old enough now she might enjoy it well... This morning there was a knock at the door, a special book had arrived but Madi was unsure. We read her the book and told her the rules -- that Santa's elf had come to watch her and she looked at us like fools. We searched around the house to find this new friend but Madi reminded us it was all just pretend. We tried to convince her it was real and true but she was not having it, so we said "boo-who". Madi said the Elf should go back to wherever she came. I guess we that's what we get when we try not to be lame.... She's a smart cookie, this kid of mine! But on the plus side it looks like I'm off the hook for this creepy thing!