THE STAPLETON FAMILY: 2007

Christmas

Brad was excited for the festivities of Christmas morning to get started at Grandpa and Grandma Stapleton's house.

Brad with his Makha (grandma Stapleton)

The first Christmas all the Ogilvies have been together in four years.

Christmas Day we spent with my immediate family and then every year my extended family has a Christmas program. After a hiatus of a few years I broke down and played a piano solo. Next year I'll have to get create with a skit.

Proud Grandparents

Santa was good to the boys

Aunt Allie playing with Seth

Janet and Brad with the quilts Janice made the boys.

Christmas Eve

The Stapleton family tradition is to play Bingo on Christmas Eve. When you get Bingo you can either unwrap a gift or steal someone else's. Dan originally won a spa gift certificate, but luckily it was stolen and he got a mini portable generator. I won a camel back and gift certificate to REI and the boys got some new books even though they slept through the Jr. Division.

Puppy Love

The boys are fascinated by Bella, Dan's parents' dog. Luckily she's already been "child-broken" by the two nieces because Seth especially doesn't understand the concept of soft and kept pulling on her fur and ear.

A doggie treat was definitely earned here.

Ewwww, kisses. I wasn't fast enough since I was more interested in my Kodak moment. I'm just hoping that the adage that a dog's mouth is clean is actually true.

Seven Months

Seth loves that he doesn't have to be in the baby bath anymore. There is lots more splashing opportunity for him in the big tub.

I started bathing them together this week. Except for a few tip-overs and thus gulps of water they love it. They play in the water for about 20 minutes which makes their little toes all wrinkled. They've started fighting over toys, but mostly they just grab things from each other and the other will either grab it back or find something else. I don't know if I should try and discipline them or be glad that it doesn't make them cry. At least they'll be ready for nursery.

Dan starts them out young watching sports on TV. (Seth)

They've eaten everything I've given without much trouble but we have officially found a food that they hate- avocados. I mashed some up for breakfast and Brad hated it so much that you forced himself to throw-up. It was so funny that I made Dan turn on the camcorder for one more bite. The rest of the day they'd hardly eat anything I gave them, apparently I'd lost their trust for the day.

Brad playing

Seth and Brad playing together.

Christmas Excitement

It's a bit out of focus because they're still unstable when they sit, but you can tell how much they like the lights.

If they look big to you in this picture, that's because they are. They had an appointment with the doctor yesterday and Seth is 95% for height and 90% for weight and Brad is 90% for height and 75% for weight. We may just have some basketball players on our hands.

The Saratoga Springs fire and police departments brought Santa to the local park. I was finishing up my run when I saw Santa and couldn't pass up the photo opportunity, so I brought the boys out in the cold to meet the jolly man.

Oh, no! We're in trouble if Brad already knows this response and can't even talk yet!!

Six Months Old

After nearly three weeks of practice they finally have the sippy cup down. (Seth)

The boys are almost able to sit up on their own and Seth is obviously very excited about it, but...

they still tip over...

with the inevitable face plant.

Brad's a tired pooch.

Taking after his namesake, here Seth is reading his cat book, try to be impressed even though the book is upside down. :)

Too precious not to take a picture. Brad and his daddy taking a Sunday nap.

Santa

The boys met Santa Clause this morning!! Every year Grandma Stapleton buys Christmas shirts and takes the grandkids to visit Santa. Brad was fascinated with his beard and we could hardly get him to turn his head to face the camera. Seth was lucky enough to be next to the jingle bells and that kept his attention.

Christmas Preparations

The boys weren't much help putting up the Christmas tree, but they did enjoy watching.

We went to a Christmas concert at the Tabernacle on Temple Square with Grandma and Grandpa Ogilvie. Brad was really tired and didn't like having to wear his hat.

Seth had a much better attitude. They actually both did very well considering it was after their bedtime. We didn't get a chance to look at many lights, but I think they'll be more interested next year.

Jungle Jim's Playland

With all this baby gear I'm starting to feel like I live at Jungle Jim's Playland

I brought out the exersaucers this week and they were a big hit. The boys especially love the vantage point of a standing position. Here Brad is putting a toy in his mouth, this is what happens to everything he gets his hands on.

We started the boys on solid foods last week on their six month birthday. They're good eaters and have eaten the applesauce, pears, peaches, sweet potatos, and squash. I'm hopeful this pattern will continue and they won't be picky eaters like their father is.

We're six months old but wearing lots of 12 month clothes!!

Bathtime is still a favorite. Here's Seth living it up.

Overalls

Seth just looks like a little boy and not a baby. Give it up for tennis shoes.

I really love these overalls now that the boys can fit into them. A thank you to the Bakers staff in Omaha :)

On your marks, get set, oh wait, we can't crawl yet.

Does anyone know a modeling agency with ties to REI? Just kidding.

Halloween and other fun pictures

Seth was a brown bear for Halloween and Brad was a polar bear. I thought they were adorable, so it will be hard to top the cuteness level next year.

Brad

Seth

Brad must think he lives in a day spa! But I guess he has the right idea because being a baby certainly is a pampered life. Someone prepares all your meals, does your shopping, and arranges your entertainment and social life.