Continuing the recap of the last few weeks.....

We hosted the annual Ganey Family Country Christmas in Wisconsin this year. I’m pretty sure that every one had as much fun as we did. The girls couldn’t wait for the party to start, and Maggie even exclaimed as she waited (not so patiently) “What is WITH these people” To her, the house was clean, the food was ready, SHE was ready, so she could not wait even a minute longer for the guests to arrive. Katherine was happy for the general chaos of the party which created enough distraction that her parents didn’t exactly realize how many cookies she was eating. As I tucked her in to bed that night and asked her how many cookies she had tried, she smiled guiltily and said “Mommy, I don’t even think I could count that high!” She's using the beer cooler as a stage in this picture, cookie in hand.

On Christmas Eve, we were grateful for rain instead of snow. Last year the snow kept our guests from celebrating with us. This year, we pulled out our rowboats and everyone was able to come. We had Italian - pasta, salad, bread, veggies – and it was delicious. It’s always a treat for me to see Chris’ grandparents with the girls. We are so lucky to be able to share those moments. After dinner, Chris’ Mom (Boom Boom) joined us at church, where she sang with Chris for 5pm Mass. Then it was home to leave out a snack for Santa and hurry to bed so he could come. Maggie really enjoyed watching Santa’s progress across the globe thanks to NORAD. She was a little sad that Santa hadn’t arrived in Brazil before she went to bed, but was relieved to check in on Christmas Morning and see that he HAD made it there, as well as across the whole globe.

I was surprised that they slept until 0615 on Christmas, delightfully surprised! And even better, they woke Boom Boom before Mommy and Daddy! After I came down to check, the girls ran downstairs to see what treats Santa had left. Maggie was pretty excited about her Jewelry box (to replace the egg carton that had held her jewels) Katherine loved her ‘Super Why’ Computer, and Abby seemed pleased to eat wrapping paper. Oh, and she loved her new stroller, but maybe not Katherine’s driving skills. The whole family was excited to see that Santa brought us a Wii.

We spent the rest of Christmas traveling to Evanston for more family time. There's never a shortage of laughter when we gather with all of the Geraghtys. It was a wonderful Christmas in every way.

Let's attempt to catch up before the new year.....to do that we go back in time about 2/12 weeks. (sorry about weird formatting, not sure what is happening, but I give up trying to fix it!)

Sunday December 13 was the feast of St Lucia. Chris had taken the girls to the Public Museum a week or so before that, and found a special exhibit on the Christmas traditions of other countries. In Sweeden, the feast of St Lucia is celebrated by having the oldest daughter wake the rest of the family with cookies. Maggie thought this was a fabulous idea, and so, (with a LITTLE help from Daddy) she brought us cookies and water to our beds that morning. It was a special treat.

Friday, the 18^th was CHRISTMAS CONCERT DAY! Katherine’s was in the morning, Maggie’s in the afternoon. It was quite an exciting day. I won’t bore you with pictures (that didn’t really turn out anyway) the links to the videos are here...Maggie and Katherine

That night, after concerts, Chris and I found the girls playing on the stairs. They took many of their “guys” and lined them up on “risers” so they could conduct their own concert. It was so sweet and cute. We’ve since had multiple other concerts, always WITH risers (apparently it’s not a legitimate concert unless you use risers) using either the stairs or the various stepstools in the house. It might be Maggie and Katherine giving the concert, or “Little People” and “Pet Shop” characters – but it’s always amusing.

And Abby has not been forgotten in this craziness. She turned 8 months on the 21st- so big! She is such a treat. She’s so easy-going and happy. We are so lucky. Her latest accomplishment is “talking” I have some video that I will try to post soon, but obviously she doesn’t TALK, but if she hears you clear your throat, she does the same, over and over again. Sometimes she’ll respond to other noises, but she seems to enjoy the throat clearing the most. She sits up all by herself, and will sit and play for long stretches of time. She still doesn’t like to spend too much time on her belly, She prefers to sit on her bottom and throw herself forward to reach things, scooting along as needed.She's also trying more "big kid" food. Here she enjoys a graham cracker.
Up next....The Christmas report......

I wasn't planning a blog post for today, but when I found this and snapped the picture, I figured I'd better post before the moment was lost!

This is what I found, propped outside the door to my room. Maggie is inside my room, napping. Apparently she does not want to be disturbed. (If you can't see it, she wrote "do not awake") Grammar aside, she is one smart and funny kid! And I won't wake her, or her sisters. They all stayed home sick today, Abby truly sick with snot/low grade fever and irritability. Maggie and Katherine stayed home because they have messy/sloppy colds/coughs and I can't trust their personal hygiene. I wish other parents would do the same so that we could STOP GETTING SICK!

This picture of Abby was taken earlier this week when she was feeling fine. She was happy as could be, playing with her toys as I worked around her. And she just had the duck in her mouth like it was no big deal, sort of "Hey, I've got a duck in my mouth, what's so wrong with that?" She'd move from toy to toy, but that silly duck stayed in her mouth the whole time! In other Abby news, she tried Cheerios and fruit puffs this week. She doesn't quite have the skills to grasp and maneuver into her mouth, but if you put it in her mouth, she's happy to devour. And it's cute to hear her 2 little teeth bite and crunch!

I don't have a new picture of Katherine, but I always have a story about her. She LOVES to play with her Little People. She takes all of the sets and creates cities and tells very interesting stories for them. The other morning, she and Chris had the following conversation:

K:Daddy, it's this girl's birthday today (holding up a plastic figure)

C:Great Katherine, how old is she today?

K:I don't know (with attitude of , silly Daddy how would I know such a thing?)

C:I thought you were that girl's Mommy?

K: (Now fully exasperated) No, Daddy! I'm just the one who makes them talk!

Where do they come up with these things?

A month. Wow. It's been a full month since I posted. No excuses, just life getting in the way.

Katherine and I went to Zoo School - "Apes and Monkeys" - It was fun as usual. Do you know the difference between an Ape and a Monkey? Monkeys have tails - notice Katherine's here.

We ran to Evanston on the Friday before Thanksgiving to bid Joe and Brenda "Bon Voyage!" It was great to see them, and also the Iowa cousins and the rest of the family as well. Katherine was especially sad that we didn't get to sleep overnight, but we had much to accomplish that weekend! (and there was no room at the "Inn.")

The next day we had Maggie's Birthday Party. She and her best friend Lauren shared the party with 5 of their friends at a local Gymnastics Gym. A good time was had by all, and for her first "real" party it was super easy for the adults - just bring the cake, nothing else - It was perfect!
Abby also celebrated her 7 month birthday. And by celebrated I mean, had her picture taken a few times and probably took a few naps. I try to keep up, but it's usually Maggie who reminds us of the date!

I just love this picture of Katherine after her school's Thanksgiving Feast.
Our favorite little Turkey before heading to Gram and PopPop's for Thanksgiving.
Abby spent a fair amount of time playing with her Uncle Matt's beard the day after Thanksgiving in West Bend. She's not used to facial hair. She was intrigued, not scared a bit!
Her other favorite pastime these days - reaching into her basket and choosing her own toys. She's a girl who knows what she wants!
Sometimes she looses her balance though! This picture was taken just after I found her face first into her basket. She lifted her head as I snapped the picture, but she had flopped over and was face-first and content when I found her!
And, last but not least, here you see Abby enjoying the first real snowfall since the day she was born.(If you recall is snowed the day she was born and was 80 degrees on the day we brought her home!) Katherine, no surprise, felt that pants were optional in the snow and that sunglasses were most appropriate accessory that day.
It is possible that Katherine had her glasses on to protect her eyes. She was home sick that day due to pink eye. Abby had it 2 weeks prior with a bad cold, then Maggie had it, then Katherine, and finally this weekend, Mom and Dad got it too. Seriously, I realize we're only just this week getting our first real snow of the season, and spring is a LONG way off - but we've had so many different illnesses in this house , I am ready for Winter to be DONE! I truly think we have only had 2 consecutive days of all 5 family members healthy since September!

So now we're on to Christmas....Cards, parties, school programs, cookies, shopping. The tree is up and the girls are having a blast playing with our Nativity pieces and ornaments. It's not unusual to overhear conversations between Jesus and Mary, Santa and Angels, or Joseph and Rudolph these days. All of the characters play together and the stories they create are ridiculous and so cute! Even though they are testing our patience daily- Christmas is a magical time with little kids!

Dear Maggie,

As we sat on the floor playing with Abby tonight, you climbed into my lap and said, "Mommy, I was your first baby." And it struck me that yes, you were my first baby, and you have taught me so much in 6 years. How is it that you are no longer a baby, but a bright, happy, funny, sensitive 6 year old?

I still remember bringing you home from the hospital, and putting your car seat on the floor in the living room, and then looking at Daddy and saying "Now what?" We had waited so long to have you there with us, but had no idea what to do with you!

Of course, you made it clear that you wanted to be fed, changed, snuggled, and fed again. And even today, you generally have no problem telling us what you want or need. You have really taught me most of what I know about being a Mom. Sure, Katherine and Abby have contributed, but you were my first baby, you still are my first baby, and I love you so much.

I am so proud of you at 6 years old. You are smart; not only reading well beyond your age, but so inquisitive and interested in every little thing around you. You seem to have a photographic memory as you never forget a single detail. And you like details, and organization, you're very much like Daddy that way. You are also very social - much like me. You want to be everyone's friend. I think that every day you have a story about a new friend, or can tell me that 'so and so' lives on this street, or gets off the bus here, or has 3 sisters, or went on vacation. You know everything about every one, and you care about all of them, worrying about them when they aren't at school, or when they get in trouble.

Most of all though, you are an amazing big sister. Certainly there are days when you fight with Katherine, or whine about having to run and fetch things for Abby. But, overall you are a wonderful big sister. I love watching you read stories to Katherine, or invite her to play with you. I love listening to you talk to each other before you go to sleep at night. I can't usually hear what you're really saying, but I know you're chatting, sharing that special sister time before sleep. And you are so gentle with Abby. She loves it when you bring her toy and make her smile and laugh. She watches you and looks for you when she hears your voice. You take care of your sisters, and it makes me smile.

When you were a baby, Maggie, I used to sing "You are My Sunshine" all the time. You ARE my sunshine, you make me happy (almost) everyday! I thank God for sending you to me 6 years ago. I love you so very much, Happy Birthday baby girl!

What have we been up to?

We carved pumpkins, and used Princess Potato Head props for the ones too small for carving.
We went away for one night to a waterpark hotel with an arcade. No good pool shots, but here you see Maggie trying her best to win tickets for prizes.
We wore Abby out!

But then she finally figured out how to sit up on her own!

We enjoyed Halloween, though we only had one family come to trick-or-treat at our house!

And the big girls went to the "Imagination Movers" concert. It was ridiculously fun for kids and adults. We ALL had a great time. Tomorrow my baby turns 6, where have the years gone?

It’s Abby’s birthday! Well, half- birthday anyway, 6 months already!?!? She’s celebrating today with a stuffy nose thanks to her sisters. Oh I know I can’t really blame them, but it’s more fun that way! Abby really doesn’t mind the snottiness, she fussed a few times in the night – but nothing major.

She’s very excited about her new tooth. How do I know? Well, because she’s constantly trying to feel it by shoving her hands and feet into her mouth every chance she gets. And she’s blowing raspberries during most of her waking hours. You really need a warning to be near her “You may get wet, possibly soaked on this ride!”

When she isn’t blowing raspberries, she is shrieking like a seagull. Honestly it’s cute and funny….until it gets old! She is LOUD! But she’s happy about it – it’s the best way she has to convey her enjoyment of the craziness around her.

She isn’t sitting on her own yet, but she is almost there. And she still doesn’t like to roll from her front to her back, but she CAN do it when she tries hard enough. More likely

though, you’ll find her scooting across the room by kicking/thrashing her legs while on her back. Last night she almost bumped her head on the doorway because I hadn’t realized she was THAT mobile with her body thrusting. It’s an interesting way to get around, for sure!The giggles and laughing are contagious. I’m not sure there is anything better than all three girls giggling –each making the other two giggle even harder. Never a dull moment around here!

I think I said to myself 3 or 4 times yesterday, "Gotta put this on the blog." Some days are like that.Friday night was an adventure for sure. Maggie was so thrilled to take us to school for Family Fun Night/Halloween Party. She really wanted to show us everything in her classroom, but of course, the classrooms were off-limits during the party! She was super excited to see her friends from school - and in costumes, too! I got a kick out of all the little kids running to her shrieking "MAGGIE'S HERE!" It was just fun to see her in this new environment. (Also can't wait to be in her classroom on Thursday to observe even more!) Anywho. We didn't stay too long, but long enough to play a few games, let Maggie join the Kindergarten Costume Parade, and see friends. Look how Maggie is correctly playing the game int he picture below. A ping pong ball balanced on a wooden spoon. Then check out Katherine's technique in the next picture!

Cheating! But much more efficient!

When we got home, it was right to bed - with a stop in the bathroom for business and teeth brushing of course. While brushing, Maggie got a funny look on her face and exclaimed "MY TOOTH!" Her bottom left tooth had come out. Could life get any better than a fun night at school followed by her 2nd tooth coming out? I think not! So an envelope was found, a note written, the tooth was tucked under her pillow, and the generous Tooth Fairy brought $2 during the night.

(interesting to note that she lost the same tooth that Abby is getting!)

Yesterday was just a lazy Saturday - PERFECT! The girls played in the morning, happy to NOT be rushing to eat, get dressed, and out the door for school or church. While they were playing, I overhead Katherine pretending with her Little People, and one was telling the other "God says it's OK to hit, so I'm going to hit you now." What? I try not to intervene too often, but this was one time I could not hold back. Where does she get this stuff?

After naps, we decided to venture out to find some pumpkins suitable for carving. Since both girls have had trips to the pumpkin farm with school, we didn't think we needed a full family trip was well. But the pumpkins they brought home from their trips are not large enough to carve. So we went to the local farm stand and got 2 nice-sized pumpkins. Katherine was disappointed when we got home and left them outside. "I want to chop them up now!" We told her we'd CARVE them next week - closer to Halloween.

We had to drive past Maggie's school to find out pumpkins. And of course, she was excited to see it and point out the playgrounds. Here's how she described it."See, that's my playground. I have to stay there on that one, because I'm in Kindergarten. But, if we have outside gym, then we can play on the other one. But at recess, that one is only for the 1st graders, and the second grades, and, well, you know, all the graders. The graders can use that playground, but we have to stay on ours, because we're just in Kindergarten." Credit to Chris for not driving off the road during that explanation!

And so that's it. I've tried to upload pictures to go with this post, but it's given me an error message 4 times. Sigh. Abby's fussing for lunch, and Katherine's flopped on the couch. It seems she's decided to be sick now. Never a dull moment!

*Pictures finally worked! Hooray!*

A post in pictures, it's the only way to cover three weeks without crying!

First it was off to the Farm with Katherine's preschool. She loved every minute. She thought the school bus was awesome, and loved petting all of the animals. Well, not the goats, especially the one who almost knocked her over while she was petting a different one. We chose 2 tiny pumpkins from the field and all in all it was a great day!

I found a pair of Maggie's old overalls while switching clothes from summer to winter. (side note that managing the wardrobe for 3 little girls in this ever changing climate is a challenge!) She loves them, and is able to slide out of them independently for bathroom trips. But, she calls them "overalls-es." One day, Abby and Katherine were BOTH in "overallses" and she demanded a picture while holding Abby - because they matched. How could I object?

We brought the high chair up from the basement for Abby because it was getting too hard to sit on the floor and feed her in the bouncy seat. She has decided that she LOVES to eat. However, her flailing arms and erratic head movement make it difficult to simply feed her. It's more like a game of how to keep her from moving so the food gets IN her mouth. Honestly last week I let her play with her toes, because as she would open her mouth to put her toes in, I could block the toes and get the spoon in first. Fun times!
Last weekend (10/4) as I was getting ABby dressed, I realized I had grabbed this outfit without even thinking about it. All I wanted was a dress with long sleeves. But it is so much more than that. Mike chose this outfit for Maggie as a gift for her first Christmas. He got a matching outfit for cousin Zoe,and I remember Rita laughing at how he was scandalized at how much one little outfit, for one little baby, could cost. And yet, he had to have all the matching pieces to make it a complete look. Maggie was such a peanut that it took until Easter for her to fit into the outfit. He saw Maggie and Katherine wear it, but not Abby. It still just hits you sometimes how unfair it is, and how much I miss him.

Spontaneous sisters pictures here.
This one cracks me up. Very often, as we wait for Maggie to come home, Katherine wants to DO something. On days when she doesn't nap, or thinks 30 minutes is enough nap, she often wants to make cookies. Not great for my waistline, but an easy project and fun for all. On this particular day, I let her lick the beater. I went to move laundry and it occurred to me that she was still licking her beater and hadn't asked me to put it in the sink yet. When I went back to look, I saw why.
Sure she had licked her beater, but then she dipped in for more to eat!

Another picture of Overalls-es here. This one is great - Meg gave me this outfit for Maggie. But because she was such a squirt, she didn't fit into the corduroy pants in the appropriate season. I held onto them, and then Katherine wore the outfit, and now Abby. Note that Abby is getting so big! Hard to believe next week is 6 months already! She's cutting her first tooth, too!
Later that evening, Chris brought up the "Johnny Jump Up" Hilarity ensued. Abby giggled and laughed more than ever, which made the girls fall over laughing as well. Simple pleasures!
Last weekend we went to Green Bay for the day to see friends. It was cold (and snowy on the drive up) but the sun was bright, so we ventured out to a Wildlife Sanctuary. The kids favorite part was feeding the ducks. I was NOT thrilled but they mostly just waddled around eating the corn that was given to them. Katherine didn't like to feel the duck actually eating from her hand, so she would throw the corn, and then clap for the ducks when they ate it off of the ground.
Other tidbits...

Maggie's first parent teacher conference went well. She passed all of her intake screening with flying colors and was tested by the reading specialist to place her in the appropriate group for her advanced reading skills. She'll be her own group since there are no other students in either class at her level. Mrs Potter says she's a joy to have in class. We're just a little proud of her.

We've all had some form of the bug that hit Maggie so hard. I think we might just be seeing the end of it now - with me. I'll be glad to have everyone healthy again!

Abby rolled front to backa few times the other day. She still doesn't do it often enough - usually getting stuck on her front and just getting mad, but she's working on it.

And how about a few Katherine-isms?

After fighting with me about needing to wear a coat this week "When can it be summer again?"

In Green Bay, looking at fish in a tank, Ryan(5yrs) said jokingly "I think those fish like to eat Katherines!" She didn't miss a beat before saying dismissively, "Nope, they eat Maggies"

Driving with Chris, she pointed out that it was the same highway to go to Boom Booms. He reminded her that it was also the way to Great Great Art and Edna's, Phil and Steph's (in Green Bay,) Grandma Arline, and Gram and PopPop were just the other direction. She thought for a minute before asking "Why doesn't Great Great Arline have a boy too?"

I'm sure there are a million more stories to share, but this post is too long, the girls are done with naps, and my fingers are cold from typing. Time to snuggle and read stories until Maggie gets off the bus!