Delenn chats with her giraffe

Logan like his new blanket.

Oh the doctor will listen to your heart...

The Kids Enjoy their New Toys

Logan has been thoroughly enjoying his new toys and movies. Aunt Wendy
and Uncle Joe sent lots and lots of DVDs and Logan has already watched
the "scary train movie" -- The Polar Express (a Christmas movie), Baby
Einstein On the Go, Veggie Tales, and some Scholastic stories. He
spends countless hours playing with his cars & trucks, and playing
'guns' with his electric drill (a noisy toy with lights that flash) and
water guns from Santa.

About four weeks ago, Delenn had her two-month old shots. One of the
long lasting effects of that visit has been Logan's obsession with the
"doctor book." For weeks we've been reading the "What to Expect at the
Doctor's" (a children's book by the same authors of "What to Expect
When You're Expecting" that answers questions such as what is a
doctor/nurse? What is a doctor's office? Why do doctors listen to my
heart? And, what happens at a checkup?) Every nap and every night he
asks for that book. To help the parents avoid mind-numbing boredom, we
bring in the doctor's kit that Grams and Gramps gave Logan -- and give
him a thorough checkup. And, we've devised a new song to the tune of
"She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain"

"Oh the doctor will be checking you real soon... etc."

or

"Oh the doctor will be looking in your ears... etc."

and on and on

Delenn has been enjoying herself these days too. She has learned the
art of grabbing toys and her shirts and bringing them to her mouth. She
plays a lot with her new puppy toy, a soft doll and her hanging toys.

Delenn enjoys the new entertainment available at the changing table.

Daddy and Delenn

Merry Christmas giggles and fun!

Liesl finished making Logan and Delenn's stockings around 1am, but
luckily this still left enough time for Santa to come by and fill
everyone's stockings. Both Logan and Delenn slept in this morning.
What a great present for the parents. Delenn often gets up between 5:30
and 6:30am but today didn't get up until 7am. Logan got up about twenty
minutes later. Logan was happy to see that Santa had eaten the cookies
and milk he had left and the reindeer ate the carrot. He immediately
started opening his gifts from Santa. When Logan pulled out the little
candy cane, we told him he couldn't eat it until after breakfast. All
gift opening ended as Logan RAN to his chair to eat breakfast! Delenn
crashed out for a nap, so there's a lull in the activity for the moment.

Delenn gave us the nicest Christmas present. In addition to sleeping
late, she was watching Logan jump on the trampoline and giggled
hysterically. That was Delenn's first laugh!

Delenn watches Logan dig into his stocking.

Delenn checks out her duckie from Santa.

Christmas morning after Santa came for a visit.

Logan leaves cookies and milk for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer.

A view through the window shows Logan on the trampoline and Noel making Delenn giggle.

I'm Dreaming of a Brown Christmas

Well, wouldn't you know it. Today is Christmas Eve day and besides
getting into the festive spirit, we headed off for Logan's life-saving
swimming lessons (not to be confused with his normal swimming lessons).
Dad and Logan got to the town pool first and were surprised to see about
10 people there, 7 of which were lifeguards. It was extremely windy
and a large dust storm had engulfed itself upon the town. You couldn't
even see the close-by MacDonnell mountain ranges as there was a strong
brown hazy fog throughout. We got in the pool and had fun for awhile,
albeit the wind and dust blocked enough of the sun to make it quite
chilly out! Amazing when considering that the previous week saw
temperatures averaging at least 100 degrees fahrenheit. Logan still
enjoyed himself immensely through chattering teeth and loved to go under
the water to touch his hands & bum on the bottom of the pool. About 40
minutes later (and now in the toddler pool) Dad kept Logan occupied by
throwing his watch to the other side and chasing Logan to go get it
first. This was a desperate attempt to keep him warm and active to
hopefully last through the swimming class with Mom. Unfortunately it
wasn't to be... by the time we got in the big pool and started the
lesson, Logan only lasted about 5 minutes before hugging Daddy for dear
life and pleading to get out. Oh well, Logan was the only 'big kid'
attending the lesson anyway and everyone else had 1 year olds, so Logan
wouldn't have learned anything new anyhow. Off to the men's room to get
out of the wind and into warm clothes, Logan then semi-successfully
completed using the urinal. I say semi because Logan indicated he was
all done, but then subsequently turned opposite the urinal, spread his
legs, and went some more on the floor. After cleaning him up and
letting Logan push the button to flush as per the usual, Dad started to
put Logan's pants on. As he was doing so, Logan said, "You know
Daddy." "Yes, what is it Logan?" Dad replied. "You are a very good
Dad." Well, in the way that it was said and in the way it was
impulsive and sincere sounding, it just warmed the cockles of Daddy's
heart and made him really proud. Yes, indeed, if we couldn't have a
white Christmas, then by golly we'd have a GREAT BROWN CHRISTMAS!

Not intentionally leaving out our Delenn from the day's news, but she's continuing to be the normal chatterbox of excited high-pitched coos and caws. It's a real delight to watch, especially when it normally includes a lot of smiles :-) She even did a great job for us while taking the 'kid-abhorrent' Christmas photos, some of which you can see below.

For the rest of the Christmas Eve day, our highlights will include our
traditional christmas cookie decorating, playing games, and eating a
wonderful Turkey dinner.

Delenn has suddenly gotten into TV watching after putting on the classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

Delenn shows her excitement for the holiday by giving us a rousing baby carol that sounds a bit like "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"

Mischevious little boy tries to lay it on thick with a 'sort-of' sheepish Christmas cheer.

The look of Christmas overload suddenly strikes both Logan and Delenn at the same time.

The DingoPack wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Happy Holidays!

All smiles as Logan strategizes on how he can cuddle with his baby Sister without making her cry.

Colorful Christmas colors of green and red. Do they clash? A few more years to go before we'll know for sure.

One of Santa's elves tries to make a fashion statement

Checking out the Christmas lights in Alice.

Bug traffic control experts are on the job!

Cute couple

Logan just barely can keep his head held up high after almost two hours of riding around town to see the xmas lights. Finally back at home, Logan gets a final look at our own front window lights before shutting his eyelids.

Logan and Daddy explored Alice by bike to see the festive lights of town.

Getting ready for the big Christmas lights bike ride with the mountain bike club.

The BIG Pool! Hah!

Last night Delenn went to bed at 5pm -- so she got up today at 5am.  It's a bit early for me, but on the other hand, it's nice to have some one on one time with her and an opportunity to use the computer without competing with Logan for the keyboard! 

 

For the most part Logan is pretty good with Delenn, though he often tries to talk to her and wake her.  I think he really wants a playmate out of her.  He likes interacting with her, but in a two-year old kind of way.  Yesterday when Mom was in the baby pool with Delenn he insisted on climbing in with us (even though there was a slightly larger pool right next to us.  (By baby pool--I mean the one that is just over a foot in diameter!! -- just imagine, Delenn, much of Mom’s legs AND Logan trying to compete for that water space!!)  Anyway, all three of us wound up in the pool that is 3 feet in diameter.  It's much more relaxing for me and Delenn to be in the backyard where I can put her in the water too--I'm still not quite ready to put her in the chlorinated water of the town pool (plus the water there is chillier). Oh, but back to Logan -- he was cute about wanting to drip water on Delenn's legs too, but after a while he was splashing more and more (not great stuff for Delenn). He wasn't being aggressive--just being two.  Delenn just takes it all in and isn't fussed.

 

At the moment, Delenn is in the activity chair beside me -- and boy is she squealing and having fun.  She's been grabbing the toys and pulling at them with one hand.  Then she lets go and uses the other hand.  It's amazing because I think just last week she grabbed a toy for the FIRST time. She also kicks her legs to watch the toys move.  All the while, she's squealing and smiling!  THAT is what makes it tolerable to be up at 5 am!!

 

Logan is insisting more and more on answering and talking on the telephone (to the point that he'll throw a temper tantrum if I don't let him talk!  Ugh.)  That's fine when it's Daddy, but not as much for other people!  On the other hand, he's getting really good at holding up his end of the conversation.  Yesterday, he told Tony that he had his friends over "but not Bradon."  He also said he played in the big pool (not quite accurate--see above!!!!)

 

Delenn's Bad Night

Mom and Logan are over the worst of their colds. Both still have a
runny nose, but the sore throat and headaches have mostly retreated.
Delenn never did get sick, though we had a terrible night on Monday.
Delenn woke up for a feed around 12:30am -- and then started crying and
screaming for much of the rest of the night. Mom tried to comfort her
by walking around, rocking, burping, etc. but none of the normal things
seemed to work. Around 1:30 or 2:00 Dad stepped in and was able to calm
her down. He held Delenn for several hours sitting upright in the
lounge chair. Then Mom stepped back in around 4am and held her until
6:00. She whimpered and cried through much of the night. We had her
checked out at the clinic, but they didn't have any good advice or
diagnosis for us. "Just one of those things," seemed to be the verdict.

By yesterday morning she was doing much better. She napped well -- and
went to bed at normal time (7pm) and slept until 5:45am which is normal
time for her. She's still been working hard to bat at and grasp at
toys. Her smiles and coos would just make your heart melt!

Meanwhile, Logan had his friends over today for a Christmas celebration.
We exchanged gifts and Logan was given some truck stickers, matchbox
cars and several books. Logan was excited to have his friends over for
a play. The moms enjoyed catching up.

On a sad note, Logan assumed his buddy Bradon would be coming too and
was a bit sad that he could not come. He knows Bradon lives in Texas,
but I don't think he understands the permanence of the move.

Well, Logan won't let me write any more. Hope you all enjoy the holidays
if we don't get a chance to write in the next few days.

MERRY CHRISTMAS (AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS) EVERYONE!

Three wise guys say "Einstein" and laugh hysterically.

Logan and his friends Steven, Nicholas and Holly celebrate Christmas a bit early by sharing gifts.

Don't interrupt my playtime!

Delenn concentrates hard to get her hand in the right position to grab a toy.

DingoDames get ready for the holidays.

Christmas Carnival on the Todd Mall... Logan was excited to board the elves' train for a ride.

The elves' Christmas train ride continues, but Logan wants to know just how to open the door.

Mr. Insightful

A Fierce Cold Hits the DingoDen!

 

And that’s not the kind of cold you all are experiencing!  Logan first, followed by Mommy and Delenn came down with a nasty cold that has us sniffing, coughing, aching and whining through the day and night.  Last night Logan cried out for Daddy – who wound up sleeping in bed next to Logan.  Meanwhile, Delenn woke up and coughed a bit.  Mommy wound up sleeping with Delenn in her arms in a chair from 1am to 6am.  On Tuesday we all went down for afternoon naps, though it’s clear Logan is still not feeling well as he spent nearly 45 minutes rolling around under the kitchen table crying and moaning after he woke up.

 

 

 

Delenn Meets Her Arms and Legs!

Delenn made a momentous leap this past week when she discovered she had
arms and legs that *DO* something! On Thursday (Dec. 8 -- just at 8
weeks of age), she grasped a toy for the first time and watched as it
moved around when she moved her hand. Imagine that! Then yesterday,
Saturday (Dec. 10) she spent a lot of time (20 minutes at a time?!) on
her play mat batting at the hanging toys and watching them swing.

Delenn's head strength has also improved greatly. We no longer have to
support her head as much. She even pulls her head forward off of the
back of the swing or car seat.

Delenn now coos and smiles in response to us. Logan will have a little
squealing conversation with Delenn. It's so cute to hear them cooing at
one another!

Last week, Delenn had her 2 month shots. She didn't have much of a
reaction (perhaps slept a bit more). She weighs 11 pounds now (having
gained 4 lbs since birth). That's right on target keeping her up in the
75th percentile or so for both weight and height.

Meanwhile, Logan has been doing his own momentous work at his swimming
lessons. Yesterday, for example, he wore goggles and swam under water
from his swim teacher to Tony. He loves jumping off the side of the
pool into the water. Yesterday his teacher had Logan jump off the side
of the pool (without being caught!), turn around as soon as he went
under the water (with help from Dad) and try to swim to the edge (again
with a guiding hand from Dad). Quite a number of people (not just his
doting parents!) have commented at how comfortable and happy Logan seems
in the water.

Some of Logan's favorite activities (at 26 months) is building with
blocks and/or legos, creating highways with his (many, many) trucks and
cars, playing with a Winnie the Pooh treehouse/furniture set and playing
outside with the water hose. As I think we mentioned before, Logan also
enjoys puzzles, games (like Cariboo and Hungry Hippos) and arts and
crafts.

On Friday was the end of term party for Kindermusik. Logan was very
excited that Santa came with a present for each child. He stood
patiently in line for quite a while. He was not shy or intimidated by
Santa and sat in his lap (all the while reaching for the bubbles in the
bag by Santa's side!) Then he even stood quietly next to Santa so that
Baby Delenn "wouldn't be afraid" (ie. so Mom could get a photo!!) Logan
is well aware of the festivities of Christmas and knows that Santa will
bring him gifts. Mom has been sewing a new stocking for Delenn -- and
explained that Delenn needs it so Santa can come on Christmas to bring
her some toys. Logan helped decorate the house and tree last weekend
and points out pictures of Santa throughout the neighborhood.

Yesterday, Dad and Logan went to the car races (Anunga Park Raceways).
They saw various cars, motorcycles and trucks speed along the track.
One even broke down in front of the bleachers where Logan and Daddy were
sitting. They saw the tow truck pull the car away. VERY exciting
indeed!! On a sad note, the announcer kept telling the audience that
Santa was on his way. Logan was VERY excited and they waited and waited
in the area where Santa was supposed to appear. The announcer said it'd
be after the next race (and the next and the next), but for some reason
Santa never showed before he and Daddy had to head home. Hopefully the
reindeer don't get lost on the way to our place on Christmas!

This was the last week for most of Logan's activities (Kindermusik,
Kindergym, and Playgroup are all on break for the summer holidays
(mid-December until school starts up in the beginning of February).

Well, we're going to wrap this up for now, though we have a few other
anecdotes we'd like to share... so we hope to update the blog again
soon.