Merry Christmas

What a wonderful weekend! Christmas morning was my favorite, I loved that it was just us. Ty caught on really quick how to open his gifts and the reaction to every present was absolutely priceless! He couldn't open his gifts fast enough, it was so much fun! We also got to talk/skype my twin sisters and little brother that are all serving missions right now, it's always special to here a missionary's testimony, it makes me want to be a better person.

We were also able to spend time with both sides of the family which makes things really nice for both of us. There is nothing better than being with your family during this time of year. I have been feeling blessed in a lot of areas in my life, lately I have been feeling especially grateful for my healthy little family. It's still crazy to me that we have two boys, but I am so thankful we do because I couldn't imagine my life without either of them.

Happy Holidays!

18 months

Ty becoming 18 months old has been such a wonderful thing, and for many reasons. One of the best changes is he can go to Nursery! I don't know how we did it for 5 months having both babies the full block, especially Ty, he is so busy! The first time we took him, I went in with him and he didn't even look back to see if I was still there. He is one independent dude, I love it! Another thing is how quickly he is learning. If I say "ready, set" he says "go!" Or I say "one, two" and he says "three!" He is learning what different animals say; cow "moo", doggy "huff huff" and monkey "oooh oooh." He is also getting better with words, he can say; "mom, dad, go, three, hi, bye, ball, yah, shoe, up please (pup peas), wow" His main way of communicating is shaking his head up and down really slowly and saying "yaaah" It is the cutest thing! Ty understands almost anything I say to him. He hates to go into "time out" but its been pretty effective discipline wise. He loves to get his shoes when I say lets go bye bye, he will get diapers, my phone and remotes for me when I ask, he loves to read books but only if he can turn the pages and read all by himself!

He has finally started being nice to his little brother! When Gabe cries he will run over and rub his head or tummy and say "shh", which is a lot better than him laughing at him or hitting like before! He loves to gives kisses, especially to Gabe. He will smack his lips twice and then kiss him. Another big change is I got rid of his binky, on accident. I was boiling his binkies in hot water one morning to sanitize but I forgot about them so they melted to the pot. He did really good the first few days but then for a couple of weeks he had a really hard time. He still looks for it when I lay him down, but he is getting better at not throwing fits anymore. Ty has the most contagious laugh, he makes me smile so many times during the day. I haven't been able to work out that much lately, but chasing him around and cleaning up his messes all day should be able to count for something! He makes life exciting and I love being his mom.

Oh I lost his exact stats but it went something like this:

Weight: 15%

Height: 15%

Head: 80%

... a real life bobble head!! ... and the cutest one ever!

BFA Show

This is a long overdue shout-out to my amazing husband for putting on his BFA (Bachelor in Fine Arts) Show! He is basically graduated, just needs to finish his website, and I am still trying to talk him into walking in the Spring. Tens of thousands of years going to UVU (really 8 years on and off, but still) and changing your major five times calls for a big celebration! This needs to happen!

At his Art Show he displayed 6 caricatures and 6 portraits. This is a caricature of my Uncle Craig who started Gandolfos, this was one of my favorites! The detail in the background and props are a lot of fun, especially the dead Yankee player that he is stepping on, GO METS! :)

I am so proud of Dan for finally getting here! It has been amazing to watch him grow and improve with every picture he has drawn and painted. Just when I think he can't get any better he does! I am also happy that I don't have to deal with having an art studio in my front living room anymore, but I am more happy that all his hard work is paying off and that he was able to share this wonderful talent with family and friends.