Mr. Mustache

I love it when Zeke gets into things. Okay, not usually, but there are the times when he comes up with something funny and that makes the other times tolerable. Today pulled a chair into the kitchen so he could get at the painters tape. But he seemed to have premeditated a little blue mustache, and was quite proud of the results.

Great Grandma Love

These two have always had a special relationship, they both seem to light up around each other.

Train Basket Train

Because sometimes it's not enough to play with your train track pieces. Sometimes you just want to pour them out on the floor and climb aboard your very own basket train.

Lincoln Photo of the Day

I love how his little cheeks are filling out!

Tree Trimming

I just love watching Ezekiel discover Christmas. At six months he wasn't very aware of much of it. At a year and a half he was blown away by the lights. This year he is noticing everything. When we are out driving after dark he tries to tell us to turn around if he sees any Christmas lights.

Tonight we got out the Christmas box and little trees and let him decorate one all by himself. And he did a great job! Granted, we kept all the glass ornaments put away and there was that moment when he discovered that candy canes are CANDY!

The Great Pumpkin

This fall when we visited the pumpkin patch, I happened to mention to Robb that I was going to make pumpkin pies out of whatever he selected. So, I guess it should not have surprised me that he chose the largest pumpkin he could find. And tonight was the night. Ezekiel got to help remove the goopy insides and bake the seeds. Even with our larger kettle, it took hours to get it all cooked. And it made SO much puree. Our freezer is now comfortably stocked for a long time!

Lincoln Photo of the Day

Little Lincoln looking pensive at three months. Thanks for shooting these, Jesse!

Giving Thanks

Zeke patiently awaits his dinner.

Lincoln makes eyes at Jesse.

We had nearly the perfect Thanksgiving dinner. Robb and I aren't really into the traditional Thanksgiving foods, so opted for something a little different. Jesse and Rachel made all the fixings for veggie tacos and I whipped up a batch of chocolate cream puffs.

Jesse brought his photography equipment to capture some Coffee family photos. (Rachel excels as his on-site assistant, by the way.) Our rascally little Zeke was desperate to get his hands on the photo gear.

Hammer Time

We've been working on a little remodel project. It involves ripping out the unnecessary vanity in the master bedroom and replacing it with a closet! Pretty exciting, right? I was determined to do the whole project myself, but I ended up getting help from a couple of my guys.

Okay, so I pretty much needed Robb for all the heavy demo work and then again for all of the plumbing cleanup. And then again for the electrical... So, you get the point. Then Zeke discovered the stash of tools in the corner of the bedroom and it has been unending tool time ever since.

Chocolate Fiend

Robb has been installing some child locks on a few of the cabinets and drawers. The knife drawer, for instance. But I was certain that there was nothing of interest in this particular cupboard, given that it was full of paper plates and napkins.

I guess I forgot the stash of tea and drinking chocolate in the back. This little rascal took it upon himself to open each section and get a small nibble.

Lincoln Photo of the Day

Lincoln looks so grown up in his little button down.

Pepper's House

Today's was a grand occasion, as we got to join the Fackenthalls for lunch in their NEW HOUSE! We've all been looking forward to this for some time. Pepper was quite the little hostess, showing Zeke how to play on the stairway. Though a full year younger, she is the stair master of the two. Can't wait to spend many more memorable times in this new home.

Date Night!

We actually went out for dinner tonight. It was a thing of beauty. Full disclosure, it was the annual CMBell holiday dinner, but that totally counts. We got to go to Whitehouse Crawford and enjoyed a wonderful meal with great company. Zeke was not excited about us leaving in the evening, but since he had Mishayla with him, he wasn't going to complain.

Lincoln Photo of the Day

Just lounging in his sweats.

Lil' Juicer

Zeke has discovered a new passion. We let him (while heavily supervised) process tonight's batch of juice. He just couldn't get enough of the machine that munches fruits and veggies and delivers juice and pulp.

3 Months Old

Little Lincoln is three months old today. I have to say, this last month has been SO much better than the previous two. After very poor weight gain and switching between medications and dosages for acid reflux, we seem to have some measure of stability now. At his last appointment a few weeks ago, he had made it up to the 50th percentile for weight.

Some of my favorite things about Linc:

• His big sparkly eyes. He can make them look so sad, but when he smiles they truly sparkle.
• That little lower lip pout. It is too precious...
• He tries to talk. It's all coo and agoo, but he is so earnest.
• How he will follow you with his eyes till you look at him, then bust out a smile.
• His crazy, spiky hair. (His epic cradle cap—not so much.)
• He sleeps through the night sometimes now!
• That he is totally content all the time. If you are holding him.
• How he tries to help hold his bottle in his clammy little hands.
• He can practically stand up on his own and is always trying.
• How he is completely enchanted with his big brother. Though the feeling is not quit mutual yet.

Boots

I love that living in the "country" requires the whole family to have a good pair of boots. We wear them every day!

Juice Fast—Day 10

Jess: So, this was my last day of the ten day fast. In general, not too bad of an experience. Some observations:

• Anyone can do this, but some prep work helps
• Start juicing casually at first—maybe just for supper for a few weeks
• This would be ideal in the summer when there is more fresh produce available
• Try to avoid any ten days when there will be parties or events
• It is much easier to do this with a partner
• Don't drink the same juice every day, mix it up!
• Keep getting your juice, I had two days where I didn't want anything, and I think that might be a quick way to kill your metabolism
• Ease back into solids, trust me, your stomach with thank you

Energy Level: great
Pounds Lost: 6
Crankiness: none

Juice Fast—Day 9

Jess: Oddly enough, I'm feeling more tempted now than I was in the early stages of the fast. The smell of bread is overwhelming. I already have my first meal planned. And no, it isn't cheesy or creamy or buttery. It's a salad. I can't wait, and I only have one more day to go!

Energy Level: great
Pounds Lost: 5
Crankiness: a low simmer

Getting Outdoors

Today we had a nice break from the cold, so while I was at work, the boys got to go to the park!

Juice Fast—Day 8

Jess: Today we hosted a big birthday party, so there were lots of delectable temptations. I thought about ending the juice fast when I saw all of the food coming in, but since I hadn't determined to do so earlier, I thought a snap decision like that would just be giving up.There were some great fruit and veggie leftovers though, so tonight I had some especially nice varieties of juice.

Energy Level: normal
Pounds Lost: 5
Crankiness: a little

Juice Fast—Day 7

Jess: For some reason I had a hard time getting any juice down today. I had lots of tea and water, and only a few glasses of juice. I hope that is okay.

Energy Level: normal
Pounds Lost: 5
Crankiness: none

Lincoln Photo of the Day

Lincoln is the absolute happiest when he is on his changing table. He talks and smiles all the while (okay, mostly only after he has a dry diaper) and is so cute. Remember when Zeke wore this outfit?

Zeke Photo of the Day

Taking a bite of pumpkin. Not as good as it looks.

Zeke is so cute when he is all ready for church with his clean clothes and his combed hair. It doesn't usually last very long so we have to snap a few photos.