Hood View

We decided to check out the Hood View church and saw some old friends. Zeke enjoyed story time with Sara Westermeyer (they give you goldfish crackers to eat!) and Lincoln even got to "ride" the camel.

What a great opportunity to get a shot of these four Coffee men, all looking so dapper. Zeke decided to pout for the picture, just because we asked him to smile. He required tickling.

Quick Trip

We got to make a run over to Portland this weekend to see Grandpa Robert and Grandma Eva! It was so much fun watching Zeke and his grandpa play. They are totally smitten with each other.

Zeke had a blast opening presents and snuggling with Madison and Julie too.

(Pops, thanks for sharing your pictures!)

"Helpful"

It really is my own fault. I left a paint tray on the kitchen counter while cleaning my brush. Zeke was literally three feet away from me dipping his fingers in the paint and I somehow didn't notice?!

We really need to do a project where he can paint something and get as messy as he needs to get. I think I have something in mind...

Christmas Dinner

We had such a fun evening at the Fackenthall's home. There was some incredible food and everything looked so lovely. And then they had a white elephant gift exchange, which ended up being really funny. Zeke had a blast playing with Pepper and getting to use markers and stamps.

Christmas Cuddles

Pepper is just too precious. She is really into babies right now, and was pretty excited about "holding" Lincoln. She did a great job and kept peppering him with kisses. I think they are going to be friends. I'm so glad Chelane got these photos. The first one brings tears to my eyes.

Merry Christmas from the Coffees!

We just wanted to take a moment and wish you all a very merry Christmas. This holiday season has been one of the most magical we have ever experienced.

Ezekiel is reaching the age where he is really aware of all of the trappings of Christmas and is starting to grasp the significance of the celebration. He helped pick out the "bismas twee" and has been having so much fun decorating it. Which includes throwing random stuff at it nearly every day. When we drive around near dark he points out all of the lights and asks for repeats of the really good houses. And each morning when we get up he runs first to the tree and requests that we light it.

Lincoln is really starting to come out of his struggles of the first few months and is the sweetest little smiling man. He seems to have a real sense of humor and sometimes will just watch you, waiting to catch your attention so he can flash a smile. When he does, his bright big eyes squint so hard they nearly disappear. 

Robb and I truly feel so blessed. Merry Christmas to all!

(A big thank you to Jesse for taking this photo.)

Christmas Morning

This morning was so much fun. We put out his presents last night so they would be under the tree when he woke up. It was so cute to see his somewhat confused expression.

He didn't have any trouble opening gifts this year though. But he still ended up playing with the packaging almost as much as the gifts.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas 2012 from CMBell Company on Vimeo.

I just had to share the little video we did at CMBell this year. It is such a pleasure to do this kind of work with this team of professionals. I can't wait to see what the new year brings.

Christmas Painting

Cause there's nothing more festive than tearing apart the majority of your home over Christmas. But it seemed like an opportunity that we couldn't pass up. We got the rest of the trim painted white first, then went at the walls in the entryway, living room and hallway.

Zeke had way too much fun with the disorder, and it was a mad adventure keeping him out of the paint trays and from pulling down the blue painters tape. And there are some seriously high areas that Robb got to tape and paint from the top of a very tall ladder. But we are excited to finally be getting this project finished!

Train Track Art

Tonight Zeke decided that simply making courses for his trains is not enough. So he created these. They look like crop circles, or something. But he called them smiley faces.

Solids!

Well, it was a fun little experiment. Lincoln is four months old now and really hitting his stride. So we thought it was worth a try to feed him some solids.

I can't believe that I forgot how hard it is to feed solids to a tiny one. He did a really good job though. We'll keep at it, but probably not with the same dedication that we had with Zeke.

Cookie Maker

Today Zeke and I whipped up a batch of Peanut Butter cookies. He was such a good little helper. Since he is always trying to help himself to the things on the counter, it is nice for him to have opportunities when he is actually allowed to.

He added all of the ingredients to the bowl and did a bit of stirring. Then, when it was time, it was his job to make the fork impressions on each cookie. He also wanted to be the official cookie dough tester, and was a bit dismayed when the trays went into the oven, as he thought his fun was over.

Lady Sheila

Sheila strikes a pose.

Lincoln Photo of the Day

Lincoln. Being his adorable little self.

12/17/12 from The Coffee Family on Vimeo.

Robb's Birthday

Today is Robb's birthday! We've all been a bit under the weather, so it wasn't quite so festive as I'd hoped. But thank goodness for friends. David and Corren somehow managed this hours-long gaming session so Robb could get away from all of the coughing and whining at the home.

(Thanks for the photos, Nel!)

Auntie Nel and the Candy House

So, you know how making gingerbread houses with the kiddos at Christmas time always sounds like fun? It is. But it is also REALLY difficult. Still, Auntie Nel persevered tonight and was able to create this stunning little wonder. No thanks to Zeke, who was constantly trying to pilfer candy pieces and get a bite of the "dandi" house.

Lincoln is Four Months Old

Today Lincoln turned four months old and actually had his four-month checkup as well, so we got some stats. He is doing really well now.

He weighs a little over 16 pounds and is 26 inches long! Which means this was probably the last bath that he'll take in the kitchen sink. He just doesn't fit anymore.

Christmas Carpet

Zeke got a very cool Christmas carpet in the mail today. He was so silly pulling it all around the house and rolling around on it, that I couldn't catch a decent photo of him. So you are stuck with these.

He wanted to roll up in it like a sleeping bag. Then take a nap on it. Then see what the pictures looked like on the camera. Then make faces so I would take more pictures of him. Then hold the camera...

Rolling Practice

Lincoln is coming up on four months now, and has really been trying to roll over. He is so close. He just hasn't figured out what to do with his arms. (The first time Zeke rolled over was at the doctor's office for his four month appointment.)

Lincoln Photo of the Day

I love seeing Lincoln filling out these little outfits that Zeke used to wear.

Reading to Sheila

Today while I was tidying up the kitchen, Zeke was contentedly reading books over by his bookcase. I guess he decided that Sheila would probably want in on this, because he scooted over next to her and started sharing his story. It is a book that Colleen Crawford gave us and it has the sounds of Alaskan wildlife. Sheila was, indeed, very interested.