Shannon’s World

Happy Halloween!

I’ve been meaning to post this photo for quite some time because wow! how times have changed. About 8 years ago at the exact same time you would find us at 1305 N. Jordan in flannels, long sleeve ts, trying to decide what combination of ranch, cheese or marinara we wanted with our bread sticks.

Some acquaintances from college have released a holiday album: Straight No Chaser – Holiday Spirits (just in time for Libby’s favorite time of year (Libby is thankful that Silent Night is on the album). We have 2-3 other SNC cds, but I believe this is the first album that has been released nationally.

I was interested to read about their story as most of the guys graduated 9-10 years ago and I watch one of them on the morning and evening news when I’m in Chicago.

It’s hard to believe it’s time to start thinking about the holidays…we already have our Little People Nativity out (we got the Fisher Price catalog last week and Libby would point to it and say “I Get It” so Nanny got it out of the basement and the fun and signing haven’t stopped yet).

Libby had her well baby check-up Monday and did great. She continues to be our “big” girl – topping the charts on 95% for height and 90% for weight. Dr. Jim indicated she is on track developmentally (dare I say he used the word advanced)…

I asked the Dr. about the recent news re: vitamin supplements, specifically vitamin D and we came to the conclusion that Libby did not need vitamin supplements. She drinks a ton of milk each day (it was funny because Dr. Jim looked at his notes and said the last time you were here you said Libby wouldn’t drink milk from a sippy cup…oh! how times have changed!) and eats fruits and veggies multiple times a day.

We feel blessed to have such a happy, healthy girl at the center of our lives. On a side note, please keep Dr. Jim and his family in your prayers…we learned today that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

One of my favorite pics from our trip to the zoo.

We’ve had a busy few weeks…I’m not even sure where I left off! Last weekend after a pancake breakfast at our local elementary school (and choral performance by our 3rd grade neighbor) we picked my Mom up at the airport and had a great visit. We hit the pumpkin patch on Saturday afternoon where Libby had a blast running among the millions of pumpkins. The four of us enjoyed the apple cider slushies again this year – they are outstanding!!

Sunday morning Nanny, Libby and I left the house bright and early to go to the zoo. We haven’t been for a few months and Libby really enjoyed herself. We saw an elephant get a bath, fed a giraffe and enjoyed the dolphin show.

Special thanks to my Mom for spending the week running the house while I was in Chicago. She went above and beyond (as she usually does) cleaning, organizing, sewing, cooking, playing, singing.

Having some technical difficulties with photos…hope to post some soon.

Look at the cute shirt Libby’s Nanny made her:

Last week Libby received a “play” charm bracelet from Nanny. Libby has a real charm bracelet and 3 charms, but she can’t play with it. Nanny wears a charm bracelet everyday and Libby is fascinated by it, so being the generous and fun Nanny that she is, Nanny put together a play charm bracelet for Libby.

Libby things she’s the coolest thing since sliced bread wearing her charm bracelet, as you can see, she walks around holding her “charmed” wrist in the air for all to see! Mike and I got a kick out of watching her the other night.

Two special packages arrived for Libby last week. The first contained 2 Halloween books for Libby and the second contained a Halloween count down calendar that is super cute! Thanks for thinking of us, Aunt Debbie!

As I said, last weekend we visited Ethan, Alison and Ethan’s Granny, Annie – . It’s hard to believe Ethan has already tripled his weight since arriving a few months early, on June 28. Libby loves all things baby and that includes Ethan. She did a great job being gentle. . . right up until the point where she tried to pry Ethan’s mouth open with her two hands because he wouldn’t hold onto his pacifier! See for yourself below: