We are growing up SO fast

It is hard to believe that the boys are 5 1/2 months old already. Over the past week they have really started to interact more with their surroundings... reaching out for toys and manipulating things on their exersaucers (sliding beads back and forth, turning the steering wheel, tumbling the parts that rattle). They were looking like they were going to roll over at any minute for a while, but now it appears that they have no interest or have forgotten that was a skill they had almost acquired! I'm sure that one day we will leave the room and come back a few minutes later to find them in a completely different position than how we left them. They have become very proficient at pivoting in circles on their backs both in bed while they are supposed to be sleeping and as they play. Both of them chatter up a storm and love to have their hands in their mouths. Joshua has also discovered that he can stick out his tongue and prefers to do so much of the time. We will be going to the doctor for their 6 month check up in a couple of weeks and it will be interesting to see how much they have grown... pants and onesies continue to be plenty wide but become too short in a hurry! Alison is really enjoying being at home with the boys and Russell is thankful that he gets to work full time, but always enjoys coming home to see the family! Enjoy the pictures of our ever changing, ever growing boys!

Funny Photo Tag

The rules…

Find the 6th folder in your picture directory and post the 6th photo in it.



This is a picture from when I was pregnant with the boys. Russ had been looking for an object that was about the same size that they were at the time and this was it!

I tag Erin and Brian West, Nora Witbrodt, Becky Andrysczyk, Jon and Kelly Jo Flaa, and Jeff and Kristen Ballard.

Here are the instructions:

* Go to your sixth picture folder then pick your sixth picture.
* Pray that you remember the details.
* Post it on your blog.
* Tag 5 others, leave a comment to let them know they’ve been tagged.

I look forward to seeing what you find!

The hog has arrived!

For those of you who don't know, a family in the congregation has been generous enough to donate a whole hog to us. It has been butchered and we purchased a deep freeze to store the meat. We have been eagerly anticipating its arrival and here it is - our hog! We have already tried some bacon, ground pork in the form of tacos, and bar-b-que pulled pork, all of which were very good. Next on the list - pork chops!

Five months old and a trip to St. Louis...

It is hard to believe that the boys are already 5 months old! Where has the time gone? Thanksgiving is almost here and Christmas is just around the corner! Alison's sister, Erin, had planned a trip to St. Louis with her husband Brian and their daughter Micaiah. Micaiah is 4 months older than the boys and we still had not had an opportunity to see her. SO... off went Alison and the boys to St. Louis! Russell was not able to come along, so Alison braved the 6 hour drive by herself with the boys. All in all it went well as she only had to stop one time each direction. Alison and the boys had a great time visiting with family. Russell was very glad to have them back when they returned! Here are some pictures of their time there - enjoy!

Happy Halloween!!!

Today is Halloween as all of you know and we had the pleasure of "trick or treating" at the doctor's office today! Today was our first visit with Dr. Duff here in Manhattan and we had a great visit! The boys continue to be growing well and are healthy as can be. Here are their official 4 month statistics:

Caleb: 25 1/4 inches long, 12 lbs 14 1/2 oz
Joshua: 25 1/4 inches long, 13 lbs 12 1/4 oz

As you can see, Joshua has been very busy eating as much as possible (up to 9 ounces in one sitting) and has surpassed his brother in weight. They continue to be equal in length and are progressing well with their milestones. It wouldn't surprise me if they started rolling over soon... the days of mobility are just around the corner! We went on a hike with the dogs and the boys today and just had a great time. Enjoy the pictures!!!

Four months old...

It is has been a very busy month this past month with moving and starting life in Manhattan, KS! We are still working on getting settled into our new home and Russ is really enjoying his new job. The people here have all been very friendly and I (Alison) even went on a play date with the boys! Of course, the boys continue to grow and change all the time. They are smiling more and sleeping through the night better now (we can expect them to go for 10 hours minus one wake up call to reswaddle them.) I am really enjoying being at home with boys and am so thankful I have the opportunity to do so. Our 4 month check up is later this month, so we're not quite sure how big they are, but I wanted to get some new pictures up for all of you! Hope you enjoy!!!

Baby Andrysczyk has arrived!

We have all been waiting for quite some time for Russell's sister Becky to have her little boy. Well the wait is over! Ayden Michael Andrysczyk has finally arrived!!! He was born late October 17th and is 8 lbs 10 oz and 20 inches long. We are so happy to have a new member of the family!!! You can check out pictures as they are posted on their blog (see Blogs we visit in the right hand column and click on "Kyle Becky and Ayden"). Welcome Ayden!!!