Christmas with Grandpa Bill and Uncle Doug

Linley loves her new maltese
Thayer's new Hummer

Yeah Strawberry Shortcake...her look is priceless

Cowboy and Cowgirl

Cosens' Christmas

We braved the weather Wednesday morning and made it down to Fort Scott to spend Christmas with my family. Despite several members being sick, my post-op recovery, the blizzard like conditions, we couldn't have had a better time with everyone.

Aunt Meg's back in KS
She has not put her Leapster down

Kip and Linley Christmas morning

Thayer hiding his numerous monster trucks

Showing off what was in their stockings

Santa's visit.

He ate all but 1 cookie and left a note
Brought Linley her Barbie 4 wheeler,

and Thayer's ATV, as he calls them.

1 big baby boy=abdominal hernia

Shortly after Thayer was born my once cute in belly button never went back in. Of course I thought it was just from my belly being stretched to it's limit with a big baby. Little did I realize it was a hernia and it wouldn't go away without surgical repair. It never bothered me much until recently when I had started running again and it was tender to the touch. A girl I work with looked at it and instantly stated it looked like a hernia because she had had a few. A hernia!! I'm only 28 and I thought I was in pretty darn good shape for having 2 kids. Well it didn't get better and was hindering me from exercising, so I made an appointment with a surgeon. Last Tuesday I went in for a minor procedure to repair my hernia and now post op look like I am 3 months pregnant!!! I don't remember signing up for this. Apparently the swelling will get better but not for 2 more weeks. At least surgery went well and my belly button is now back to being an iney(sp?).

Goodbye Diapers...Hello Briefs:)

This past week I had been home more than normal due to our office being closed, which sparked me to push the potty training with Thayer. Well after 4 days he is officially out of diapers!! I did not think I would ever get this excited about potty training, but the relief of not having to carry extras or making late night runs to the grocery store for diapers...makes me smile. Oh and the fact that we'll be saving money. I have to admit I am a wee bit sad, my baby is no longer a baby anymore. Guess I'll just have to hold out on my 2 younger sisters to fill my baby void.

Santa & Sleigh Ride

This year we started a new Christmas tradition; a visit to Santa, sleigh ride down Poyntz, and pizza with the Dunlaps. We had a great time. Linley sat on Santa's lap without any hesitation this year, Thayer on the otherhand wants to wait til next year. The sleigh ride was quite entertaining. The kiddos were silly and had to wave at every car that passed. Pizza at AJ's finished off our night and we can't wait til next year. On a side note, we have started potty training with Thayer and so far he's doing better than either of us expected. There are still accidents, but he is recognizing when he has to go which is a huge step!! I am so ready to be done with diapers.

Work Christmas Trip to KC

Due to the nasty weather that hit the Midwest on Monday night, our work Christmas trip to Chicago got cancelled. Instead we headed to KC Wednesday afternoon for some serious shopping and delicious food. We indulged ourselves at Cheesecake Factory after the mall and then headed back to our hotel for some great conversation. Thursday we got up and did some more shopping, braving the very cold temps, ate a late lunch and made it home in time to enjoy the evenings with our families. I absolutely love everyone I work with and can not believe how blessed my life is right now. Thanks girls and Dr. Barth for allowing me to be part of your team!

Brittany & I at the hotel
Denise & Cheryl at Cheesecake Factory

Carol, Joan & I at Cheesecake Factory

KSU Men's BB

We were fortunate to get last minute tickets to the Men's BB game last night against Fort Hays State. It turned out to be a good game even though it should have probably been a blow out on KSU's part. The kids got their popcorn and pop along with plenty of Willie sightings from our seats. All in all it was a great family night and KSU won!

We're ready for Santa.