Stuffed Animals

"If I don't move, do you think they'll see me?" 

Collin's cake

Collin is officially six years old! I told him he wasn't six until 2:35PM, but he just laughed at me and said, "noooo!" I reminded him that I'm the Mommy and I should know- but he still didn't believe me! 

Oreo and the Boys

Our crazy cat, Oreo, is always in the middle of things! The boys love him, though, and he sleeps in their room... sometimes ON the ladder! 

New Video Center

BJ and Collin spent their birthday gift cards to buy this new video center for their playstation and VSmile game systems. Hopefully (but I won't count on it...) their room will stay a little more organized with this. It's pretty cool- the Disney videos fit on the sides, and other movies, DVDs and games are stored on the front. 

The Ultrasaucer

She is concentrating hard on that toy! Eva can't quite grab things yet, but she wants to! (this one plays music...she's really into that!) The toys sure are a lot fancier than they were even six years ago- it took BJ and I an hour to put this one together! Past her bedtime- so she didn't get to play in it until this morning. 

Winter Wonderland!

Whoever made up that phrase is crazy!...wonderland?! We had an hour delay today for school and a winter storm advisory. Eva and I decided to stay home and keep warm. It had nothing to do with Daddy having a fit and Aunt Martha and Uncle Tom calling to tell us we should probably not come in to work today! The driving is kind of yucky!--Oh and by the way, that's our new minivan under all that snow...I complained about not being able to leave the house, and now I just want to hibernate! 

Bubble Bath

Eva "accidentally" got her very first bubble bath today! The boys took their showers first, and the baby shampoo was accidentally spilled in the tub...no one took responsibility (Collin) and we didn't realize until the tub started to fill with bubbles for Eva's bath! She had a great time, as you can see...of course Mommy had to add the top of the head bubbles just for picture's sake! 

Eva & Hooch

We put up the old Jolly Jumper- Eva loves it just like BJ and Collin did! I just had to take it all apart to scrub the heck out of it, after being in the attic! Not to mention screw boards to my precious arches to put it up! (but it's all worth it when you hear the giggles! ) But take a guess where Hooch's new favorite spot to lay is?! You guessed it- under Eva, of course! He has to be in the middle of everything. He loves us! 

Play-Doh Boys!

Just havin' a good time makin' a mess! Good thing we have hard wood floors- Right Mom?! 

Bath time!

Eva's happiest time of the day is bath time...if she's grouchy I just start the bath water and she starts flailing around with excitement! 

Daddy

This is Eva's evening ritual. She's such a Daddy's girl...Brian has school in the evening a few nights a week after work and she definately understands that he is missing! As soon as Daddy gets home she needs to lay on him and get comfy. She likes her quality time! (I think Daddy does too!) 

BJ & Collin's Birthday Party

We had a great time at the pool party at the YMCA! Our family and friends came to celebrate with us...we had 28 kids there! It was a little hectic- but only for two hours. Even Eva got her feet wet! (she didn't really like it very much) We all had pizza and cupcakes, BJ and Collin opened presents, then we gave the kids their treat bags and sent them home all sugared up! Another year gone- they grow up way too fast! 

Eva's Button!

We had to post a belly button picture! It's just cute. 

Cute Baby!

We were just talking about Grandma Colleen coming to visit- So Evee was happy and excited! She can't wait for Grandma to hold her and see how big she's gotten! By the way... this outfit is a size 6 MONTHS! She's growing way to quickly. 

Eva's Room

I'm finally done with Eva's room! She loves to look around and watch her mobile. I guess she likes the bright colors. I know I always complicate things with detail... but I enjoy it! I made her mobile, painted the border, made the curtains, Jill helped me recover the rocker cushions with fabric from Pulaski (the rocker was given to us when we had BJ-it's 8 generations old!), Dad made me a beautiful shelf, Brian helped me refinish her dresser (it used to be Grandma Joyce's baby dresser), and I even built a very narrow hamper. I'm just proud I guess... and had to show it off! 

1st Time Eating Cereal

As you can see, Eva's first experience with cereal wasn't very successful! The pediatrician said we could start introducing cereal and baby food one at a time, since she is pretty thin for her height. 95th% for her height, and only 50th% for weight! He said she'd be tall and thin... guess it runs in the family! But as you can see, she's going to be thin for a little while longer!! She absolutely hated the cereal. ( She liked her new high chair though! ) 

Sweet Baby!

I guess I do get carried away taking pictures... but look at her. I asked Collin the other day if he thought Eva got too much attention. His response surprised me ( I thought he'd be a little jealous)... he said, "no, Mom, she's supposed to get attention- she's the baby- and look how cute she is!" They are such good big brothers. 

Daddy & Eva

Other than the skin tone and the fact that one of these pictures is 33 years old... not many differences here!! She looks so much like her Daddy- it's amazing! 

Pile of Eva Pictures!

Hi everyone! My Mom got a little carried away taking my picture today! Of course, I completely understand, since I'm so cute, she can't resist!!! 

EVA

Eva Grace , although she will never be lucky enough to meet her in this world, was named after her great, great grandmother Eva Elizabeth ( Frawley ) Guile. She was a wonderful woman who took care of me during the day, when I was young. She meant the world to me...hopefully she is sitting on her cloud ( like she always said she'd be), looking over our precious little girl. I'm sure Grandma Eve would be proud to know that she is our daughter's name sake.
And for anyone that doesn't know... the blue flowers (as Grandma called them) were her favorite. I used to keep scissors in the car to cut some on the way to visit Grandma. She always acted surprised when I showed up with them! 

Birthday Boy!

I can't believe BJ is ten already!! "Double Digits", he says! ( Collin can't wait till his birthday! ) We're having their birthday party in a couple weeks- a pool party! ( indoors, off course! ) It should be fun. Grandma Colleen will be here to experience the madness... but at least it will be at the YMCA...and I won't have a huge mess! 

Sleeping Eva

She's getting so big-- she barely fits in her bassinet anymore!! Mommy's not ready for her to move. ( I know her crib will still be only a few steps away-- but I'm still not ready!!) 

New Year's Eve

See... we knew she'd grow into her nose eventually! ( poor baby got mama's nose! ) 

Eva & Jill

Eva's just laughin' with Jill! We're not sure what's so funny... maybe it's because Eva's sitting on Margaret! So funny!! 

Gates' Christmas

top: Samantha (holding Eva), Britnie, Alexis, Brianna, Ashlyn
front:Axel, Brandi, BJ, Zachary, Lucas (holding Jack), Alex (holding Jane), Avery & Collin
Having a very hectic Christmas at Aunt Donna & Uncle Gary's!