Piddoes. They're funny.

I often express my exasperation about my kids. Actually, any exasperation I have is typically with the older one, Quinn. He's a pretty high maintenance and very intense little boy. If you've ever been around him for a few days, you'll start to pick up on it. Short visits or public situations ALWAYS present a different Quinn (which is normal, I hear)...but, nonetheless, at home and with me and Daniel...it's typically a lot of frustration.

Anyway...what does this have to do with this post? Well, today I've been reminded of all the funny things Quinn (and Jack) do...the things that make me laugh. And, no, this isn't my attempt to ply you with a bunch of guilt about being frustrated with your own children by saying, "Remember the funny things!" Rather, I just felt motivated to share the funny things since I often share the frustrating things...you know, give one a more "well-rounded" picture of my piddoes...because high-intensity aside, they can be funny...very funny. Here are a few instances where I'm laughing and not going crazy.

1. Quinn is a picky eater. VERY PICKY. So, when I decided that I would introduce Cod Liver Oil into his daily diet, I thought: Great, I'm gonna have to pin him down to the ground and force him to take it. One might ask, why in the WORLD would you give your kids Cod Liver Oil? To which I respond: go research it; it's good for them and anyone, really. Anyway, the first day I did this I started with: Who wants some fish oil? And the boys looked at me oddly. I then added: Whoever takes the fish oil can have their gummy vitamins! And then they were fighting over who goes first. Naturally, I wanted to get Q out of the way (Jack will try ANYTHING at least once). I squirted some in mouth and he gave me a look like: what the hell are you feeding me...Gross! I told him: it does taste bad, but it's good for your brains, and eyes, and joints, and your entire body! He endured the rest of the tsp, and then I gave him his vitamins. The next day I thought, there is no way he's gonna go for it again. I announced, they fought (once again) and I gave Q his first. He gave me the same look; then said: It tastes gross! But it's good for my brain, my eyes, my joints, and my whole body! Everyday...this same thing happens. But he takes it, and then gets his vitamins. No fight. No fuss. No battle. I can't get him to eat meat of any kind, but I can get him to take Cod Liver Oil, and happily, too.

I find that funny.

2. Quinn has gotten into asking "Why?" To which I typically respond to the best of my ability...trying my best not to say "Just Because!" Anyway, Jack (20 months) has decided to add to his rapidly growing vocabulary the words: why and mine. "mine" I expect...he's almost two. The "why" is funny. He's picked it up from Quinn. What's odd is that we know developmentally that he doesn't know why he's saying "why"...but he uses it correctly (most of the time). I'll say, Jack, it's time to clean up your toys. And with some cry in his voice, he'll say "Whyyyyy?" which makes me laugh...But the best is when it's inappropriately placed: jack, do you like peanut butter and honey? jack: Why. It's great.

I find that funny.

3. Quinn when he's naked can use the potty like a champ...no accidents. Also, he can seem to use the potty great during nap and when we've put him down for nap. But, typically, during the day he becomes oddly absent minded and often "forgets" to go, thus, going straight in his pants. Often, he's wearing something where it's hard to tell at first glance if he's wet. But one day he was wearing this light blue sweat pants. He came in to my bedroom, and I looked at him...and there was a huge dark blue ring on the front of his pants. I chuckled. Quinn, did you pee your pants. Quinn: NO!!!! I DIDN'T PEE MY PANTS!!! I laughed. "Quinn...there is a dark blue circle of pee...I can see it. Quinn: "It's water." Me: "In a perfect circle? And not anywhere else?" Quinn: "Yes." Me: "Take them off and bring them down to the laundry." Quinn complies. It's just comical that he denies it...every other time he admits it, but the day he's wearing light blue sweatpants, he denies it.

I find that funny.

4. Going to Toys-R-Them one day and we heard a bird. Quinn: "What was that?" Me: "A bird." Quinn: "What type of bird?" Me: "Uh, a Crow" (i typically guess...I have no idea about bird calls). Quinn: "No, mama. It was an Eagle." An eagle, in western PA? Me: "Quinn, I highly doubt that was an Eagle." Quinn getting a bit more worked up: "It WAS an Eagle." Me: "Uh, I don't think Eagles live here...they live out west, typically." Quinn, as we walk to the store through the parking lot: "IT WAS AN EAGLE...IT WAS!!! I KNOW EAGLES!" Me: "Fine, it was an Eagle." I cannot believe I had an argument with my 3.5 year old about Eagles in the middle of the parking lot. And, it wasn't like I just couldn't let it go (though, I was close to driving to the closest book store to prove him wrong)...he couldn't let it go. According to Quinn, Eagles live not only in Western PA, but the Toys-R-Them parking lot.

I find that funny.

5. Quinn refers to things in the past in either two ways: "Yesterday" or "Last year". He uses them correctly because he is in fact referring to things historical. But, typically, they're used incorrectly, or, I should say, where one should be used the other typically is. Quinn: "I went to school last year." Actually, he went to school yesterday, Tuesday. Quinn: "We went to Grammie's yesterday"...actually, last year. It becomes funny when he says things like: "The mailman came last year" and I, knowing he's referring to yesterday, still admit the truth in his statement: "Yes, Quinn, the mailman did in fact come almost everyday last year." Or: Quinn: "Chick-Fil-A was locked last year." Me: "Well, I think it was open some of the time last year." Quinn: "NO IT WAS LOCKED LAST YEAR!" Me: "Okay, fine, it was locked all last year...(pause) Quinn? Do you mean last Sunday it was locked?" Quinn: "Yes. Last year." Me: *give up*.

I find that funny.

Piddoes, they're funny.

Christmas Letter 2009

Merry Christmas! December 15, 2009

It’s been an eventful year in the Larkin household! All of us traveled to weddings in South Carolina (apparently, South Carolinians can really throw a wedding--go if you are ever fortunate enough to get an invite); all of us went on vacation in Elk County, PA with Grandpa and Grandma (“Taffy”) Larkin; all of us witnessed our God Son’s baptism in Darien, CT; all of us said good bye to some super awesome friends who traveled away from Ambridge, PA to pursue further studies in ENGLAND (you know who you are…), all of us visited with Uncle Colin and Aunt Julie Larkin over Thanksgiving (they came to us); two of us started school in the fall; and one of us consistently got up in the morning and went to work to make sure all this fun was even possible!

Quinn is doing great. He is such an amazing little guy. Every time we look we notice that some new skill, new words and phrases, new song, or new way to play with a toy. He’s a very brave little boy (he had to go to the ER this past fall because of a split lip). He’s very imaginative and a huge “goof-ball”. Over the summer, we decided to enroll him in pre-school starting in this past fall. We were a little nervous because he is the youngest kid in his class (having just turned 3 in December), which makes him socially younger and smaller than the other kids. (Some kids are turning four in a couple of weeks!) From what we hear from his teachers; however, we have nothing to be concerned about. According to his two teachers, Quinn is gentle and kind; he listens to instructions (apparently, just not to his parents’); he is active; loves to make the other kids laugh; and, although he’s the youngest, has demonstrated that he can keep up, “academically” J, with the older kids. We are really proud of him (as you can tell).

Jack (“Jack Jack” or the more descriptive and appropriate, “Jack ATTACK!”) is a Jack on the MOVE! He is very active and determined to keep up with Quinn (not a good mix!). He is funny and goofy. He says about 10 words: Down, Eat, Shoe, Boob, Whoa, Wow, Bear, Bottle, Bye, Hi, and Fish. He is a very direct communicator; he doesn’t babble a lot, just says what he wants. He loves to do “beat-box”, but it’s more like he wiggles around and says the words, “beat-box”. It’s super cute. He’s a super snuggler, which is nice for Mama. We are so blessed by Jack-Jack. He is tons of fun and an amazing little boy to watch grow up!

Daniel is doing well. His job is going well and he is busy, which is good! He loves playing--“daddy play”--with his two boys and they LOVE playing with him. He is such a great father (and husband!). There is no doubt: Daniel consistently puts his family before himself. He has truly laid down his life for us, and we are grateful.

Lauren is also doing well. This past summer, we decided to enroll her in school in the fall and had the same social concerns as we did with Quinn…HA! LOL! Actually, Lauren did start her second masters degree this past fall: Masters of Sacred Theology (STM). Her focus is Systematic Theology, and with in that discipline, she is focusing on Ethics. She successfully finished her first semester (yesterday). This degree is the next step towards a doctorate. She is tracked to start her thesis next semester, and should graduate in May 2011. She loves being a mom to two of the most amazing little boys! She considers herself to be the luckiest woman to be a full-time mom and wife, while also being able to take a couple of classes.

As always, we are extremely blessed to have you, our friends and family in our lives. We think of you and pray for you often. We hope that this season and the New Year bring each of you joy, blessings, and peace!

Love in Christ,

Daniel, Lauren, Quinn, and Jack-Jack!

In Honor of Daniel's Birthday

This is my favorite poem by my favorite author: Anne Bradstreet (a woman before her time).

To My Dear and Loving Husband

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov’d by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay.
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let’s so persever’
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

Anne Bradstreet © 1678

Jack Jack at 12 Months

Well....He's finally ONE! Who can believe it!

Jack is such a blast. He's fun. He's charming. He's brilliant. I mean really...I'm completely unbiased!

For real: he's a gem of a kid! We are so very blessed. He's grown so much (he's 30 inches long and 21 lbs and 6 oz); though he's WAY under where Quinn was at the same age...but HE EATS. This boy...loves all food (tomatoes, rice, cantaloupe, ALL MEATS etc)...everything. Quinn better watch out because with the way Jack eats, he'll sprout past Quinn in no time!

He walks everywhere...EVERYWHERE. He prefers it. He started walking at 11 1/2 months (early than mom wanted...but who consults her anyway). He says "Wow" and "Hey" and "Yeah" and "Ball" and "Hi" and then has a handful of noises to indicate other things "K" noise: kitty. "T" noise: truck. "C" noise (close to "K"): car. He loves to play with shapes and shape sorters. He loves balls...all types from small to large. He loves to play with Quinn (and they play really well together...most of the time). He loves to clap and wave. and say "Whoa" to trucks and cars that drive past our house while we are on the front porch. He loves to color (draw lines and scribbles) with chalk and play with the magnetic letters on the fridge (though, not in a way mommy enjoys...). And, he LOVES bath time!

Quinn is such a great big brother. He watches out for Jack and protects him. He also loves to play with him. Jack is really fortunate to have such a good big brother! If there is any jealousy, it's never taken out on Jack. What a blessing!

Well...I'm sure there's more for me to ooze about, but, alas, I'll leave you with pictures instead. It's been a great year. Thanks for walking along side us and praying for us and our little men.

All our love,

Lauren, Daniel, Quinn, and The Amazing Jack Jack!

You are invited to view lauren's photo album: 12 Months 12 Months Aug 22, 2009 by lauren View Album Play slideshow Contribute photos to this album If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=lauren.re.larkin&target=ALBUM&id=5377776615050634273&authkey=Gv1sRgCLWMiazVrt-whQE&feat=email To share your photos or receive notification when your friends share photos, get your own free Picasa Web Albums account.

Jack Jack at 11 mos.

Here's a VERY SMALL update on Jack Jack's 11th month.

He's superb in every way--but, we're biased.

And, he LOVES black beans and, in particular, getting them all over his face.

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You are invited to view lauren's photo album: JHL Larkin 11 Months JHL Larkin 11 Months Jul 15, 2009 by lauren View Album Play slideshow If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=lauren.re.larkin&target=ALBUM&id=5366920025831002065&authkey=Gv1sRgCLD_kdqy6Yr8jAE&feat=email To share your photos or receive notification when your friends share photos, get your own free Picasa Web Albums account.

Fourth of July Cupcakes

Okay, for real...this was easy. Just icing and candy and cupcakes...and then: assemble. Took probably an hour to ice and decorate and assemble. Maybe an hour to bake all the cupcakes.

This picture (above) displays the whole creation: the Ahmellican flag (when I was a little girl, I didn't say "American" I said "Ahmellican"...I know...brilliant). 48 Large cupcakes and 48 small cupcakes. FUN!

Here is a close up of the "stars" portion: mmmm....jelly beans and gumdrops and good and plenties....mmmmm

Here is my "artsy-fartsy" shot.


The "Angled" Shot. You can kind get a feel for the size of this creation.

It was fun. And, if you have kids who are actually old enough to really participate, this is a great thing to do with them...it's super easy.

JHL Larkin 10 Months

Hey Y'all!

Here is Jack Jack! He's 10 months old! We know...we cannot believe it either! He's almost a year. Time has certainly flown by with this little guy!

Jack Jack is a handful. He's SUPER active, he loves dancing (we think Liam Linebaugh taught him how!), jumping, crawling (fast, too), wiggling, and trying to keep up with Quinny! He's super vocal...he hoots and hollers and loves to babble. He says, "Ma Ma", "Da Da", and "Keeee" (kitty). He also says, "Hey, Dada!" and "Hi, Dada!"--at least that is what is sounds like! He follows Quinn around EVERYWHERE and nothing holds him back (not even stairs (up or down!!)). He loves every type of ball and all trucks and cars. He also LOVES to stick his tongue out...all the time...he just sticks it out...it's cute...for now. He also loves to eat...everything...and I mean everything. He's fast with putting stuff in his mouth, too...so, you have to be on your toes. Common sentence around the house, "Jack-Jack, stop eating our house!"

Physically, he's FINALLY 20 lbs--VERY different from Quinn (23lb and 3oz). However, he's the exact same height as Quinn was at the same age (29 1/2 inches). He's, as his pediatrician says, tall and thin. He's perfectly healthy--for which we are tremendously grateful.

He's such a joy. I wish all of you who are far could enjoy him like we (and those of use who are close) do! He's got a great personality and is super happy (except when we are fishing stuff out of his mouth...then he's not so happy)!

Below, there are some pictures for you to catch a glimpse of this love muffin. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Love,

Lauren, Daniel, Quinn and Jack-Jack

PS: the "bean" photos are courtesy of our friend's sister, Rachel Regina.

You are invited to view lauren's photo album: 10 Month 10 Month Jun 20, 2009 by lauren View Album Play slideshow If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=lauren.re.larkin&target=ALBUM&id=5353186123898279729&authkey=Gv1sRgCN-nhLjMiuqDQw&feat=email To share your photos or receive notification when your friends share photos, get your own free Picasa Web Albums account.

JHL Larkin 9 Months

Well...Here's the luscious Jack Jack during his ninth month!

He's done so much in the past couple of months. In the beginning of his 8th month (that means right after he turned seven months) he transitioned to full blown crawling (he had been scooting around, pushing himself with his legs since 5/6 months). So, yes, now he is into EVERYTHING. He also started using MaMa and DaDa discriminately. At the beginning of his 9th month, he started to pull himself up (there's pictures included)...and this makes him even more dangerous. Also, he has started to climb (climbed his first stair while on vacation in Elk County with Grandma and Grandpa Larkin)...so...Mama has her work cut out for her. He is really fast and agile. He's also super fast with the grab and snatch, and has a fierce grip...so, he's a menace around table tops, jewelry, hair, and whatever else!

Over the past couple of months we've noticed that he knows who Joe Joe/The Kitty is, who Quinn is (no surprise there), and what pick up and drop mean. He also knows what a ball is and LOVES LOVES LOVES them...when he can actually play with one without Quinn interferring or claiming said ball as his (**sigh** 2 year olds). He eats like a champ (with all that energy out put, not surprised there needs to be so much energy in-put!). He is taller than Quinn was at the same age, but not as, shall we say, fat. But that makes sense since Quinn didn't start crawling until 9 months! However, Quinn had already said his first word by 9 months (kitty) and we are still waiting for Jack Jack's first (though I thought I heard him say "kitty" the other day...but he hasn't said it again and I now am certain I was hearing things).

All in all, things are very good. Both boys LOVE each other and have a lot of fun together (unfortunately, A LOT of this fun happens right after we put them to bed...and we hear giggles, laughter, and little toddler feet running around the room with thuds from Jack Jack jumping up and down in his crib). They are great little pals right now. We pray it stays this way (with it's ups and downs of course).

Well...Enjoy the pictures of Jack Jack in his 9th month. He's growing so fast and changing all the time. Thank you for letting us share with you these pictures of our youngest.

--Lauren, Daniel, Quinn, and Jack Jack

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JHL Larkin 8 Months

I know... a bit late. But!! Here are some really cute pics of our baby boy (he's not so much of a baby any more!).

I'll follow with more "words" of Jack Jack's development, etc. in the 9 month update.

So...enjoy these pics as you wait for more juicy photos of Jack Jack!

You are invited to view lauren's photo album: 8 Months

8 Months Apr 17, 2009 by lauren View Album Play slideshow

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