The VanStraten Family: November 2009

Well as tradition...we decorated our house for xmas on black friday. We went shopping in the morning and all 3 of the kids did GREAT!!!! Then we decided to go and pick out our tree and come home to decorate. Aiden loves the tree and all the lights!! He just grins and coos when he sees the tree all lit up.
We had a great Thanksgiving but it was hard not being in Houston with everyone else. Hopefully soon we will get the news we want to hear and be on our way home.
Aiden is on baby food now and LOVES it!!! He has tried squash, green beans, sweet potatoes and now pears. I was having a hard time getting him to eat his cereal in the morning so I mixed some pears with it and his eyes got huge!!! It was so funny!!! The past 3 mornings he has slept till almost 6 which is great!!
The kids are so ready for Santa...I can't believe this year is almost over...where did the time go??

Wowzers.....I have been like crazy hectic busy lately!!!!! Its madness!!! LOL! Between Joe Mack's soccer practice/games and his school functions, Sydney's ballet class and her school stuff, taking care of Aiden, Joe's work stuff...and oh yea trying to find time for me so I can keep my sanity!!! I celebrated my 29th birthday on the 11th of this month. Joe had the day off because it was veteran's day. We all went and had lunch then he surprised me with a mint choc chip ice cream cake! YUM..my fave!! I started taking dance classes again (which was also kinda my b-day present). I am in Adv Jazz just for adults!! It is so much fun!!!! I have always missed dancing and I really never gave it up, I've taken classes here and there over the years but am just more serious about it now. Amazingly...it all came back to me like I had never stopped!
Joe Mack had his last soccer game this past Saturday which he was pretty bummed about! He loves soccer!!! Joe has signed him up for golf lessons, so I can't wait to see Joe Mack out there hitting golf balls!! Syd loves her ballet!!! She has her first recital on Dec 16th. They will be dancing to "believe" for Polar Express!! So I have been trying to practice with her so the routine stays fresh in her mind. Aiden is doing great!!!!! We are finally past the colic stage(thank goodness, that was rough!) He sleeps at night from 8:30-5 and usually takes one good afternoon nap. He started eating baby oatmeal this last week and today I am thinking of trying the squash. He is 16 weeks and 15lbs!!!! My lil chunky monkey!!! The other two were so small and Aiden is this lil chunk..I love it!!! He is the sweetest baby!! I think he is going to be our lovebug! Joe Mack is the stubborn strong willed one, Sydney is our little firecracker(like her mama), and Aiden is our little lovebug.
We are not coming home for the holidays this year ;( However, Joe is submitting his request for recruiting duty in Houston and we should find out by Dec 1st. Please pray that he gets it. We both are so homesick and want to be closer to our parents and the rest of our family and close friends. Here are some pictures from the past few weeks. Enjoy!