A conversation with Ava

Background:

Ava and I were playing "house" in the toyroom. She was talking on her play phone and I was playing, while cleaning in disguise.

Conversation:

Mom: "Ava...do you " (this is all I got out)

Ava: "in a sec...I'm on the phone" (she had one finger up in the hold on a minute symbol and had the look of pure annoyance with me on her face)

She continued to babble to pretend Papa before asking me what I had wanted.

Silas is 10 months old Today

Silas has been home for about 1 1/2 months. It was before time though that our love began for him. Physically holding him and watching him grow and develop has been such a gift, to say the least. I must say that I couldn't do it without my helpers; Grace, Eli, and Ava. They love him and in fact just the other day, I watched Eli sneak into my room and kiss his sleeping brother's head. Softly Eli whispered "I love you so much little buddy." He didn't know he had an audience. God is Good isn't he? I'm such a lucky mommy.

10 Things we LOVE about Silas

1. We love to hear Silas sing (hum) when he is falling asleep.

2. We love that it takes Silas a long time to fall asleep at night because he just lays in the crook of our arms and stares in our eyes.

3. We love that Silas loves to eat; and enjoys singing the prayer before supper.

4. We love that Silas leans into our chests for a "cuddle fix" every once in awhile.

5. We love that Silas grips our shirts to seek comfort from us. Yeah for attaching!

6. We love that Silas has HUGE eyes that suck you right into love with him.

7. We love how Silas smells.

8. We love how Silas is determined to be active and smart.

9. We love how Silas wakes up in the middle of the night just to touch us and snuggle back to sleep.

10. We love how Silas belly laughs at peek-a-boo, tickles, and silly faces.

"Catch up" time

Things have been busy at the Hensley Household...hence not much blogging. We had a wonderful month....a busy one thats for sure. We were really blessed this year to have all of us home and here. We spent most of break just hanging out as a family of "6"!! Wow! I would have to say the hardest part of having four kiddos is getting them to look at the camera at the same time...you'll see.

Silas has been home since the end of November. When he came home, he had no leg strength and could sit up with assistance. He is proud to show off that he has mastered sitting up in the first week, crawled shortly after, and has started pulling himself up! He says "mama" and "dada". What gains...God is good. Overall, he has transitioned beautifully. He is attached to his mommy (sorry daddy...we still love you for making the 14,000mile flight....heeeeheee)

The older kiddos spent much of the break on the hill in the backyard sledding.

Here are some pix of our Christmas WEEK...not day...WEEK! The kids once again had fun spending time with family and unwrapping presents at record speed.

Papa Garry and Silas

Addie and Grace

Eli is quite excited about his gifts

The Hensley/Apt Bunch

An attempt at a family picture

Eli and Zack

Uncle Aaron and Silas

Bethany and Ava

Auntie Marilyn and Mom

A picture attempt...we'll get it

Our gingerbread houses didn't quite stand up...so the kids were creative and decided to make Magical Christmas Sidewalks for Santa to be placed in the front of his house.

Two of my cuties

We received a surprise call from Santa...Grace noticed "Santa" on my caller i.d. and this is her first "hello".

Ava couldn't believe Santa was calling

Eli and one of his buddies..."Peace out" Eli was too shy to talk with Santa

Ava still excited about Santa

Grace and her buddy practiced singing carols. They went door-to-door and even scored some goodies...and money.

Two of my love bugs

Eli made the cutest Gingerbread house at school...Too fun!

Lots of fun!

Of course we enjoyed Nancy and Don's Santa Party. Eli was the first to be called to receive his present! No shyness this time...hmmmm? Could a present have anything to do with it?

Silas thought Santa was something...

Ava asked Santa for baby stuff

Grace loves Santa too.

Ava was so excited about her present that she slept with them. The "Santa Party" is always a sure night for the kids to crash on the way home!

Just loving on my kiddos...one at a time.

Me with the bunch!

Ava has been practicing her independence lately. She gets herself dressed...over and over (often inside out...too cute.) She also prefers to get herself out of the tub and ready for bed.

Grace had a beautiful concert at Church...what a pretty girl.

Ava loves to pose and enjoyed Grace's concert.

Where's Grace...keep looking. She did great.

Eli had a concert in his jammies for school. It was darling.