On The 7th Day of Christmas…

New Year’s Eve. Today started with our conventional juice (for babies) and coffee (for adults, who know better, but enjoy the indulgence) and then an adventure was immediately put into place with Bodhi and Buddha and Daddy making our way to Lowe’s to purchase a ceiling light/fan for Buddha’s room and a stop-over at our bank so Daddy could deposit one of his paychecks (via McDonald’s for a travelling snackJ). At the bank drive-through, the very nice lady (Farmer’s Bank & Trust on Lincoln) commented that she saw a photo of Buddha and Daddy in the paper this morning as part of a pictorial year-in-review. Daddy called GiGi and confirmed it was in the paper, a photo submitted by Mommy last fall of Daddy pushing Buddha in a swing at Foster ParkJ.

When we were at Lowe’s picking up the light/fan for Buddha’s room, Bodhi, you pointed up and across several isles at a multi-colored fan-blade light/fan and said “Daddah, Daddah.” You are so observant! After we left Lowe’s, Daddy took the two of you to Markland Mall and walked through the mall; part of our strategy was to give Mommy time to finish some of her work reports she needed to complete. But once we had walked through the mall, “we” decided we should call Mommy and invite her to join us for lunchJ, so we went back to the house to pick her up and take her to Louie’s Coney Island, one of Mommy’s favorite lunch places.

After lunch, it was naptime for babies…and work time for Mommy and Daddy; Mommy had to go in to work, and Daddy stayed home and worked while the two of your slept. Before going to work, Daddy shared the Bodhi-observation-of-the-multicolored-ceiling light/fan story with Mommy and we decided she would return to Lowe’s after she got off work and exchange the light/fan Daddy had purchased and “we” (meaning DaddyJ) would take the one in your room, Bodhi, put it in Buddha’s room and get the one you wanted for your room. In another year or so, we’ll find a “ball-themed” ceiling light/fan and get it for your brotherJ.

When Mommy got home from work, we fed the two of you dinner and then attempted to return to the mall for a family outing, but discovered it was closed early because of New Year’s Eve. So, we ordered out two steak dinners, stopped by Meijer’s to get a towel for our downstairs bathroom and Daddy some vitamin supplements his doctor wants him to start taking, drove to the restaurant to pick up our dinners and headed home, arriving in time to watch the second-half of the IU-Ohio State basketball game—and share our dinners with our two babies who acted like they hadn’t eaten for weeksJ.

We all then took an evening nap (well, not really, Mommy stayed up and worked on her reports), so we could get up by 11:00 p.m. and walk downtown for the New Year’s Eve celebration. We bundled you both up warmly, covered you in blankets, and briskly walked the two of you downtown in your stroller, where at midnight we all brought the new year in together (with a good number of the city’s riffraff—Daddy commented Kokomo has a long way to go to create the downtown into a cultural centerJ) watching the “dropping of the ball” and fireworks. You both were oohed and awed by the sights and soundsJ.

Back home again to the safety and warmth of our beautiful sanctuary, and the two of you most willingly retired back to backJ. “Night, night” our most precious treasures, and welcome to 2012! 

Mommy is going to add a “Year In Review” for this final 365 day/blog entry before making your blog into a book for the two of you.  Mommy cannot believe another year has passed!  And Mommy really cannot believe that I actually blogged everyday… well, this last week Daddy has taken over to give Mommy a mini-breather before beginning the new year. Hopefully by the time you two reach your teen years, Mommy will have grown into a poetic writer, much like your Daddy, who is a truly gifted writer!! J 

"Buddha, your bum is hanging out!"

"Yeah I know, I'll just take them off... oh look I'm now missing my sock too!"

"Ha ha, we're a mess!"

"Nakey time sounds like a great idea Buddha!"

"Yeah, I'll think I'll get nakey too!"

Silly babes! ;)

Nakey Bodhi Girl!

"This is great!"

Brother and Sister ;)

10, 9, 8, 7....

6, 5...

4, 3, 2....

ONE!!!  Happy New Year!!!
Big Kokomo crowd bahahahaha!



Oooooooh, Ahhhhhh!



2012!

On The 6th Day of Christmas…

Today was a double-whammy special day for both of you, Bodhi and Buddha. You started the day by spending time with GiGi and GiPa, and both of you were so excited! When Daddy got you out of the car first (as you excitedly exclaimed “GiGI, GiGi), Bodhi (because Daddy believes it is easier to manage you first, then take on your brother for whomever is looking after the two of you, and because Daddy believes in girls [ladies] first), you started screaming and crying, Buddha, as though you believed you weren’t going to be able to stayJ. GiGi brought the two of you home around 12:30 p.m. and reported you both had a great time (to say the obviousJ), and though you were clearly tired, Buddha, you didn’t want to be left in your crib (both Daddy and GiGi took turns rocking you to sleep, but you would wake up screaming as soon as we laid you down in your cribL). Bodhi, you simply refused to take a nap, until later in the late afternoon when Mommy got home, and the two of you laid down for a nap while Daddy and your brother went to the bank and the drugstore.

Daddy continued to get some work done at the house while the two of you were with GiGi and while Mommy was at work. Mommy had a court hearing in Lafayette and came home feeling down about the outcome, she maintains a professional neutrality about her cases, still she cares so much about helping the people she works with that it is difficult to accept outcomes that don’t appear ideal. Daddy knows personally that is the price of caring and dedication. Mommy perked up when she had a chance to be with the two of you thoughJ.

Daddy was stressed trying to manage the hounds, and the two of you coming home, and getting our television service working, with an AT&T representative at the house doing some repairs on our television connections. And Daddy is stressed about school starting up again.

After we completed our missions, Buddha, we came home and got the girls up, and the two of you had your next special treat—you got to spend the evening with Grandmoo while Mommy and Daddy went out on a date (Jthe second installment of Sherlock Holmes was outstandingJ)! You both were super excited about seeing Grandmoo, and when we came back to get you, neither of you wanted to leave! You had dinner with Grandmoo, the two of you helped her feed the kitties, then she played with you both until we got out of the movie and picked you up to bring you home.

We had a very brief visit from Uncle Bruce and Aunt Laura and Luke right as we were getting ready to go by Grandmoo’s and drop something off, so we assured them we would invite them over so that we can all visit soon!

All in all, we all had another long day, eventful, productive, and fun—so sleep you angel babies, and tomorrow is a new adventure! Love, hugs, smooches—“night, night!”



Little suckers... GiGi and Gi-Pa gave you money to put in your piggies after arriving to their house this morning :)-



Really Buddha, first your sister and now you... cleaning your toe jam out from between your piggies!  This is what happens when you spend too much time with Daddy and Sister Kelly hee/hee

The NUMBER ONE toe jam picker!  Ugggggh!

Having a blast at GiGi's and Gi-Pa's... I'm certain you two were doing whatever you want!

Bodhi, you were super excited to go to Grandmoo's this evening!



Bodhi may lean toward being a GiGi and Gi-Pa girl, but there is no doubt, you are a Grandmoo's boy!  You and Grandmoo are beyond ornery!



Hanging outside after feeding the strays at our old house... Grandmoo continues to feed the strays until we complete the Bodhi and Buddha animal rescue house at our new home :)

"Hmmmmm, what can I get into next?"

Ornery, Onery, Onery!!!!

Sweet Baby girl relaxing with Grandmoo while watching some evening cartoons :)

On The 5th Day of Christmas…

Well, today the two of you spent half a day with Aunt Ti & companyJ. Per usual you both had a blast. Mommy worked throughout the morning and Daddy worked at home and finally has made some headway around the house, and now must get in full gear (Daddy will explain that expression to you) for returning to the college for spring semester!

Mommy brought you both home just after noon, and each of you was sound asleep so Daddy hustled out to the car to help carry you to your crib, Buddha, but you wouldn’t have any part of that transition so you began screaming as soon as I got your shoes and coat off and laid you downL. It’s tough on little babies to make such transitions, an early harsh lesson in life. You calmed after Mommy rocked you to sleep.  You managed the transition well, Bodhi, I think due to the fact you were simply exhausted.  Plus, Mommy has mastered the routine of transitioning you from the car to your bed.

While the two of you slept, Daddy continued to get some work done and Mommy  worked on bills.  She then had a rare chance for a short nap, herself. In fact, you awakened before your sister, Buddha, so you and I slipped out of the house for a boys-only adventure to let Mommy enjoy her nap. You seemed to enjoy our adventure, especially the part about the French-friesJ. We checked out an antique/used merchandise store and found a potential chair for Mommy’s dining room-plan collectionJ.

When we got home, we awakened the girls and invited them to come out with us for another adventure. We had a picnic in our car, then went to several antique stores and browsed for Mommy’s dream dining room project. Afterwards, we headed home where you didn’t put up any fight to go “night-night,” Buddha. Bodhi, you and Daddy watched Dora the Explorer together while Daddy watched (marveled at) you while you ate two bananas. You are such a character, girl!

While Mommy finished getting Buddha to bed, we enjoyed a surprise visit from Grandmoo, who needless to say captivated all your attention BodhiJ. So, Daddy took the available time to “blog” for Mommy ‘cause Mommy is not feeling well and she had to go back to work for a while and Daddy wanted to help out so that when she returned home she can just go to bed, which she won’t!  She always gets anxious the night before she’s scheduled for court (for work).  Mommy is super excited about creating her whimsical/Alice in Wonderland dinning room though, as she calls it.  So, I’m certain Mommy will eventually fall into dreamland, dreaming up a design! J

Speaking of which…”night, night.”

Andrew, Lizzie, Bodhi, Ellie, and Jude's rear hee/hee... Aunt Ti really worked her magic to get you, Bodhi to look at the camera and smile :)

The Girls :)  Ms. Elizabeth, Ms. Emilia Bodhi, and Ms. Elliana
Aunt Ti says you've really enjoyed having Ellie home from school this week with you Bo :)

Ellie is such a sweet, beautiful, and very smart cookie!  Mommy is happy you get to spend time with her Bodhi :)

Mommy's little "Rough Neck Buddha!"

Lunch time at Aunt Ti's is always interesting hee/hee you two get to sit in big people chairs rather than your usual high chairs :)-

Mommy's and Daddy's precious little babes! xoxoxoxo

Dr. Emilia Bodhi Grills Holsapple :)  Mommy is going to push you into the plastic surgery/cosmetic field hee/hee

PS  Mommy was checking out our blog stats/"audience," something I periodically do for fun.... and as of today, there has been 10,000 views!  Holy COW!  Great Papaw and Great Uncle Dan must be reading and re-reading our blog over and over and over  hee/hee  Oh yeah, and Sister Kelly too :)

On the 4th Day of Christmas…

Today was a busy, busy, busy work day for both Mommy and Daddy, finally getting some work done at the house…all day!!! We managed much organizing, cleaning, and storage of Christmas adornments. Daddy finally got the dehumidifier hooked up and operating in the basement, finally got his (and Jude’s) closet organized, re-furbished the vintage door stops throughout the house, completely reorganized the garage, whew…a long day of much needed work. Mommy was equally busy, patching walls, cleaning the house, putting children’s toys together, organizing everything (especially the Christmas things for storage)!

Meanwhile, the two of you had a fun day with Aunt Ti & company (J), you both love spending time with Aunt Ti and she loves and cares for you as much as she does Victoria, Lizzie, Ellie and Andrew. You two are blessed, as you are blessingsJ That is the truth of how life is, don’t ever forget itJ! Still, you were both happy to see Daddy when he picked you up, and Buddha you kept screaming Momma in the car until you got home (Daddy phoned Mommy when we were near the house, and she was waiting for us in the driveway as we pulled inJ!

Sister Kelly and Brother Aaron stopped by for a surprise visit, part of the surprise was a gift of a Bobe’s pizza! They spent the day in Vincennes today, they drove there this morning to see Grandma Holsapple. Uncle Cory went with them, but he was reported as a fuddy-duddy (Mommy and Daddy will explain that when the two of you are older). Still, they enjoyed visiting with Grandma, and they toured Vincennes and went to a winery, so Sister Kelly and Brother Aaron enjoyed themselves. It is a long day trip, though, and they both looked tired, and headed off to home to go to bed.

Buddha, you went down for the night after Sister Kelly and Brother Aaron left, you were a tired baby. Bodhi, you exclaimed “pizza” when Sister Kelly announced they had a surprise for us, as though you were looking forward to having some with Mommy and Daddy. I think your snack of cheese and a banana filled you up because you didn’t show much interest when the pizza was brought out for Mommy’s and Daddy’s late dinner.

You did entertain Mommy and Daddy, Bodhi, by sharing all of the “groceries” from your brother’s shopping cart Grandma Holsapple got him. You freaked Mommy out ‘cause you knew what all the items were, some of which you would not have guessed by looking at the “pretend” grocery containers. You may be showing signs of being a psychic girl…

Anyway, another day has worked its way into evening, and time for all good people to go “night, night.” Goodnight you precious, special, miracle babies…Mommy and Daddy love you both and wish you sweet dreams and happiness forever and ever and everJ.

“Night, night.”

Pictures taken by Aunt Ti today :)

Such a sweet baby girl!  So smart, so beautiful, so loving, and an absolute hoot!

Mommy is going to ask Aunt Ti what this picture was all about :)  You and your brother were super excited to go to Aunt Ti's this morning... it's been a week since you were last there!

Buddha playing with a little people toy... we don't have this particular one :)

Dr. Jude Liam Grills Holsapple

You and your sister love rocking chairs!  Mommy's favorite part of the day is rocking the two of you!

Mommy missed rocking you and your brother today!  Aunt Ti reported that you both took a nice long nap though :)

One of Buddha's three favorite times of the day... dinner!  The other two being breakfast and lunch :)-



Bodhi, you told Aunt Ti you didn't want spaghetti for dinner, but she talked you into trying it, and you LOVED it :/



Mommy's little piggies!  xoxoxoxo

On The 3rd Day of Christmas…

Mommy was back to work this afternoon and Daddy was home with the two of you fully-charged babies, Bodhi and Buddha. We played and played and playedJ. Naptime was interesting, Buddha you were down and asleep with just a few minutes of rocking you. On the other hand, Bodhi, you would not stay down for a nap, Daddy returned you to your bed several times as I tried to get some work done. Finally, I thought you were asleep when I heard pitter-patter of little feet across your floor and something dragging…I went back upstairs to investigate and found you had dragged a chair to the bathroom sink, I assume you were attempting to get to Mommy’s lotion, as you wanted Daddy to put some on your hands earlier. When I scolded you for getting up and in to things, you cried and cried until I laid down with you and explained I just didn’t want you to get hurt. It was then I discovered you had taken four of the six bath play-markers from the bathroom drawer and had them in your bedJ.

Earlier this morning, we were visited by Ms. Connie and Ms. Heather and after an evaluation and assessment, it was decided you were no longer going to meet with them for speech therapy, Bodhi. They both said they were going to miss seeing you (and your brother), but were very pleased with your progress and how smart you are, Bodhi!

When Mommy was finally able to get home from work she needed to pick something up at the pharmacy and stopped home to pick up her money, and we decided to have a pizza and breadsticks party, so Daddy ordered from Pizza King and Mommy picked dinner up on her way home. After dinner, Mommy gave each of you a much needed bathJ and we all got ready for bed.

Sister Kelly and Brother Aaron stopped by earlier also to get Grandma Holsapple’s address and phone number; they are going to go see her tomorrow and take her to lunchJ She will love it! While they were here for their short visit, Kelly played with the two of you in your tent, Bodhi, and she asked you who dressed you up like a hoboJ.

Well, another day has flashed by, and Daddy admits he is worn out. Let’s all snuggle in for a warm night’s sleep and leave the cold and the snow to our squirrel friends. NightNight, Buddha, as you are fond of saying, and sweet dreams baby girl…you both do look like your beautiful Mommy, and both of you are smart like her too, and all of you need to give Daddy more hugsJ!!!

Mommy will be adding Christmas Eve pictures tonight too.

Daddy trying to convince little Bodhi that it's her bedtime hee/hee

No convincing needed here!  "Sleeping Buddha"

"Sweet Dreams little Bo, Mommy and Daddy love you!"  "See you in the morning."

Your new princess tent :)



PS  Mommy was telling Daddy that he's too hard on little Buddha hee/hee and Bodhi, you chimed right in when Mommy asked you, "Daddy is mean to bubby isn't he," by saying "Yes, DaDa says BUBBA NO," as you shook your little finger.  Mommy and Daddy laughed and laughed.  Bo, I bet you hear "Bubba No, Bubba NO NO" at least a thousand times a day :)-  What are we going to do with that little Buddha boy?

On The 2nd Day of Christmas…

This morning we awakened still somewhat weary from a long but joyful Christmas day, and after our morning juice (and coffee for Mommy and Daddy) and breakfast we dressed to await our Christmas celebration with Sister Kelly, Brother Aaron, and Brother Sean Francis and Ariel (Sean Franky’s beauJ).

Everyone arrived at 10 a.m. and yes, Bodhi and Buddha, there were more presents for allJ! We exchanged gifts and ordered out for lunch (Coney dogs and chili-cheese fries oh my), and then we watched a funny movie Ariel and Sean had rented. Daddy is so exhausted he can’t remember the title of the movie, but it was funnyJ.

We had a mishap with our garbage disposal (and learned potato peels are not recommendedL), so while we celebrated and enjoyed our family, we were rescued by Gardner’s PlumbingJ). After our movie, it was nap time for babies and family went on their way. Daddy remained home and tried to do some cleaning up for Mommy, as Mommy went off to work.

Daddy was in charge for dinner, so you two enjoyed a grilled cheese sandwich and greenbeans and some apple juice (mmmm..Daddy is quite the gourmet chefJ). By the time dinner was done, and we settled down to play together, Mommy finished up at work and came home to pick us up, so we could make a family venture to Lowe’s to select a new entry light for our new home. While we were out, we managed to exchange a gift we had two of for a princess tent for you, Bodhi. We waited while Mommy went into the stores to do the exchange, and you and I decided, Bodhi, that Buddha was making noises like a penguin…we both laughed at that, then he joined in the laughter tooJ>

By the time we got home, Buddha you were ready to be down for the count, and Daddy after rocking you to sleep decided Bodhi and Daddy needed to follow your lead. So, goodnight Mommy and the rest of our loved family and friends.

Bodhi and Daddy are signing off, and wishing everyone a happy 2^nd day of Christmas. Bodhi asked that I include one more thing…Momma, come to bed!

Brother Aaron helping little Buddha get started with his gifts :)

"Oooooh Dora Doll!"

Potato head :)-

"Vroom Vroom!"

Brother Aaron, Bubby Sean Franky, and Sista Ariel watching you two go to town on your gifts :)

Sweet Brother and Sister

Goof Troops!

Blowing Kisses to your audience for all the lovely gifts!

Such happy little critters :)