Here comes Santa Claus...

We had so much fun during Christmas this year! Santa Claus remembered everything that Ema asked him for! The princess clock and toy reindeer were a huge hit. He also surprised her with a toy kitchen for her room and the baby doll furniture that she had been eyeing. Tobey's gift from the big guy was a play gym for the floor. He loves talking to the little bug that swings from the top and sings to him. We hope that all of your families had as much of a good time as we did getting to see everyone and enjoying their company.

Happy New Year to all of you as well!

Tobey's First Haircut (ALREADY!!!)

At 3 and a half month's old, Tobey already needed a haircut, so we took him to have it done. I just hope that the old wives' tale isn't true about a baby having to wait until they are 12 months old before they should have their hair cut so that they don't go bald early as an adult...

Since Cisco had to work, Aunt Erin and Mommy took Ema & Tobey to 19 North Salon & Spa in Zebulon and Mrs. Jennifer cut Ema's hair first.

Here are her fabulous results!

When Mrs. Jennifer started to cut Tobey's hair, he wasn't very happy...

But after a little bribery, things started to look up...

Once we got started, it went pretty quickly. But, by the time it was over Tobey and Mommy were both a sticky, hairy mess. It was definitely an experience that we won't forget. Here is a picture of our new little man with his grown up haircut...

What a doll!

Christmas in D.C.

Cisco & I took a much needed vacation to Washington DC this weekend. We flew in on Thursday and came back on Saturday. We had such a great time walking around DC checking out the Capital, the White House, the Smithsonian, and all the monuments. We decided that to fully enjoy this town, you definitely need more than 2 days. There is so much to see! Maybe when the kids get older and can understand the history a little more, we will all go back and take at least a week!

"It's beginning to look alot like Christmas..."

We decorated our Christmas tree this weekend and had "A Jolly 'Ole Time"! Ema sang Christmas carols with Mommy while Daddy baked chocolate chip cookies...YUM!

This year is going to be so much fun because not only is it Tobey's first Christmas, but this is the first year that Ema actually understands and believes in Santa Claus. No pressure, right?! We also remind her of the real Christmas story also so that she nor we forget the true meaning of this beautiful season. I hope that you all have a great December and...

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

Our Christmas Card 2006

I recently took some pictures to include with our family christmas card this year and they were so cute that I thought that I would share a few of the ones that I didn't get to use. (I hated to pick just one!) Here they are!

EMILY VALENTINA MAXEDON

WELCOME, EMILY!

Our little family miracle has finally arrived! Rafael and April welcomed Miss Emily into their lives on October 31 at Spalding Regional Hospital. She was 4 pounds 13 ounces and 17 inches long.
While we were taking Ema trick or treating, the rest of the family was visiting her new cousin. Once we were finished collecting candy, we took Ema to see Emily and she fell instantly in love. Since Emily was so small, she was about the perfect size for a baby doll for Ema. She loved holding her!

The Princess and the Pea

This halloween was so much fun! Ema wanted to be a princess (imagine that!) and Tobey was a pea pod. We didn't plan the pun, but it sure was cute! And thankfully, unlike the real story of the princess and the pea, Tobey isn't as annoying to Ema. Not yet, anyway!
We took Ema to trick or treat with her friends, Holden and Peyton, on Christmas "tree" Lane in Thomaston, Ga. Holden was a superhero and Peyton was a unicorn. They were all really cute! Since Tobey is just 3 months old, Aunt Erin picked him up and took him to stay with Grandmama and Pop. I'm sure he enjoyed that better then us dragging him around in the cold.
We hope that you guys enjoy this picture!

Gummy Grins

Tobey has been showing his gorgeous gums for about a week now. Between naps and feeding time we have managed to work in some "smile" time. He is so cute when he does it. Not only do you see the smile but you can hear and feel it too. He kinda laughs a little when he does it and his eyes show so much happiness that you can't help but laugh with him. I know that this picture doesn't do any of you justice until you can experience it yourself, but hopefully it will suffice for now.

Our "Tiny Dancer"

Ema started ballet and tap lessons this year at Kim Ozier's Studio of Dance in Barnesville, GA. It is a 9 month program that will eventually end in a few performances and a recital with as many as 2 costume changes. She absolutely loves it! At first she was a little shy during the class because on the first day there were about 17 girls in her class and everything was so new.

They have cut the class in half now, so on every Tuesday at 4:00pm she and about 7 other girls learn how to point their toes and then tap them as loud as they can. She is SO cute in her leotard and dance shoes and loves to show them off whenever we see anyone after class. We will update you all on the dates and times of performances and let you know where they will be.

Ema's First Day of School

Today was Ema's first day of school at First Baptist Church of Griffin's Weekday program. She was so excited to go and meet all the new friends that she is going to make! It's amazing at just how fast she has grown up... When she got home, she had to tell me all about the kids, the playground and the painting that she painted. This program is going to be so good for her and for us as well. It will definitely get all of us prepared for when she starts "real" school. (pre-k is next year!) She loves to tell people about her experiences at school, so make sure you ask her when you talk to her.

TOBEY NICHOLAS MAXEDON

Well, you all know that Tobey's original date of arrival was September 6, but for some reason, he just couldn't wait for that. He was born on August 12, 2006 at 1:40am at Spalding Regional Hospital. His weight was 6 pounds 9 ounces and his length was 18 inches. Even though he was born at 35 weeks (5 weeks early) he was healthy as could be. There were no problems, other than the fact that we were not prepared for a birth this early at all... no bags were packed yet!
Oh, well! We are so excited that we have finally gotten to meet our son! He is beautiful and is such a good baby.

We are already on a pretty scheduled routine, and he never cries for no reason. Once we get used to the 3am feedings, we will stop crying too... :)

Ema is also really excited that he is here. She is his "little mommy" wanting to help with everything from feeding him a bottle to changing his diapers.

Thanks to all of you who visited us in the hospital and at our house. We definitely enjoyed the company and the help from all of you!

Summer Days

Ema has been a complete "water baby" this summer.

Grandpa and Nanny (Ben & Patti) got a new pool at their house and we have a small "kiddie" pool here at our house along with a slip-n-slide.

Whenever we give her the chance, she wants to go outside and go swimming. Just recently we have noticed how she has gained more confidence in letting herself just float in the water and in making sure that everyone else around her gets just as wet as she does. Enjoy these pictures as we have enjoyed the real-life soaking experience.

Independance Day

Today we had a BBQ at our house to eat some food and set off some fireworks to celebrate our nation's birthday with our families. We had a blast, literally! We stayed entertained watching Ema play in the pool and sand box until it got dark enough to light the fireworks. They weren't the biggest ones that you can buy, but they were perfect for our little celebration. The bright colors and loud pops were a pleasant surprise to Ema.
She liked everything until the bottle rockets that sounded like gun shots went off. They were a little loud for her. She did, however, enjoy the sparklers and even held one until a little sparkle reached her arm.

We are planning on going to Pike County's Fourth of July Celebration in Zebulon on Tuesday to watch the "real" fireworks and to help man the church booth passing out balloons to the community. Hope to see some of you there!

Our trip to Jax Beach

We took Ema to see her Abuela in Jacksonville, FL this week and we had a really great time. On Friday, we all went to the beach but Ema didn't care too much for the water. She did have a blast in the sand building sand castles, though. It rained Saturday, but we still were able to have a bar-b-que with Javier and Laurie and of course Cisco ruled the grill, so the food was awesome. We drove back Sunday after having brunch so Ema fell asleep almost as soon as we hit the highway. We can't wait to go back...

The Name Game

We are having the most difficult time coming up with a name for our son that will be here on September 6, 2006. We have so many names to choose from but none seem to be "just right". Let us know what you think of these options...

Nicholas
Dean
Evan
Tobey
Grant
Isaac
Seth
Trent

These are just a few of the ones that have us thinking. Why are boys names so hard?

Emaculada's 3rd Birthday

Ema is now three years old, and we celebrated her birthday in "Royal" style.

Our pretty princess and all her friends had a blast with the coloring castle and dressing up like princesses and princes, complete with tiaras, crowns, wands and swords. Thanks to all of you who came to the party and for the gifts that you brought for her.

She always ends up with way too many toys, but she wouldn't have it any other way!