The end of November

 Is this really the end of November?  Time is flying by way too quickly.  Each day I spend with my husband and children is a great blessing. I love them so much.  Here are a few more pictures from our Thanksgiving holiday with family.  Oh yes, no holiday in the Dalbey family would be complete without something big happening.  This year, Peyton started to crawl.  Video will be posted soon.  

I am thankful for my family.  

Thanksgiving 2011

The Dalbey family had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  We spent Thursday and Friday with family and were able to do something very important this year - REST!  It has been a long year.  Here are a few pictures of our holiday weekend.  First, we have some wonderful decorations at Grandad Denton's house.  

 Thank you, Grandad, for hosting our family and spending time with us.  

 Here is the Dalbey family :) 

 Thank you, Grammie and Papa for hosting us as well and making our time very relaxing.  

 I am very thankful for these two.  I think this picture shows their individual personalities.  

 Finally, a turkey :) 

 

 This year, I am thankful for my husband, children, family, friends, our home, my camera, my job, and much more.  We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.  

Preston looks like Family

My dad has charged me with a big project in between all the other stuff I do for him at the office.  He has asked me to scan every photograph he has from his childhood.  This is no small task.  While I am working on this project, I just can't help but notice how much Preston looks like my dad.
Here is an example. My dad is the blond on the far left.    

Peyton 8 months and still crawling/walking

Peyton officially turned 8 months old yesterday.  She is so sweet.  We love her so much!  She has started crawling with one leg pushing the floor and the other in a crawling motion...I am trying to catch it on video.  Peyton also continues her quest to walk.  She much prefers to stand, wait till mommy or daddy reach out for her and then she moves her legs and 'walks' toward us.  I did capture this on video: 

She also likes trying to stand up and hold on to whatever she can reach.  

Did I mention she can push herself backwards and sometimes ends up under the crib?

 Peyton also enjoys being with mommy no matter what I am doing.  Yesterday I was organizing her clothes and she insisted on helping...so cute.  Here are a few pics.  

First, helping mommy! 

Smiling for the camera

She doesn't like those hats!  

South Africa

Some of you may not know, but when I was in college I spent 6 months studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.  This was a very important season in my life as I learned so much about who I am, what I believe and what is important in life.  While I have yet to return to this wonderful place, I dearly miss many friends who became my family while away from home.  I long to return...some day.  Well, my past came racing back this morning as my dad was going through his old Rolodex.  You know, those things that hold business cards and contact information.  Yes, people had to use these before the internet really existed. As my dad was cleaning he found this: 

This was my old address and contact number in Cape Town.  What did I do with this?  I logged on to Google Map and found this picture: 

This was my street.  On the left is a complex with 2 houses.  My house is hiding behind the big trees.  You can, however, make out a porch that I used to hang out on with my roomies.  On the Right of the street is a fence.  There used to be a small hill and a huge field that I would go run around for exercise.  I think it is still there.  Anyway, I thought I would share these fun and random memories with my readers.  

Random

This is another post dedicated to all those random things I think about blogging from time to time.  I may not have pictures to go with every item...oh well.
Here we go.  

First, our 'Give Thanks' flag is hanging up outside our house.  I fully intend on celebrating Thanksgiving before I think about Christmas.  

Second, I took advantage of a 'free' mug on shutterfly the other day and decided to make something with Peyton pictures to keep in my office.  I now have a super cute place to keep my sharpies :) 

Third, our Ginkgo tree finally changed colors.  It is beautiful.  

Here is another picture from the ground.  

Next, Preston has been doing great with potty training.  He stays dry all day and has minimal accidents.  He will even go the potty in public restrooms - big accomplishment the past week. 

Peyton's 'battle wound' is healing well and we meet with the Dr. on Friday.  We do not feel worried or concerned.  Oh yes, she is on the verge of crawling...video will be posted soon. 

Well, that is all I can think about for now.  Have a wonderful night! 

Peyton almost 8 months

The fall leaves are beautiful and Peyton is 1 week away from being 8 months old so I decided to do her photo shoot a little early.  I also wanted to capture one more look of the toothless grin.  Yes, we think a tooth is about to break through.  Even as I write this post our little girl is crying instead of sleeping.  We think her teeth are causing her some pain.  Poor little girl.  Here is Peyton with that sweet smile we all love.  First, a look at our beautiful girl in front of those beautiful yellow ginkgo leaves.  

 Next, a girl that is nothing but happy.  

Ok, the girl is still crying so I am going to go in and check on her. 

Peyton not so crawling but very much standing

 As you can see from the picture, Peyton has been working on some big skills lately.  She knows how to sit up, and now she knows how to sit up from a lying down position.  She also knows how to stand up by herself for quite a while.  Yes, this means she can pull herself up.  She has also been clapping her hands - super cute.  Today, she was seriously trying to crawl but just hasn't figured out the whole leg moving thing.  She is super great, however, at pushing herself backward.   I have been trying my best to document these wonderful accomplishments as I know how much the Grandma's appreciate these things :)  Here are a couple more pictures.  

Start your engines

Just thought I would share this fun video of Preston racing around the room.  I am amazed at how fast he can go.  When can I sign this kid up for track and field?  

Autumn

 I love autumn.  It might be my favorite season...or maybe spring is my favorite season...jury is still out.  One thing I really like about autumn is the beautiful leaves changing colors.  I took my camera outside yesterday afternoon and took these beautiful pictures.  Here is our ginkgo tree.  

Here is our neighbors tree.  

I am sure ours will turn yellow soon.  When it does you can depend on some great pics with the kids in the leaves :)  Here are some leaves turning yellow in our backyard.  

Finally, our pumpkin that Preston helped carve last weekend.  The squirrels have sufficiently demolished the face in 4 days. Oh well. I am saving our other pumpkin for a Thanksgiving centerpiece.  

Happy November.  

Peyton's Surgery

Peyton had outpatient surgery this morning to remove a cyst behind her ear.  This cyst has been present since birth but started growing and the need to remove it became obvious to us and a specialist.  The doctor believes it is only a dermoid cyst and there is no cause for concern.  We will wait for pathology to confirm these beliefs but are optimistic and hopeful.  Oh yes, the surgery went well and we are home recovering.  Peyton did great.  The nursing staff said she went under anesthetic well and did not cry when she woke up.  She was just hungry.  

 While there are many lessons to learn from this experience, I will simply highlight a few.  First, I am thankful for the many family and friends who kept us in their thoughts and prayers this morning.  We are so thankful for everyone's support and care.  Second, I am so thankful for the doctor's, nurses and hospital staff who took good care of our little girl.  Our Pediatric Anesthesiologist even shared the same Birthday as Peyton - super cool.  Finally, this is one step in many of trusting your child to the Lord or to the care of others.  I am thankful for a positive outcome.