Christmas comes early

Usually we're the last ones to have a Christmas tree up, and sometimes we forgo it altogether, but with Andy understanding the excitement of Christmas for the first time, we're going all out (well, all out for the Orams!). I got a poinsetta, perhaps the first one I've ever bought, and Andy and I even decorated its clay pot with Christmas stickers. We have a wreath on the door and snowflakes in the windows. Andy has been busy cutting out shapes and using glue and glitter to make ornaments. For those who know me well, you know this is a LOT of holiday decoration for me!

It all started when Mom and Tom brought over a Christmas tree that my mom just couldn't pass up, and Tom was generous enough to struggle with our crappy tree stand to get it up (Andy helped with the sawing, of course).

Andy hung the first ornament (red paper, lower right).

Our "Let it Snow" decoration, hand picked and hung by Andy in our dining room.All these Christmas preparations have had an effect on Andy. This morning as we were making his lunch together, he said "Are you impressed [that] Santa is coming?" Impressed? Well, excited anyway!

Growing up quick!

Sylvia is growing by leaps and bounds. Andy loves to "help" her on the activity mat. She's also getting really good at holding up her head.

Some professional pics

My friend Sara came by last week to help me choose photos for the wedding album and enlargements we're having her make for us (YES, almost 4 years later!). While she was here, she took some photos of Sylvia at the 2 month mark. Thanks Sara!

check out http://www.photosbysara.com/

Andy

Andy likes nothing better than holding Sylvia - something he asks to do a dozen times a day. Jamming on his guitar as Sylvia looks on.

Tea Time

Last week I met Ramona, a friend from work, at Queen Anne's tea house for lunch - it is such a wonderful place! I am looking forward to bringing Sylvia back when she's older for a girl's tea. After lunch, my mom and I took some solo photos of Sly.

Two Months Old and Smiling!

The Can Can

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!You must check out this video, featuring the Oram Family Dancers!

The New Chaquita

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!This is Andy's absolute favorite.

The Oram Family Dancers

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!So yes, this is what I've been doing in my spare time...

Girl's Night Out

http://todandmelissa.blogspot.com/2007/11/girls-night-out.html

Bryn and Andy: Through the Years

From the beginning......they've been a team... ...although it wasn't always easy... ... especially when Andy would blindside Bryn with a "hug."

But he never led her astray, despite their vast differences...

And then came the kisses ...

...and the -- slightly uncomfortable -- attention.But they emerged fast friends, whose different "world views" combine with hilarious results...

...and still lots of kissing... ...and best of all, LAUGHTER!

Some recent pics

Just a few recent photos from our house. First, Sylvia's first attempt at really grabbing something was a success - she got the giraffe foot and put it in her mouth. That's big news for a baby! She looks so much like Andy when she laughs like this!

Most evenings, while Shawn slaves in the kitchen, you can find the rest of us piled up in the recliner cuddling, reading books or watching Nature (okay, we watch Nature 5% of the time, the rest of the time it's Land Before Time or Nemo).

I love these photos. In this first one, notice the similar expression on Sylvia and Shawn's faces.

Last night, Andy entertained us at the end of dinner time with some harmonica and piano. He pounds on a few keys and sings "Mary had a little lamb," but there's something about "Halloween" at the end of the song...

Andy's first school picture is now hanging on our wall!

Morning with Sylvia

Here are some nice photos of Sylvia this morning. Other than these pictures, not much to report -- just coming down from a sugar high!