There are a lot of new movies in the Family page, as well as some in Margot's page. Check 'em out. Hope they bring a smile to your face!

[Sorry for the lack of posts this fall. So much to do and so little time.]

But I had to mention that Margot has started to roll over all by herself. She actually prefers to sleep on her side/front. And she's only four months old! So much for "set [her down] and for get [her]"!!

 

 

I'm getting 'round to putting up more pictures. Sorry for the long delay. The holidays were great, but very busy. Three day weekends are the time to get some pictures up. So keep your fingers crossed...more to come today!

Fun or foolish...we're at an outdoor concert!!! Polka, baby!

More details and photos when we wake back up.....

Well, the regular school year is at close and Melina is done with the kids. Now it's time to finish up the paperwork side of things.

Star got the...ahem, royal treatment at the vet today. Poked and prodded for the full annual checkup. The results are an ear infection and a possible bladder infection or kidney issue (treatable with different medications or diet). So $475 later, she's set to go. I was about ready to buy stock in a paper towel company! (just kidding)

Miah is more or less back to normal. The nurse told us about some other ointments for the diaper rash, and she's doing much better in that regard. But here in the past couple days or so, she's developed quite the penchant to whine and complain when she doesn't immediately get what she wants. I know, I know, give it a few years and then we'll really know what that's all about, right? Well, we think it's just a sign that she is more aware of things and wants to check them out. She'll reach out for things, like the big ol' stack of maps NG sent me that I'd done the edits on. Then she'll play with it for a moment, then just drop it and go onto the next thing.

The other 'fun' part is she really, really wants to explore more. We have let her be free and roam the kitchen and the bedroom some, and she doesn't want to be cooped up. Phew, glad summer is here! :)

We're looking forward to the upcoming summer trips and being able to spend time with everybody! See ya soon!

So, in case you're wondering what's been going on around the Shaffer household, here's the update:

1. Miah is feeling a lot better, after a few days of come-and-go fever. But she has a nasty diaper rash that we're struggling with. Just gotta do oil changes more often.

2. I've adopted a new member of the family....her name is Grey. Outside only. But very cute and friendly enough to pet while she's eating her hand outs.


3. Ever consider a career in fluid dynamics? Apply in person to Star.


4. Aunt Randi brought me some cool new shades.


5. The otherwise nocturnal form that is known as "Buns Up" caught in a rare daytime living-room appearance.

Just giving a shout out to Grandma Wilkins who finished her last days of tortu....teaching on Friday!

Here's to afternoon naps! Hip hip hooray!

Woohoo! Three years ago today we were married! :)

From our first date in Fort Worth....back in '03...


To wedding day...in '05..


To the new addition...


What a wonderful thing!!

Melina is neck deep with rehearsals for the UIL contests coming up; staying sane with the new crop of orchDorks; string quartet rehearsals, and Threadneedle St recording sessions (album is recorded, just have to mix and burn!). This weekend, she is playing at the North Texas Irish Festival at Fair Park. And then we're helping celebrate Randi's 30th birthday. But at this point, she says she's just ready for Spring Break.

National Geo has been keeping me busy. I just finished up rebuilding 20-some files that make up the Yellowstone Park area. On my desk is three more maps that need edits done on them. In between all this, I repainted a metal cabinet that was Grandpa Baker's to put all my computer stuff in. It's a lot better than all those plastic shelf things. We'll now use those for some of Miah's clothes anyway.

Star and the cats are adjusting to having this other 'thing' moving around trying to catch them.

Oh, and the thing I forgot to mention about Miah is that she is 'talking' differently now. She is using more consonants now. So now it's more, "bla, blah, bla." Even a little bit of 'dah daa' and a lot of 'ma ma'. We're pretty amused.