Christmas at the Baldwin's was quite eventful this year. The kids enjoyed their first one and were thrilled that Santa dropped by. Griff was so excited that he stayed up nearly the entire night. It was so much fun.

Lily and Griff were also excited to have their own stockings. They were filled to the brim with formula and diapers - just what they wanted. They also got some pretty cool stuff from their grandparents and their aunts and uncles.

They are doing well and so is Melissa. The hits just keep on coming. Friday the 22nd of December Melissa went to the emergency room with severe pain in her side. She was quickly diagnosed with a kidney stone. However, once her CT scan came back the doctors discovered that she actually had a cyst the size of a grapefruit on her ovary. Swell. She underwent surgery Friday night at about 10 p.m. It was basically the same as having a C-section. All went well and she even made it home Sunday morning for Christmas Eve. She is recovering well and doing great. She has really had a great attitude about the whole thing.

The kids are good and are growing like weeds. They are both in the top 90% for height. They get along well. They are spit-up machines. It is uncanny. They just seem to know the exact moment when you let your guard down. Wham! Just like that you've been slimed. It's not just that they instictively know the perfect moment. They also have a knack to throw up on whatever it is that you really don't want them to. If you just put on a shirt, they will nail it. If you have on something that has to be dry-cleaned, consider it a matter of time. They are like little barfing ninjas.

Lily is enjoying her hat that she received from her uncles. She can't wait for her first paper route.

Mint delight.

Grandpa Baldwin loves to make Lily look like Squiggy.

I don't know if she'll ever really be able to appreciate this post. (Photo: www.davidlander.com)

Cotton Butterfly.

Griff is enjoying his first See'n'Say, which he and Lily received for Christmas.

Christmas Morning.

Christmas Eve, looking for Santa.

Cuuuute.

Awwww.

I don't have any idea what Lily is thinking right now. The disturbing thing about this picture is she actually kind of looks like me (Jake) in this one. Thanks for nothing, Lily.

Griff is deep in thought, contemplating the mysteries of the universe.

No one can make these kids smile like Great-Grandma Jean. He was actually smiling even bigger than this, but I was too slow. On the bright side, my white whale is dead.

They aren't planning on being terrified and crying at the sight of Santa until next year.

This is Melissa's all-time favorite picture of Griffin.

Lily doesn't think that her outfit is as cute as we do.

Griff and daddy having a staring contest.

One of Griff's attempts to unhook his mandible.

Every shirt he wears looks like this after about 8 seconds.

Griff's "Ralphie!" picture.

Grandma and Grandpa Baldwin with the kids.

Dad and Griff watching the Utah/BYU game. Griff is lucky that he fell asleep. Prevent defense is terrible!

Bravo! Bravo!

Lily Vicious.

Griff and I have been watching a lot of "Hogan Knows Best." He wanted to do his best Hulkster pose. He's saying his prayers and taking his vitamins.

On the eve before L&G's first Thanksgiving there is much to be thankful for. Foremost on the list is the blue bouncing seat that Griff has come to love. As much as he loves it, though, I'm pretty sure that Melissa and I love it more. Binkys have to rank pretty high on the list. Also, let's not forget the Jazz at this time of gratitude. Finally, we can be grateful that the kids and their mom are happy and healthy. Things have been going well. We're starting to get things figured out for raising two at a time. (I don't think that counts as a jinx, but I knocked on wood and have just pulled out my lucky rabbit's foot.)
They are both growing a lot. Scrolling through the blog it's easy to see how much they are changing. Lily still becomes absolutely furious every time we try to burp her. I've explained over and over that she hasn't tasted food for the last time, but nothing seems to console her. Griff has his own things to worry about. He yawns bigger than anyone I've every seen. The problem is that he hasn't figured out that his mouth is limited as to how wide it will go. So every once in a while he'll yawn and then he'll cry because he stretched his mouth too far.

We're all excited for the kids' first turkey day. We're so grateful for all of the love and support that have come our way. We all want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

Griff's first experience with professional photography. He's had plenty of opportunity to prepare for this moment.

Lily on the roses.

I'm too sexy for this crib... Vogue!

I don't know what Griff was doing before I took this picture, but I'm pretty sure that I busted him on something. HANDS UP!

They call us Mellow Yellow. Quite rightly. (Electrical Banana)

You talkin' to me? Well, I'm the only one here... You talkin' to me?

BALDWIN, Lily C.

#09162006

BALDWIN, Griffin J.

#10112006

Ralphie... Ralphie, wait up!

Just another day in paradise.

Griff likes to play with with his Great Aunt Mary Lynne.

Quality time with Great Grandma Harker.

From two to four, just like that. This picture was taken right after Lily was blessed. It was a really nice day. We had quite bit of support from friends and family, and that's always appreciated.
Things are going well. Melissa is getting everything figured out as far as taking care of our two little bundles of joy during the day. She is doing an amazing job.
Lily and Griff are growing and seem to be getting along pretty well. They generally sleep pretty well, waking only once or so per night. That has been pretty nice. They are pretty good during the day. They like playing on their little floor play area toy thing. They also both enjoy spending time with the pictures on the wall and the fish hanging from their swing.
The kids really enjoyed their first World Series and are ecstatic about how the Jazz have started the season. They also enjoy a little late night Sportscenter or Pimp My Ride during the late night burping sessions. They've got it made in the shade.
We also think that Lily is finally aware that Griffin exists. We're not sure if that awareness is mutual, but Lily seems to notice him - especially when he is being held and she isn't. She is a momma's girl and she's only been alive for 52 days. Griff is generally more content to chill on his own. In fact, much of the time he seems to prefer it. To each his (her) own.

This picture makes my day.

Super Griff. His hat makes me happy every time I see it.

Cheeser

Griff has smiled, but it is very elusive. We will get one on camera, but I don't know when. It's my white whale. (Don't call me Ishmael.)

Great Aunt Sharon is making sure that the kids always have very fashionable hats.