We are doing alright in the Doucette household. Daniel had his 6 month checkup today and I wanted to opt out of his Hep B vaccine but then the doctor came in to explain why it's important and with a completely straight face he said that Hep B is transferred the same way HIV is through sex or needles etc. I looked at him and said, "I don't think my 6 month old son is going to be having sex or doing drugs with needles any time soon." He laughed and said well he has gotten the first 2 why not just finish with this last one. I totally didn't realize I had overlooked this in his previous appointments and it made me sad because I have been feeling like with all the attention that Clara is requiring these days little (Big) Daniel gets overlooked more than I like. Oh well, I'm sure that is how it is in most families. I can't even imagine having more than two kids at once. I am standing most of the day and busy all day long with their needs. Anyway, Daniel also has a rash that I thought was from the detergent I was using but the doctor seems to think it is just dry skin so I need to use oil to moisturize and hope it goes away. He is 19lbs now and broke his first tooth this last week. He is rolling over and rocking on all fours. The doctor said not to be surprised if at the next appointment, 9 mo, he is taking steps and pulling up on furniture. He warned me that second children are usually advanced physically and delayed verbally. I think that will probably ring true for us.

Clara is doing great. Her butt sore is healed up nicely and she only has normal diaper rash issues now. She is so excited about her signing time videos and uses even signs I didn't realize she knew. She is a ton of fun right now with her coloring and wrapping her doll up. She puts the dolly in all of Daniels things like his carseat and exersaucer. It's pretty cute.

Scott has started his busy time at work and with getting a ton new clients right before tax season it is a bigger challenge than I think even he thought it would be. He is working 50 sometimes 60 hours a week. I try to have the house in a state of peace when he gets home but sometimes it is really hard. As soon as I clean something Clara destroys it again.

I started back at the gym and also both my mommy group on Wednesday mornings and Connect group on Thursday nights started up again. It's good both groups are every other week and they just happen to be on opposite weeks so that works good for me. Scott is a bit overwhelmed so he stays with the kids instead of going to Connect group. I'm not sure that staying with the kids is a break but at least he gets to be with them. He will enjoy it more when Daniel starts walking and talking I hope.

Our church is moving into our new building at the end of the month and that is super exciting, for me at least.

I am thinking of having Samara help me with some swim classes for Clara. Monday nights for a half hour. I think Stacy might be able to use if for leverage on some chores at home too.

Winter has definitely come to Minnesota. Not so much snow yet but cold for sure. It was 20 degrees yesterday and the weather man said it was "mild." Why do I live here?????

I was hoping to win the lottery so that I could buy everyone a house down south . . . but I would have had to buy a ticket :)

Dawn is now on 4 10 hour days a week so we get to see her more often and it has been really fun. We have been doing some fun crafts and playing a game that Scott bought with his Christmas money. It is called Carcasson. I made a blanket for Daniel out of some left over fleece that Dawn had purchased to make a blanket for her nephew but it was too baby for him. So now Daniel gets it. She also gave me a Ninja for Christmas because she was giving it to her brother for his wedding but he already got one and she didn't return it in time. I am so grateful because the season to make baby food has come again and the thing is AMAZING!!


We love you and miss you so much!
Kari