2012 Wise Year in Review

Happy holidays!  We hope this letter finds you well.  2012 was a pretty eventful year for the Wises.  We did a lot of fun things, like picking apples, strawberries, and our Halloween pumpkins; and we went to the beach where Ava could play in the surf with her bucket and shovel.  We also had several fun trips and big events this year.

Reagan Marie made her entrance into the world on July 17th.  Mommy and daddy were caught very much by surprise at the speed with which Reagan decided to join our family; it was so fast that she ended up being born at home...not by plan.  Reagan was born 10 days before her due date, and the delivery lasted all of about 6 hours (compared to Ava’s, which was approx. 36 hours).  Fortunately the EMTs arrived just in time to ensure a safe and healthy delivery, but it was literally a matter of seconds between their arrival and complete delivery. 

I believe this is what is meant by "falling behind the power curve".  Note how Ava's progress is proportional (i.e., linear) and Reagan's is not...by a long shot (i.e. non-linear).  Gee, I wonder if this is a preview of one way their personalities might differ.  In any case, Reagan is a sweet and happy baby.  She will smile at anyone and everyone at the drop of a hat, even if she was screaming her head off the moment before.

Ava Mae had a big year.  She learned to walk, and now runs and hops around like a bunny everywhere she goes.  We spent a ton of time at the park (the Melrose Common) in the swing and riding around in toy cars.  But the most exciting thing this year for her was becoming a big take care of her.  Ava and Reagan share a room, and Ava loves to point sister.  She gives Reagan many kisses and helps mommy and daddy out that Reagan sleeps in the crib near her own bed. We'll enjoy this while it lasts.

In March, the three of us (Reagan-less at that point) went to see Great-Granny and the rest of the family in Wichita, Kansas.  We got to see Granny, the Kandts, the Lewallens, and Cheryl joined us from Ohio.  We went to the botanical garden, and spent a lot of time visiting.  We had a wonderful time.

Cary's dad, Larry, passed away on October 21st of a heart attack.  He was 67 years way-too-young.  We will miss him, especially this time for the holidays.  We are getting along, and want to say "thank you" for the well-wishes and prayers we received.

Marie, Ava, Reagan and I wish you and your family happy holidays and a wonderful new year.

Brewer Christmas

We celebrated another Brewer Christmas a couple of days after Christmas this year.  The whole family was there and Bonnie also got to join us! Once again we got spoiled by the family with all the presents especially Ava and Reagan.  I think one of the highlights this year was the gift my mom decided to give all the men.  It was a nice shirt but for some reason Cary got a dark one and everyone else received a light shirt (see the pictures for the hilarious moment).  Her reason, "Cary looks better in that color" :)  Anyways is was a nice laugh and one of those memories that will be talked about for years to come.  Looks like everyone got what they wanted for the NKTOB book to a head phone set.  Love it!  Thanks for another wonderful Christmas
It was a nice night full of laughter, talking, and lots of presents.

Christmas prayer

Christmas in Dayton

We spent Christmas in Dayton this year surrounded around loving family.  It was a lot of fun and like always we got so much.  Santa Claus gave Ava and Reagan a folded table and chair set.  Also Ava got a her first  Owl Backpack so she can use it on all her trips.  Reagan got to spend her first Christmas opening gifts and playing with all her new toys.
We had a great time hanging out with family even with all the sickness going around.  Ava loved playing with Bailee, by the end of the trip she was her buddy.  Reagan just smiled the whole time especially to everyone that was holding her.  Our Granddad was truly missed, it won't ever get easier but the joy of his life will always be present.  Christmas 2012 was a Very Merry One!

Reading The Night Before Christmas

Matching Snowmen

So Happy

Christmas morning

Reagan 5 months

Reagan is 5 months today! She is such a happy little girl.  You can make her smile anywhere, anytime.  It's amazing, even after she screams her head off!  Her new things are: grabbing at toys and everything her sister puts in front of her face.  Talking and cooing more, belly laughing more.  Sleeping in the same room as Ava, they are roomies.  It's been an exciting 5 months, looking forward to watching her grow and she her personality.

Baking & Eating Christmas Cookies

Ava and I did a little baking for Christmas, well I guess you can call it baking.  We put already made cookies on cookie sheets and then covered them with icing.  Ava like always was a big helper, she placed them on the sheet for me.  Of course the best part is always eating your hard work.  In this case all our hard work was in eating them:)  Ava is going to be our baker in the family, she had so much fun!