Monday, December 28, 2009

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

I am watching the snow fly, my daughter crafting through her Christmas gifts, my son flitting from one toy to the next. Christmas Day has come and gone, and it was a wonderful day. Hectic and too fast, but good.

We have been spending Christmas Eve at my parents' house for, well, most of our married life. First because we lived several hours away and were both working, and it was just easier to see everyone if we came back for Christmas. Next, because we had Baby Girl and my sister moved away and it was one of the few times we could all visit together. Once we moved closer, we just kept staying there, getting up Christmas morning, opening gifts with my family, driving to our house, quickly opening gifts there, and then driving to Dr. Dad's parents' house to do it all over again.

This year we actually gave Baby Girl the choice to change things, but she is happy with our tradition, and so we were all over the place just like always. I have to admit that while I love it, it is exhausting.

This Christmas was even more special because my whole family was at the dinner table Christmas Eve. My sister is getting married next August (she totally stole my wedding month...just kidding sis!) and so she and her fiancee were here. I wonder if they should have code names, too? They currently live outside of LA and I hate that I hardly ever see them. I am sure the wedding will be a hot blog topic in 2010...

Dr. Dad is back to work already, and the kids and I are going to be spending some more time with my sister before she and her fiancee go back to LA.

I will get pictures up soon...just wanted to say enjoy the week...I know I will.

Monday, December 21, 2009

17 Months

You are changing so fast now that I am afraid to blink.

Like a little parrot, you love to repeat our words...'side (outside) 'ungry (hungry) choo choo (train) sisi (sister).

You know way too many cartoon characters. Dora, Elmo, Olivia (and when you sing the theme song to that show you are so cute I can't stand it).

You are still all boy...your love for cars and trucks and running and climbing and food never ceases to amaze us. If you think you could potentially drive something you will try...

Still, you are developing some habits that remind us of your sister...playing the piano, singing, looking at books.

When Santa came to visit you and your sister on his Firetruck this week, I was not sure how you would react. I don't think you knew what was more thrilling: Santa in your house, or a giant truck parked outside.

We are so excited for Christmas morning. Last year you were just 5 months old and slept through most of the excitement. This year you have embraced everything about this time of year with such an exuberance it has made us all a little more aware of how awesome Christmas is for a child.

Thank you for teaching us to look for the joy...in everything.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Done

Cards written! Shopping completed! Groceries purchased! Cookies cooked! Just need to get the wrapping wrapped and I am DONE!

Santa...we are ready when you are!


(Well, we all look ready except for Baby Boy. He has the sniffles and it is seriously bringing his Christmas spirit down, poor guy.)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Happier Holidays

Amazing what a decorated tree can do for your spirits!

And now, by popular demand...a video of our number one Santa fan...

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Greeting Cards Have Not Been Sent...

Every time I hear that Carpenters song I get a little more panicky. I am staring at my Christmas cards as I type this and I think they are multiplying while I sleep. Our tree is up, but not decorated. We have given up any hope of baking. I am not done shopping.

Each and every year, right around Thanksgiving, I think "this year it will be different! I will be done with everything by the end of the first week of December and then have the whole month to sit back and enjoy, stress free!"

It's the 15th. I am stressing.

Mission not accomplished.

Sigh.

However! Baby Boy can say Santa and HoHo and he is enjoying himself immensely. He got his first taste of Christmas cookies a few weeks ago and he has been on a mission to get more. Now that he can ask for them by name...there is no stopping him. Enjoy a video of Baby Boy and his new love...the Gookie. I'll just be over here, addressing envelopes.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Home is Where the Germs Are

While December may be the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, it is also, at least at our house, the Most Germiest Time of the Year.

Just when we got Baby Boy on the mend, Dr. Dad started a hacking cough that I also inherited. Of course these are the lovely viral types of issues that nothing other than some cough syrup might help, so they just seem to go on and on and on.

Then, Saturday night, after a day of busy fun, Baby Girl pronounced herself unwell and proceeded to get a fever. She is still not so hot (or hot, depending on how the fever goes) today. So we are spending the day chilling (hahaha, the fever humor just doesn't quit) at home.

Of course, hiding out under a blanket while watching Dora on TV seems to cheer up everyone.