"ME"rry Christmas

Okay, okay... not the typical title you'd expect around Christmas time.  This time of year is all about sharing and giving to those wonderful people in your life.  Well, I believe Leinna's gift to me this holiday season is the gift of independence.  Everything these days is, "Me do it!" or "I can do it myself, Momma."  I love that she's gaining independence - just about 100% potty trained, going upstairs to get pj's for both herself and Lukkas at bath time, getting undressed herself, drinking from a big cup, taking her coat and shoes off... the list goes on and on.  The one thing I wasn't expecting was my own personal feelings as she goes through this new stage of development.  I find myself a bit teary-eyed when I know its best for me to let her explore this independence.  Sigh... I'm sure I'll have many teary-eyed moments when the independence becomes more and more.  For now, I'm going to relish in the fact that while we are gaining independence it also means she's gaining in her knowledge of her world and how to function in it. 

So, Christmas time...

 Last week our day care provider took some time off to go see her son wrestle at the state tournament- this was a great thing as I decided that this was the perfect reason to stay home with my kiddos for the day.  We had fun decorating the tree over and over and over.  Yes, the ornaments are kid friendly, so Leinna has fun going over to the tree and moving them around. 

 We even were able to do some self photography in front of the Christmas tree.  A huge thanks to my friend for picking up with kids outfits during a recent trip to Anchorage. They are prefect - not too frilly that the kids can wear the outfits more than just once. No presents under the tree yet, as Lukkas is into everything these days and well, the poor kid probably hears the word "no-no" in his dreams.  Even Leinna goes over and says, "Lukkas, I said no-no," in her best mothering voice.

So, to keep Lukkas away from the tree- just bring out the laundry basket.  The two of them played without any toys for a good 15 minutes - just giggling with each other while they sat in the basket. I'm going to love looking back at memories such as this.  

Finally, if you can't seem to find Lukkas anywhere - just check under the kitchen table chairs.  Our table is a very high table with extra tall chairs.  Just the perfect spot to 'hide' and give momma a bit of a heart attack because she can't find her son anywhere. 

"My cup runnith over" and yet it aches for the families in Conneticut - prayers to the families, friends, and the community as they begin to process and heal from this tragedy.   I know I'm holding my own babies a little longer - may you do the same to the kiddos in your life.

8 Months Old!

8 Months Old - where oh where is the time going?!?

I can already tell this photo is going to be one of my favorites of Mister.  He was hanging out in the kitchen with Leinna when I went to get my camera (or as Leinna calls it the cram-a).  I turned around and Mister saw the camera and did this sweet pose for me. I'm so thankful I had the camera ready to capture the moment.  He's such a climber and will stand up along anything. I have a feeling he's going to be walking much earlier than Leinna did. He continues to be all boy- banging on things and making grunting noises! A few times it's sounded like he's said, "hi" and "da-da" - but that could be my wishful ears. 

Leinna loves to just play - it can be with books, with toys, or just using her imagination.  Our good friends gave Leinna these boots and when she wants to wear them she asks for her "Miss Clara boots".

We've continued to have clear skies this past week.  This has meant some chilly nights, but beautiful sunset and amazing view of the full moon...

I can't believe it's December already.  3 weeks of school and then a much needed Christmas Break!  Hope whenever and wherever you are when you read this, you know that we send our love.