Christmas

OH! The joy of children at Christmas! Our trees are up. But there's still a mess to be picked up, but I'm taking it all in stride. Decorating the tree this year with two little ones was a hoot and went a lot smoother than I had anticipated. Brother got the concept and walked his ornament of choice to Daddy to help him put it on the tree ... and take it back off. For those of you who know my son, you know he has quick hands, so I had to guard the ornament box while everyone decorated. But that gave me the opportunity to explain to Millie Bug the stories behind the ornaments. Our favorites were the ones Granny had given us. Most had a little card in her handwriting. The most memorable: the cat in a stroller "To: Amelia From: Granny My Queen." Love that we have that to share with the children. What great memories! Afterward, we bundled up for books, sweets and coffee at Barnes & Noble. We finished the evening off with "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Christmas Vacation" for the adults. I could watch that movie 10 times in the middle of July and still laugh so hard. My fave "A Christmas Story" awaits.

Can't wait for Polyphonic Spree next weekend. And shopping! Went to Canton last week for a few goodies, and I'm looking forward to Ikea, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie! Houston's salmon!

The kids have been eyeing those darn toy advertisements on TV to which Millie Bug yells, "I want that, I want that." Reminds me of carrying around the Sears wish book for a whole month, black magic marker circles, dog ears and all.
Eric and I are going to try to keep it simple this year. I wish I could say for principle, but to be honest, space is our big issue. I came across a woman who buys her children three gifts from Santa to echo the three gifts the wisemen gave Jesus. I think that's a good idea. A great way to teach the children the significance of gift-giving at Christmas anyway. That's been our goal, but we have yet to make it happen. Always go overboard.

Tonight's Eric's work Christmas party. (Or baby-making time, others joke. We don't laugh anymore.) But I'm taking a baby factory hiatus this year. Instead, I simply am looking forward to dressing up. I love to dress up! Berry-stained lips sound nice.

If you were a tree, what kind would you be?

A Bradford Pear.

Isn't it breathtaking? My photography does no justice to this shade tree in my father's backyard.
Can't help but picture God as artist, this his beautiful water-colored masterpiece.

Thanksgiving

The garland Millie Bug and I made. Very into those things.

Lovely and yet bittersweet. There's much to be thankful for -- family, friends, good health. God answered our prayers and Grandma Vicky was released from the hospital the day before Thanksgiving. This is her holiday. We wanted it to be special for her because of all the Thanksgivings before that she stayed up till 4 in the morning making sure the turkey, dressing and candied yams were special just for us. She slept most of the day, but she did wake once coughing. I asked her if she wanted water. She said no, she wanted candied yams. And I complied. Yes, there is much to be thankful for.

Millie Bug and her cousins gettin' their grub on.

Thirtysomething

I celebrated another year of life in November. Thanks, Mom and Dad. To honor the special day, I bought myself cupcakes: red velvet with cream cheese icing, of course! Not really sure how I feel about my 30s. But the cupcakes help. And please notice that after 3X years of life, patience is not a virtue of which I possess.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We give thanks to God. Colossians 1:3

Fall Photo Shoot

OK. I'm horrible at being patient. I was hoping to unveil these for Christmas cards and/or family gifts, but I'm about to burst. Please go to www.britneysmithphotography.com, click on her blog, and check out my children.
I think Britney did a wonderful job! For us, photo shoots are always stressful for me. I guess because I look at it as an investment, and I just want to give the photographer all the best to work with, mainly well-behaved children. Shoots always involve very thorough planning -- the best time to bathe and dress the children; the optimum time to photograph around meals, snacks and naps; and the perfect outfits. And most important: a Daddy who isn't cranky.
I mean I've even had to take breaks during photo sessions to nurse my children, so flexible photogs are a must for us, as well as someone who loves children.
Britney is so great to work with, and my children love her. She is a sorority sister of mine whom I advised as a chapter officer, so Millie Bug and Brother have been able to get to know her for a while. Back in the spring I believe, she used the children as models to increase her portfolio of children's work. And it was such a great experience, I decided to have her shoot us for Brother's one-year/fall/Christmas photos. I haven't even seen all of the pics, but I'm so satisfied with what she blogged already. My heart just fills with joy looking at them! I hope you love them as much as I do.

Escape Artist

Brother post strip, which included the playpen.

If I didn't know any better, I would think my son was fathered by Spiderman or a monkey. I think most mothers of baby boys would agree they love, love, love to climb. So quick and agile. Just this week mine has mysteriously scampered from the bed for a 30-minute unattended romp in the office. Found him with the fax machine.
And apparently he loves to strip. Didn't know he had the ability to escape the confines of his clothing, either. But he does and likes it. (That's how I know he's Eric's.)
And then last night, after a fit in the playpen, I heard a thud and ran to the living room. Here he comes walking along glancing back every now and then I guess in amazement at his own accomplishment. The kid had scaled his playpen.
What's a mother to do? What's next? All I know is that playpen has been my saving grace. It's allowed me to get work and housework done. At the moment, all I can think of is that "Saturday Night Live" skit with Mike Myers "chained" to the monkey bars with his kid leash. Hummm.