Before and After...the Haircut!

While the haircut is far from good, he does look better. I had gotten so used to it being long, I didn't realize how unruly and shaggy he was. I cried as the blond locks fell. He looks so much older, but a bit more like his brother and sister.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

I hope you enjoyed the quick clips of my little angel! Today was her Christmas program at school. It was very sweet. I am so thankful that Maisy is learning the stories of the Bible at school. She is getting a lot out of it, and making new friends. Her current best friend is Ellie. She is the other angel.

My little angel did something truly kind yesterday. We were at the post office and the lady behind us had her arms full of packages, and Maisy said, "Mom, you should let her go in front of us. Her packages are heavy." I tried to get Maisy to ask her, but she wouldn't. As I struggled to keep Knox in my arms and hold my cards, it was the last thing I wanted to do. The post office is not a fun place this time of year, but I did offer for the woman to go when it was our turn. She accepted. I gave Maisy all the credit. She beamed with pride. It made my heart swell too. I guess they do "get it" sometimes, and are there to remind us when we are distracted. Thank you, sweet girl!

It's Christmas Time In the City

This weekend we got really excited about Christmas. We went to see Santa on Friday night, which was a little adventure. We went to an incredibly nice shopping district and saw a really "good-looking" Santa. The kids looked really nice and behaved decently in line. I have decided Christmas brings out the best and worst in all of us, especially children. Anyway, Maisy and Carson had a good conversation with Santa, I guess. I couldn't focus on anything except the screaming toddler in my arms. He was definitely not a fan of the handsome man in red.

On Saturday, I sorted gifts and started wrapping. With each purchase I feel closer and closer to the end of my list, but the it continues to allude me. Only 13 days left...I need to get it together. Knox has put a huge damper on my shopping skills. He naps, hates coats and loves to run wild in the stores.

Today we woke up to 3 inches of snow and frigid temperatures. That will really put you in the Christmas spirit. The kids braved the elements and played until they were frozen. Maisy told me she had "icicles hanging from her nose holes." Knox stumbled around in too big cowboy boots crunching the ice. He really liked it, but was ready to get out of the cold. He never wants to come inside, but today he didn't fight me.

Overall it was a festive weekend, with a gingerbread house to top it off. I truly LOVE the Christmas season!

PS-I got a new camera for Christmas. Thank you, Jeremy! I love it! My favorite picture is the one of Phelps (the elf) with Knox trying to ambush him from the stairs. He LOVES the elf! He jabbers and giggles at him all the time. He is constantly trying to get him. So funny!!!

Lasts?

I bought a good book called Let Me Hold You Longer a few years ago. There is a link to it on the left. It is a tearful reminder to remember the lasts. I have learned over the years that the lasts are as significant as the firsts. But, the lasts are unexpected and usually unrecognized until they are over and done. They are usually not celebrated like the firsts either. But, come with many tears, that is for sure.

With every bottle I give Knox, I think this should be the last. But, having nursed him for so long, I love giving him a bottle. It is the only peaceful time I get with him, since he is such a busy boy. I will know when it is the last bottle, and I will savor every minute with a good cry. With Maison I wonder, "Will this be the last night she begs me to sleep with her?" Sometimes I secretly hope so, because by that time of night I am ready for a break. But, when that last night comes, I won't know. I hope I get the chance to sleep with her on that last night. She closes her eyes and smiles so sweetly as she cuddles up to me. She always has to hold my hand. Why would I ever deny her that? I feel like with Carson we are on the brink of so many lasts. Last Christmas for Santa for one, which completely breaks my heart. I love seeing the magic of Christmas sparkle in his eyes. Today he did something that made me tear up knowing it could be a last. He was leaving with Jeremy for a basketball game. I gave him his "Go get 'em" talk, and he was off. But, at the door he turned around and came back to find me. He gave me a kiss and said, "See 'ya, Mom." That might have been the last unprompted sweet good-bye for awhile. Ahh...my little prince. Let me hold you longer.

My Animal Lover...Finally

Carson and Maison have never been huge animal lovers, especially if it is out of a cage. Knox, on the other hand, adores Aspen, as you can see. He chases her around the house, eats her dog food, plays in her water bowl, and feeds her from his highchair. He is usually really sweet with her, but has grabbed her face and feet a couple of times too hard. Aspen is so good with him. She tolerates all his antics. I think she loves him because he feeds her, and he hugs on her. It is so cute to watch them. He has started imitating her too. He pants and eats like a puppy. I love my dog-boy!