Christmas 2009

I just don't know how this Christmas could have gone any better...We had so many wonderful experiences this year!

Logan was in a performance at the Children's Mass on Christmas Eve. He was a Donkey in the first play that took place before Mass began and was a Shepherd in the second play that took place at the end of Mass. He did such a wonderful job. Logan has come such a long way from the little boy who had an absolute meltdown at last years' Christmas performance. I can still remember sitting there in the Church watching all the other proud parents snapping pictures of their children singing their little hearts out, while my son sat next to me singing every word but refusing to go up with his class. I remember letting out a few tears because I wanted him to do it so badly but he just wouldn't even consider going up in front of all those people. What a long way my sweet little boy has come. He is really beginning to develop self confidence; as a mother there is nothing more pleasing to see. I am so very proud of him!

Mia got her first tooth! It poked right through Christmas morning. I don't know if her Daddy and I were more excited about it or if Logan was. You see, Dr. Kappel told Logan that Mia should have a tooth for Christmas when she went in for her last checkup. Ever since that day, anytime I asked Logan "What happens on Christmas?" he would respond "Mia gets her tooth! And it's Baby Jesus' birthday." I cannot even imagine what would have happened if that tooth had not made it through on time.

Santa treated Mia and Logan like the super great kids that they are. Logan was so funny Christmas morning. He came bursting into my bedroom exclaiming "He came! He came! Mommy! Daddy! Santa came and there's presents everywhere!" Then when we walked into the living room, he said "Aww, man! Santa messed up. I didn't mean for him to bring Sissy a big car to ride in - I wanted him to bring her a little car so she can play race cars with me!" I couldn't believe it. What a little stinker! Luckily, he got over that very quickly when he began opening his own gifts. Box after box, he tore open the paper and exclaimed "It's just what I wanted!" It was such a nice experience. Then, Mia woke up (we purposely let her sleep late so that each of them could have their own time to open all their gifts without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by the other) and she was nothing but smiles with her new little tooth sticking right up through her gum line. She sat down with me to open her gifts and ate a few pieces of paper. After about 10 minutes, I let Logan take over opening her gifts. It was so nice to watch the two of them interact. Logan was so gentle and sweet - he let all of his toys wait on the side while he helped Mia with her toys. And Mia sat there just watching and smiling while her big brother gave her so much attention - it was like she had stars in her eyes. They are so sweet with each other. I know those days are probably numbered, but I truly hope that I will always remember how they are right now. My sweet little angels.

Mommy's Favorite Things About...

Logan

1. The tiny little freckles on his nose.
2. The way he chews bubble gum as if he hasn't a care in the world.
3. The little snorky noises he makes when he's sleeping.
4. The fact that his favorite thing to do on the weekend is to sleep with me (it's my favorite thing to do, too!).
5. His laugh - it's infectious.
6. The way he cracks up laughing at his own AWFUL jokes as if they are the funniest he's ever heard.
7. How sweet he is to Mia - he plays so well with her. It warms my heart.
8. The fact that he truly believes he is invincible.
9. How much he tells me that he loves me (he truly says it all the time completely unprompted).
10. The fact that every time we walk from the back of the house to the front, he must be one step in front of me and then when we get there he exclaims "I won!".
11. The way he likes to snuggle with me.
12. The way he always looks for me when something is wrong or when he is hurt.
13. The fact that even though he knows he's going to get in trouble, he cannot help but to make a complete wet mess in the bathroom every time he takes a bath (that kid just loves water and bubbles).
14. How well mannered he is.
15. The way he dances as if he were a break dancer - even when he's dancing to classical music.
16. The way he likes to spin around and around as he walks holding my hand.
17. The way he thinks EVERYTHING I do is better than ANYTHING ANYONE else does (what an ego boost!).
18. The fact that he has to sleep with all of his buddies (Leonard & Franklin, Blue Puppy, Brown Puppy, Baby Puppy, MiMi Cat, and any other buddy that may have caught his interest that day) every night.
19. The way he makes his tags "talk".
20. His little, stubby, fat feet - especially the toes!

Mia

1. Her little bald head (I tease about it all the time, but I secretly love the fact that she's bald). It's so darn cute!
2. The fact that I get a complete workout trying to change her diaper - and if I have to change her clothes, too...
3. The fact that bath time is her favorite time of the day. She splishes and splashes and giggles - so sweet!
4. Her beautiful blue eyes that gaze around in wonder.
5. The way she chews on her blankets when she's sleepy.
6. The way she loves to follow Logan around the house regardless of what he's doing.
7. The way she shoves her fingers in her mouth after every bite of food and then leans over so that Zachary can lick her hands clean. (I know it's gross, but it's hysterical!)
8. The fact that she cannot sit still for even a minute - she's always on the go.
9. The way she almost always wakes up with a smile.
10. The way she "talks" to Logan.
11. The fact that she tolerates me treating her as a real live Barbie Doll (changing outfits several times per day, switching out bows, changing shoes, etc.).
12. The way she screeches at "the other little girl" in the mirror every time she sees her.
13. The fact that she's so tiny (makes that infant carrier so much easier to lug around).
14. The way she completely stops crying as soon as her Daddy starts playing the guitar for her.
15. How excited she gets when I walk into the room. (I wish I got a standing ovation every time I walked into a room at work!)

They Grow So Quickly...

Logan's Top 8 Reasons Not To Go To Bed

How is it possible for one child to come up with so many reasons not to go to bed? 

8.     (Cough, Cough, Cough) Mommy, I need a drink of water.
7.     Mommy / Daddy, you forgot to give me my vitamin.
6.     I need to go pee pee (again).
5.     Mommy / Daddy, my closet door is open.
4.     But I'm SOOO hungry!
3.     Mommy / Daddy, Zachary is sniffing too hard.
2.     Mommy, I need to tell you something....ummmmm, oh yeah! Why did the pig cross the road?
1.     Mommy / Daddy, I smell something stinky. (I've learned that having a boy means that there is always something stinky, or gassy, or burpy.)

I must admit that I admire how creative he's gotten!