January in pictures...

January has been a mix of the busy and the ordinary. When we we weren't directing plays or preparing for Chrysalis, time just kind of floated by before we noticed. So here are some pictures to sum up the month.

When it is cold outside what is there better to do then to bake and cook food. Emily has been cranking out the cranberry orange scones while I have been learning to make sushi rolls athome. I also am putting the finishing touches on a spaghetti/pasta sauce.

Winter time means the return of the blue and orange "boat." So far this month the all purpose toy has been a rest stop, reading room, fort, super spy car, lounger for watching TV, and a trampoline. $20 well spent!!!

David has enjoyed dressing up with his different make believe clothes and hoodies. He was excited to wear his "Bevo shirt" for the big game, too bad the wrong team won. Ohh... well. The rest of the time was split between being a police officer, soldier, pirate, and super spy.

January has been a great start to 2010. David is learning new words, ideas, and ways to fun everyday. Bring on February!!!

Loving the Snow

Last year when it snowed, David rejected the cold, which makes sense coming from a tropical climate, and he thought the snow needed to be cleaned up because it made his shoes dirty. This year he still was timid of the cold and snow, but he more readily embraced it. This time he even climbed through a snow tunnel at Scott & Andrea's and participated in snowball fights!

Stay Warm,

E

WHY?????!!!!!!!!!

Wow! The moment I've dreaded has now reared its head, as of yesterday. David officially understood the meaning of WHY and asked, "Why?" after asking him to do something. I'm sure my jaw must have dropped to the floor in surprise, and he quickly smiled. He later asked, "Why?" again during the day, but I thought it was simply prompted by my reaction. However, this morning, when getting ready to go to Cathy's (his in-home daycare), he asked if he could watch an episode of THE BACKYARDIGANS, and I told him, "No." "Why, Mama?"Again, slightly shocked but desperately trying to play it cool, I responded, "Because we don't have enough time, David." "Oh, okay."

Oh my gosh!!! We've entered into a new realm of parenting where my child will now (as Kyle brilliantly states) "begin flexing his personality and opinion muscles." Welcome to a whole new world!!!

E

Christmas 2009

This Christmas was much more experienced than the previous; I think the birthday round of presents to David solidified what should be done. We spent this Christmas, first, with my parents at our house. My favorite moments, by far, were when they opened the ceramic cross David had painted for them, and also when David opened the Home Depot Stool/Work bench. He cutely said, "Oh, thank you. A stool for time out!" (David has a time out stool at the end of our hallway). We giggled and giggled.

Our second Christmas occurred at our house on Christmas morning after Santa had come. David enjoyed his knight costume, R2Potatoo, Backyardigans computer game, books, fruit snacks, world map floor puzzle, and, most importantly, his VTech camera. He spent the morning taking interesting pictures: everything from the dogs, us, himself, the insides of bags, and rooms in the house. We finished off our morning with pancakes and digging ourselves out of the driveway so we could leave for Tulsa.

Eventually, we made it to Tulsa, and because they were snowed in, we celebrated at Scott & Andrea's house and helped rescue them from their covered driveway. David appreciated more books, clothes, Backyardigans figures, and Star Wars action figures.

Overall, it was a plentiful and enjoyable holiday, and the cool aspect of this Christmas was the David understood and was ready for the loot.

Thanks to all, and Merry Christmas.

E

Clearing the Driveway

Poor cold Kyle clearing our driveway of the 1.5-2 + feet of snow. Stay warm, love! E