Fast Forward

Life's been on fast forward around here. My little ones have grown up a lot in this past week. Miss Natalie started crawling and two little teeth are pushing their way through her lower gum. She's also started saying, "Dada!" Now that Natalie is a woman on the move, she has two destinations. Scott's toys...particularly his new trains, and the vents.








Scott has been playing independently a lot more thanks to all of his new Christmas toys. He's becoming such a good big brother to Natalie, too. And keeps talking about things he will do with Natalie "when Natalie grows up". He took me by surprise the other day when he said, "I want some Raisin Bran and Cheese-Its, Mom." I said, "What happened to Mommy?" He matter of factly said, "You turned into a mom." Hoping it was a fluke, I didn't say much else about it. He has continued to call me "Mom" the last couple of days though...so it may be my new name. A promotion? Thank goodness I have little Natalie to still call me Mommy. I'm not ready to give up my "Mommy" title totally.

In the picture below, he's saying, "Please don't take a picture, Mom." Two or twelve???

Have a Think

As you may be able to tell from the pictures above, more holiday fun has been taking place around here. My mom was brave enough to make gingerbread cookies with Scott, and he thoroughly enjoyed this experience. I'm sure she was much more fun than I would have been as she turned him loose with the sprinkles and M&M's. Jon and Scott played in the snow, and Scott said he wanted to play outside all day. I had to laugh at the snowman's head, but I guess I cannot criticize since I was keeping warm inside with Natalie! We've been running fun errands, finishing up last minute Christmas shopping, and have enjoyed Jon's few extra days off of work.

Yesterday while playing with toys in the basement, Scott stopped, climbed into his little chair, and said, "I'm going to have a think." I then of course asked him what he was going to think about. He sweetly replied, "Bethlehem."

He repeated this same sort of behavior and conversation two more times today. Each time, he tells me he's thinking of Bethlehem.

It makes me smile, but it has also made me think. It's interesting how God is using my toddler to remind me to stop and think about the reason for our celebration. I'm so thankful to know Christ as my personal Savior, and we pray that Scott and Natalie will come to know Him also. Like Scott, I hope that you're able to stop and spend some time thinking about Bethlehem over these next few days. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

LOOK here!

I went to the eye doctor again on Friday, and he told me no contacts for at least the next six weeks. Oh contacts...I miss you already! :(

Natalie has decided to sport some glasses just to make me feel better. Our little four eyes will be SEVEN months old on Monday. Wow...where is time going?

Holiday Fun

As an early Christmas gift, Jon's mom bought Scott and Natalie the Little People Manger Scene. It's been fun watching Scott play with the different characters. Baby Jesus has been doing a lot more than lying in that manger though! He's been on several field trips. Tonight I heard, "Baby Jesus is at the zoo!" It always catches me a bit off guard when Scott tells me what Jesus is up to at any particular moment. The other day he told me that Jesus fell out of the bus. I'm not sure that this is what Grammy had in mind when she purchased this for him! :)

Jon's parents also took us to see a special train exhibit a couple of weeks ago. Our little train lover enjoyed it very much!




To add to the Christmas festivities, Jon and I also took Scott to the Children's Museum. He loved it! He enjoyed the carousel ride the most prior to the loud music and spinning. He seemed a bit relieved when the ride came to a stop. We'll give it a few more years before we attempt Kings Island. He said that going down the slide with Daddy was his favorite part. It was a fun day for all!

Pajama Pass-Ons

Both of the kiddos have been able to wear these 18 month Christmas pajamas at 6 months of age. Do they look like siblings?

Natalie sat looking just like this for several minutes after we broke the news to her that Santa wasn't real. She was shocked that she had been believing a lie for so much of her life.

Whose child is this?!

Should I be concerned?

I walked in the living room yesterday and found that Scott had dumped out all of the laundry and his toy containers into a big heap in the middle of the floor. When I asked Scott what on earth he was doing, he replied, "I'm makin' a burn pile."

Thankfully, the little guy also invited me to have a "tea party" with him later that evening. Perhaps there is still hope! :)

Fairweather Fan

She couldn't believe her eyes!

After the fourth interception, Natalie had had enough.

Off with this outfit, Mom. I'm over it!