In closing

We are thankful for 2010. I have documented more than I can even remember (which is why I am glad to have this blog) about our experiences, so I don't need to replay anything now. BUT...I do need to share two quick stories that may illustrate the largest change in our life this year which has been seeing our baby turn into a little boy.


#1 - Doctor Dan, The Bandage Man has been a real favorite of Luke's for the past six months or so. He will read most of the book to us when we turn the pages and it is a cute story of helping others out when they get a 'boo boo'. So...tonight as I gracefully tripped over his new and very pointy spaceship when we were playing, my little toe got a nice little 'boo boo' and after I made Luke and Steve laugh at my screaming and antics to distract myself from the shocking pain, I asked Luke to help me get a band-aid for my toe. He immediately said 'ok' and headed to the bathroom, where he waited at the sink saying 'band-aid' and then helped me peel the wrapping and stuck the bandage right on the 'boo boo'. I called him Doctor Luke, the Bandage Man and he smiled proudly. Luke is so tender and sweet. He is very generous with kisses these days (especially after he throws something at you) and I love seeing this part of his personality shine (even the clever part that throws the car at my head before I get the kiss) Back on track, he stumbled over his stool getting down after brushing his teeth and, though unhurt, he wanted a bandaid so we put one on his sore spot and it should be healed up by 2011.




#2 As I put him down tonight, we were laying together after stories and a lullabye. He had placed my hand under his cheek and was laying quietly when we heard a noise that I knew was Steve dropping his wedding ring on the floor (a favorite habit). It stirred Luke enough to have him move around and say "What is Daddy doing with MY train tracks?" As I laughed quietly over his bedtime possessiveness and awareness he then said "Daddy playing NOW" as if it was a crime against toddlers everywhere.

#3 Bonus story...he likes to take a 'whiz' now. I know it is totally inappropriate and I will probably have to explain it to his teachers, but it makes him laugh and he loves to go potty, excuse me, take a whiz. What are you going to do?

Thank you 2010 for being kind to SELLSHOUSE and those that we love. Cheers to a happy and healthy 2011.

Deep breath

Cups of warm tea and some mints have been a nice and calming treat for me over this break. It has been lovely to have so much time with our rapidly developing and changing little man and I love Steve more than I did when vacation started. Life keeps chugging along and sometimes small things like a cup of tea while I watch lots of birds eat out my back window are all I need to help me take a deep breath and say a big thank you for the life that I live. Plus, this china is so simple and pretty and just makes everything taste better :)

My #1 Girl

I love you, Luna.





You have made my life so much better. You have led me to the joys in my life, and I am so thankful that we have had so many memories together. Thank you for everything. You will always be my #1 girl. Love forever, sweet girl.

Thank you Aunt Shannon and Uncle Eric

Luke receieved adorable gifts today from abroad. A great monkey backpack that he wore to the Terrier basketball game tonight and an adorable monkey lunch bag to use for snacks and trips. Many thanks! We are sure to get lots of use out of these treats.

Best Laid Plans

Luke's big gift this year was an activity table and train set...it was delivered on the 23rd and we thought we could sneak it in the house and set it up on Christmas Eve, but Luke is smart and he tore into the boxes like it was his job. We aren't really big with the Santa story or any kind of Christmas traditions unless you count gorgonzola gnocchi for dinner on Christmas Eve as a tradition so we just let him go at it. Luna got involved with the unwrapping part as well which was extra special. And, of course, the train tracks were a GINORMOUS hit. He saw the box and started shaking and yelling 'train tracks, train tracks' before he could even get the set out of the box! Good timing, Luke. In the past 10 days he has gotten really into Thomas and trains.



Choo Choo...Here is the finished product. Steve had a good time putting the track together ;)

Christmas Day

Luke slept until after 8:00! Merry Christmas! We opened presents in a flurry of fun. We ate (more) good food and even made it down to Union County for a lovely walk in the snow. Luke, Star and Luna all frolicked in the white stuff and Steve and I just soaked up a wonderful day. And Luke ate a lot of bacon. And we got a special call from Shannon and Eric! These moments all add up to a wonderful day.

My Present

It took a little work to find my present this year, but after following a trail of ribbon, I was pretty pleased with what I found! Plus, I made a semi-attractive wreath out of the ribbon for our front door...











MERRY CHRISTMAS

Lovely Day

12-23-10

Today was just a wonderful day. Felt rested. Happy boy woke up to watch his dad putting his big Christmas present together. Played with said present ALL day. Played part of the day with his new buddy, Evan while I got to visit with his mom, Amy. Pancake party was a success and we have leftover pancakes for tomorrow. Evan loved on Luna, who was FULL of vim and vigor. Fire in her eyes and love for all. Joy. Joy. Joy. Luke got a quick and loving visit from Gma Susan. She brought him 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. He loves it. He learned somewhere to 'ho ho ho' over and over and will also call me a 'nutball' now and laugh wildly when I tell him he is driving me bonkers. That word is like a tickle to his brain. Got to spend a lot of time with Steve just being in our happy little home. I love him. Got a sweet text message from BIL Glenn. The Steelers are winning Thursday night football. Got to put Luke to bed after he requested that I sing with him as we lay in his race car bed together. Have I ever mentioned that I would freeze time if I could? Today was just a wonderful day.

Train Tracks and Tractors

The past week has brought a huge demand that we have TRAIN TRACKS at our house. Luke even built one out of flashcards the other day (cute) It is good timing b/c I think he will wake up to a nice surprise on the 25th (but it might be the 26th depending on the shipping). Either way, we have been building tracks to play with and hauling popcorn around in a tractor. Busy boy!