Happy Birthday Baby

Our sweet baby just turned 2. Truly, it is so sad for me to even write that. Time just seems to be moving too quickly. My babies are growing up faster than I would like.
Each of just love this little thing so much. She is such a sweet and fun child, mixed with a heavy dose of stubbornness. I love the way she dances and sings all day. She doesn't say much but she does have great little manners, constantly saying "thank you" and "bless you". She is full of hugs. After being apart for a few minute she will run to any one of us, arms spread wide, and just embrace us with her little toddler arms. When E and R come home from school, the very first thing they do is race to hug her.
She is quick to comfort us when sad, and always laughs when we laugh, even when she doesn't understand the joke.
She loves her books and her binkies.
What a joy this little person. Even thinking about her brings a smile to me. I just feel so lucky that she is ours.

Special Visitors

Aunt Lindsay and Cousin E came for a visit. The girls are in heaven when their cousin is here. They had so much fun hiking, swimming, dancing, jumping with E. Many tears were shed when she left. Thanks so much for visiting. Did we mention the house next door is for sale?

Can you imagine these four when they are teenagers? I am so glad that these girls are so close in age. They are so lucky to have each other.

This is how I so often see R (above).

But when I think of R, this is how I see her.

We have so few pictures of us.

Christmas

Merry Christmas 2008! Christmas was lovely. It is so nice to see the children understand the true meaning of Christmas. I think even more than new American Girl dolls and toys, they loved the daily Advent Activities. I am so grateful for the true spirit it brought in our home for the month. They also loved delivering gifts to friends. E said she now knows why Santa always smiles. That little statement from that sweet little girl I think best sums up our Christmas.

The Nativity Christmas Eve with the Culpeppers, the Glatts, and of course Grandma and Grandpa Jwaszewski.

Grandma Jan and Grandpa Bernie came from Massachusetts. The girls were beyond thrill to have them here.

Hiking Red Rocks the day after Christmas.


I think the saddest part about the end of the Christmas season for me is taking down all of our friends' Christmas cards. This was the first year we hung them up. It was so nice to see the friendly faces of the people we love most. We are so grateful for such dear friends and family.