Tis the Season to be Jolly

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season. I am...at least in moments. I'll admit, I've had my days of stress when I think of all the things I need to do, ought to do, and want to do. So, if I don't get around to the "ought" and "want" lists, then I hope I'm doing what needs to be done. My favorite moments are with my family. Today, while Dylan was napping and Colden was watching TV, I got the chance to "talk" with Evelynn and admire her. She's so perfect. Just like my other kids, of course. In her babblings, she even said "mom." And she said "no" earlier, Colden and Dylan were witness to that! (I'm just taking a chance to brag about how smart she is!)

She is already growing up so fast (I'm sure it has to do with that healthy growth spurt she's had since I started supplementing). And it makes me sad. With Colden, I was so excited when he made it to new milestones. It was exciting to watch him grow and do new things. With Dylan, I knew what to expect and was just happy when he reached those milestones. With Evelynn, I feel sad because I know that I'll miss that stage that she was just in for such a short time. I've realized that I love babies. I really do. And they really do grow up fast...even when you think that you're paying attention to them and you're always there. All of the sudden, they've passed a stage, and I miss it.

But I'm happy with the stage she's in...past the newborn stage and into the infant stage. She's a smiler, she loves the action all around her, she loves to play peek-a-boo, she loves to listen to singing, she loves to stand in her exersaucer, and she loves to sit on the couch. She's starting to roll over in her crib...so she'll sometimes do it when I put her down then fuss because she's on the wrong side (or maybe I should say the right side since she's a tummy sleeper...confession). And I love the faces that she makes when I feed her rice cereal. Ohh...I love my baby!!

I love my boys. Right now, Dylan is sick with the flu. I guess he's had it since yesterday when he woke up with a diaper full of...well, the messy stuff. But he is so stoical. He's hardly acted sick. I just thought it was the corn he ate the other night, since that often gives him the runs anyway. He is so active that the flu has hardly stopped him. It finally did tonight...when he's got it coming out both ends. The poor kid is sleeping on the couch...and so I'm trying to be quiet and not cleaning up my messy house so he can get some sleep...and that's why I'm finally blogging! Dylan is such a brave little kid...and this experience is showing me how brave he really is. He hasn't shown embarrassment or anything...then again, maybe he feels it inside but just doesn't show it.

One of Colden's strengths is his empathy. Knowing that Dylan was sick, he tried to get him a cup of Sprite to help him feel better. It was past bed time, and that frustrated me, but later I realized that he wanted to help so much. We also found out that one of his cousin's little friend's died of a brain tumor. He felt really sad for the little girl and he called his cousin to tell her that. And whenever I'm having a bad day, he senses it...and he gives the best bear hugs with his scrawny arms! He is also his father's teasing prodigy. He loves to tease...especially Dylan (to the point of screaming annoyance) and me (only because his daddy does). Colden is great at entertaining Evelynn...he can often get her to squeel. They adore each other.

And I can't forget my love. I am often amazed at how good we really are for each other. He brings out the best in me...and I hope that I sometimes do the same for him. And when one of us is weak, the other is our pillar of strength. We also think a lot alike, which is also really, really great. I can count on him to understand my point of view in almost anything. He is a wonderful husband and an incredible father. He has a special relationship with each of the kids, and they all adore him.

So, this may be my pre-quel Christmas letter...that may or may not get written. But I do want to let all of our friends and family know that we love you and think of you often and we miss you more than we ever let on.

Have yourselves a Merry little Christmas!!

(PS--Stay tuned for pictures.)