Happy Holidays!

Christmas has come and gone and now the new year is almost here! The boys have had an exciting couple of weeks filled with cookie baking, crafts and hanging out with family. Santa came to our house and delivered gifts that are still holding their interest and attention. Life is slowly getting back to normal. Luke has been talking a lot more and we're really beginning to understand and communicate with him. Hope everyone had a nice Christmas, and best wishes for a wonderful new year!

My Boys

I was looking through our photos the other day and realized that there are very few of me and the boys. So this morning, I made Rob take some. The quality is not quite what I would like, but it's good enough for now.

I don't have too much to update today, but thought instead I would focus this post on reflection of the past year, since we are approaching the end of 2008. The boys have changed a lot, and parenting them is also changing. Luke began walking early in the year, I weaned him this fall and he's now beginning to talk, so he's really not a baby anymore. He's a bundle of energy and so very cute. However, he has been a bit of a challenge for me (which is probably mostly due to me having to keep up with both him and his brother). He's very adventurous and determined, demanding his fair share of our attention. No longer can he be left behind, he wants to do everything that Dylan does (I think he thinks he's closer to three than 19 months). Dylan is also changing a lot. It's harder to see on a daily basis, but when I look back at videos and photos from earlier in the year I see a little boy, who's now more grown up. Dylan is more cautious and thoughtful, I can see how he has grown more confident in himself over the year. He is brave and so very smart; I am often surprised by the things he says and does. I have to admit that working full time and keeping up with two young boys is very tiring, and I don't always have the energy and patience I wish I did. By the end of each day I am ready for them to be in bed, quiet and sleeping. Then as I watch them sleep I realize how precious they are; how they are growing so fast and no longer my tiny babies; how I need to try to appreciate every moment. But too often I fail. I wish I could be better. I hope they know how much I love them and how lucky I am to have them and their daddy as part of my life...they are my life. I love you boys (all three of you!).

SNOW

It snowed today for about 20 minutes - a very unusual sight for us! It was so cold that the rain turned to snow and lightly fell to the ground. The kids were at daycare, but they saw it too and went outside to feel it fall on them. Of course it melted as soon as it hit the ground, but it was still pretty neat!

Wedding Photo

CLASSIC (Neither Rob nor I have any idea when this was taken during the wedding ceremony - he looks pretty ornery though!)

The Ring Bearer

We just returned home from a trip to San Diego. Rob's cousin got married and Dylan was the ring bearer in the wedding. I was pretty nervous about him "performing" since several days before we left, he said he wasn't going to do it. It was a big job for a little three year old! However when it came time for the rehearsal and the wedding our little guy did it! And he did a fantastic job.

I can't believe it's already December and Christmas is right around the corner. I haven't done any shopping and have no idea what to get anyone!!! Rob put up the lights yesterday and we'll get a tree this weekend. I'm just feeling tired and unmotivated after a long weekend...