Merry Christmas Maliana!

Maliana ~

What a week it’s been. What an amazing holiday to have celebrated with you. One word sums it up, family. You’ll see why over the course of this post…but I’ll start at the beginning first.

Last Monday started with you and I decorating cookies. Poor Daddy got home from work and didn’t have any time to relax before jumping into our chaos. The mess you were making (because you’re two and decorating Christmas cookies for Santa) made him a little stressed. I had to laugh, and just say, “She’s two, what do you expect? That’s what bleach wipes are for!”

Before the cookie chaos though, I picked you up from school and you showed me poor silkie. I think this is the original silkie, (you have two other “clones”), since this one is getting so tattered and has actually started to rip open at the top seam. You are distressed by this, so we had a talk about how we would try to save it and that it only looks like this because you have loved it so much, which is a good thing. We are giving it to Lao Lao to see if she can work her magic with it and bring it back to life. We’ll see. Also, I think in the last post I brought up that you have been calling me with “Hey baby”…well, this week, you have begun saying “Thank you honey” whenever I give you something. Again, you crack me up.

Tuesday I picked you up from school and you so sweetly got Mohammed’s coat for him when you saw his mommy come in the door too. At first I started to correct you, thinking that you were mistakenly picking up his coat for yourself, but then I saw what you were doing. Ever the helpful little thing. We drove over to the library after school and picked out some new books. You evidently were feeling like a big shot as you were doing your little strut as we walked to the kids’ book section. You played on the computer for a while, getting really good at the toddler/preschool games they have set up. And you must have gotten about 10 drinks at their water fountain with that little stool so that peanuts like you can reach it. You’re pretty cool being able to do it all by yourself. Then, of course you helped me scan all of the books at check out. Little Miss Big Shot. After the library, we went to Friendly’s and had dinner. I had a ton of fun with you and when you had to go to the bathroom (both at the library and at dinner), you decided that you could do it all yourself and insisted on going into the stall by yourself and shutting the door behind you, only telling me, “Wait for me Mama”. I have no idea how you hoisted yourself up on those toilets (or what you touched while doing so), however I am thankful that they had plenty of soap and water to wash you up with afterwards. Ha ha. When we got home, you “doctored up” Daddy, using your doctor’s kit, wanting rubber gloves and everything (but settling for your wool winter gloves instead). It was so cute. Then you and Daddy played soccer in the living room and you were so excited to be playing “soccer game” with Daddy, with all of you (Abby the dog included too), wearing your soccer ball t-shirts.

Wilkinson soccer team

Wednesday we went to Daddy’s work Christmas party, but before then, we drove over to Wai Gong’s and dropped off a fruit basket and card for him since he had surgery that day on his hand. You also gave him one of your crafts from school to make him feel better. On the way home, you had me play some more Miley Cyrus, to which you sang along with from under the big blanket I have for you in the back seat. I couldn’t see any of you, just a big lumpy singing blanket in your car seat. Pretty funny.

It was so nice to stay home with you on both the 23rd and 24th of December. I got lots of giggly kisses on my face at nap time. You and I would lay down together and when I’d close my eyes, you’d lean over and kiss my face, then laugh hysterically. I’m still not sure what was so funny, but I love those kisses! We had our annual Festivus (Christmas eve eve) gathering for Lao Lao and family at our house. You had a ball and insisted on wearing your tennis shoes with your sweater dress and tights. I joked that you looked like one of those businesswomen walking around downtown Columbus in the wintertime. When Lao Lao got there, she took you in the bedroom and helped you record an ornament for Daddy and I. It’s a silver cube with your picture and when you push the button, your sweet little voice says “Merry Christmas”. I love it! So adorable. You loved the family dinner, even entertaining us with some singing at the table. And you are getting to be a really good gift opener this year, however always saying thank you to everyone and giving hugs to all. Your Uncle Flint is particularly wonderful with you, playing and playing and playing with you. I love watching it. 

Festivus dinner

These really cool glasses Uncle Flint brought over turn each light into some type of 3D shape (star, gingerbread man, etc).

Playing "Hide!" with Uncle Flint

This particular day, we also got a little thank you note from our mail man, William. He evidently liked the cookies and card you left him in the mailbox and wanted us to tell you that they were delicious. He is definitely like a rock star in our house. You love waving and watching him deliver the mail and will wait for his truck if you see it coming down the street. Too funny. I’m sure you’ve made his day more than once.

On Christmas eve, you and I woke up and went to pick up your Christmas pictures at Target. They turned out so great! You sang the whole way there in the car. I love listening to you sing, and it’s becoming more and more frequent lately, which makes me smile from ear to ear. I’ve always thought that spontaneous singing is one sign of a happy kid.

Just one of five portraits we had done...you are so beautiful!

Eventually, we came home, napped, and then it was time to get you up and ready for church with Memaw and Papaw (Daddy had to meet us there because he worked today). It was a struggle to get you ready, negotiating with you the entire time. I compromised and allowed you to wear your soccer ball t-shirt under your pretty Christmas outfit, and also let you carry one of my old purses in exchange for letting me fix your hair. The purse was so big, and as you sat there going through it at various points throughout the night, it reminded me of someone’s grandma looking for a piece of gum for her grand kids. I had to laugh.

"Grandma Mali"

We were running late to church and as you could tell I was getting upset at the traffic, you piped in from the backseat, “It’s ok Mama”…you are such a sweet kid. Finally, once we got to church, you did awesome. You especially liked giving the offering to Papaw (who was one of the ushers), and you also enjoyed dictating to us when we were supposed to pick up or put down our hymn books.

What page is it again??

Giving the offering to Papaw

Saying a prayer with Memaw after tagging along with her for communion

After church we went to Billy Lee’s restaurant to meet Vince and Abela for dinner. A tradition that has been alive for somewhere near 15 or more years now. You and Abela did well together, having fun copying each other and sucking up your lo mein one noodle at a time, giggling and grinning the whole time.

We were talking about how old you both are (Abela is about 9 months younger than you) and you surprised me by saying “My birthday March 6”…I had no idea you remembered that. I guess you do really pay close attention to what we say! Abela kept wanting to give you a kiss at the restaurant, but you weren’t having that. They came over to our house after dinner and you and Abela were a riot. You had to go potty, and so Abela said she did too. So you both took turns on each of the toilet/potties. The pictures are so funny. I also noticed how you probably would make a really good big sister. I came back in the bathroom at one point, and you had gotten down and were holding Abela's dress up, wiping her bottom for her. Then, you took her diaper and proceeded to lay down, with your head under her dress (like you were working on a car) and kept trying to diaper her like that, saying "Hold still" the whole time. It was hilarious!

I also helped you girls make magic reindeer food, and we gave some to Abela to take home. I don’t think I could have had enough glitter for it for the two of you. You just kept wanting more, more, more sparkle! Before they left, Vince and Daddy went outside to start Vince’s car, and Daddy started throwing snowballs at the window where you and Abela were looking out. You both cracked up every time a snowball would hit that window, bouncing up and down like mad, smiling and giggling at each other. I got a fabulous video of it all. It was priceless!

watching Daddy and Vince out the window

After they left, we proceeded to get ready for Santa. We checked Santa’s whereabouts (he was in Brazil at the time) and showed you the videos on the Norad Santa Tracker, put the magic reindeer food out on the back deck, and left the milk and cookies out for Santa. You were so AMPED! It was awesome to see you so excited and as I laid there snuggling with you until you fell asleep, I couldn’t help but physically feel the same excitement and Christmas magic that you must have been feeling. It reminded me how fun it is to be a kid. I even heard a noise outside, and for one nanosecond, the kid in me thought, “Santa?” Funny, huh?

just put out the magic reindeer food, to help them find their way to our house

milk and cookies for Santa!

Now, let me just say that I loved Christmas morning! It was great. Daddy and I had moved your little tree downstairs and made this whole presentation of all the gifts Santa had left for you. I had fun putting it together. I even tried to make little reindeer tracks in the snow outside by the reindeer food.

your special little Christmas tree and stocking, with all of your goodies from Santa

Funny enough, you actually seemed a bit put off that Santa had left some of the (7!) cookies. You had stacked them neatly in a column right in the middle of the plate (Santa and his helper had gotten very full after about 4!) Anyway, you were so cute. When you got up, as Daddy put it, you were “all business”. Santa had sprinkled candy canes and chocolates all around the front of your little tree and initially, you got hung up on diving into the candy (breakfast of champions!) But then once you got going with your gifts, you did great. Daddy and I had thought that your favorite gift would be the old laptop that we had refurbished and put a bunch of toddler games on, however lo and behold, you LOVED the toy cash register. Even insisting on sleeping with it for a nap later! After opening Santa’s presents to you, Daddy and I decided to save our gifts for you until New Year’s Eve, so as not to overwhelm you. We all had breakfast and it was just a really nice, cozy, fun family morning together. I love those times with you both!

Christmas morning after unwrapping your loot from Santa

After your nap, we headed to Wai Gong’s for the family gathering there. However, not before convincing Daddy to let us paint his toenails green, just like ours, with one of your stocking stuffers from Santa. Hee hee hee!

Daddy, you look good in green!

The whole way to Wai Gong's, you sang your little heart out with Miley Cyrus, wrinkling your forehead and belting out the lyrics with your mouth wide open, really giving it your all. You are awesome. Once at Wai Gong’s, you had a BLAST with everyone. Aunts, uncles, Wai Gong, Memaw Lisa, Ggma, etc…all were there and you were running and giggling and acting silly all day long. When it came time for Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Micah to leave, you leaned out the door after them yelling, “Bye Aunt Lindsey! Bye Uncle Micah! See you later! I love you! Merry Christmas!” and they kept yelling right back at you. We all were laughing so hard, I thought I was going to have to get the old Vaudeville cane and pull you back in the house! Once back in, you goofed around with Uncle Brent and Aunt Denise (Niecy), playing ‘tickle piggies’ and sword fighting and a chase game with these long balloons that Uncle Blaize got for Christmas. I haven’t seen Aunt Niecy so animated in a long time and it was really cool to see her having fun. I’ve said it before ~ You have a magic little way about you that brings out the silliest and best in people, bringing family together in a fun and special way. So cool how you do that.

The Hart Family

waving and yelling goodbyes to Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Micah

That night, we all curled up by the fireplace for bed. Daddy unfortunately had to go home since he had to work on Sunday, but you and I stayed for a sleepover. You were so silly and slaphappy and were having such fun. Memaw Lisa, Blaize and I were all sitting in the family room with you and you decided to start doing a heavy metal version of your ABC’s, complete with your strut and swagger and silly little hopping. I got one of these on video, but not the most hilarious one where at the very end, out of nowhere, you threw out some devil horns and said “Rock on!” Hysterical! We all were laughing so hard we were near tears.


You fought sleep for a while, staying up and watching Star Wars with Wai Gong and Blaize and I. You were really into it. As you laid there, you got sleepier and sleepier. Finally, you succumbed to your eyelids. Wai Gong made the comment then that sometimes they just sit and watch you sleep for minutes at a time when you spend the night there. They just love you so much.

watching Star Wars with Wai Gong

and visions of sugar plums danced in their heads...

The next morning, we all went to Bob Evans for breakfast and you ate a ton! Which was good because you basically lived on chocolate all Christmas day. After breakfast, we hung out for a bit and then left for home. You had hugs and kisses and Merry Christmases for everyone upon leaving. As we drove home, you asked me to put on Miley Cyrus and were so tired that your eyes were half closed but you still tried to sing along and do your hand movements to Party in the USA. I wish I could have gotten that on film. Too precious. We got home and the neighborhood boys called out “Hi Mali!” and of course, woke you up. Which meant, no more nap for you for a while. So... Lao Lao came over to visit and we all decided to go sledding (even Abby too!) We got bundled up in layer after layer and headed down the trail a ways to find a good patch for some runs. You had a ball and giggled like mad on each sled run, especially the ones where we’d wipe out! You are so tough! You even insisted on trying to pull the sled up the hill by yourself ~ you are so dang independent. We really wore you out because you were asleep in my arms (all slumped over, bundled in your snowsuit and all) by the time we got home. I unbundled you once home, and you didn’t even stir one bit. You were out cold!

the face of happiness

You slept for a while and then got up to eat some hot chicken noodle soup for dinner, and then we just hung out, played with some of your Christmas presents, watched a movie, and made some art (or “making art” as you told me while you cut and colored some construction paper at the kitchen table). Daddy was still working when it was time for bed. Poor Daddy, we really did miss him. Hopefully we can have some more good quality family time next weekend. He shouldn’t have to work this much on New Year’s. We did truly enjoy each other on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and thankfully, we were able to spend so much time with our extended family.

All week I kept thinking of how far you have come in the past year. Last year, you were still such a baby…and now this year, it’s like you are this whole other kid, completely different but of course, still the same. It is really astounding. With the passing year, it has brought many, many opportunities for you to get to know more of your ever-growing family and bond with them. Occasions such as holidays, and especially this Christmas, allow me to really see the fruit of those gatherings throughout the year and reflect on it all. I feel so blessed that you are a part of our family, and I have a feeling, (actually, I know) many others feel the same way I do. I hope you enjoyed not only this Christmas, but this past year, as much as we all have with you.

Merry Christmas ~ to my wonderfully amazing, darling daughter!

Love,
Mama

6 more days until Christmas!

Maliana ~

I can't believe Christmas is so close. We have almost gotten all preparations done, but I always feel like I am forgetting something. Now that I'm a mom, I just want to make this season as magical as possible for you. Though, this year we've all been so sick, it's been tough. But I'm trying!

Monday it snowed, a good snow, so you and I headed out on a mission for a good sled for you. After a couple stores, we found a cool toddler sled ( I didn't even know these existed) and as soon as we got it home, you wanted to go for a ride. You had me pulling you up and down the sidewalk as fast as I could, for probably close to an hour, with Abby running right alongside us. I was exhausted but your giggles kept me going!

We came in and I made you my famous octopus hot dog, which you insist on it now not only having eyes, nose, mouth, and ears...but also a bluetooth! Hilarious! You also are calling me by saying, "Hey baby!" every time you want my attention, just like Daddy. You crack me up!

On Tuesday when I was putting you to bed, you got all cozy and cuddled up into me. Daddy came in and said, "Mommy, you need to be part kangaroo!" I swear, I think if you could unzip me and climb in, you would. Sometimes at night, it gets a bit cramped in our bed, but I know I'll look back on these days and miss when you used to cuddle so close all night long. So, I'm savoring every kiss, cuddle, and hug I can get.

On Wednesday, we got home from school and made a veggie pizza together, from scratch. You were a big help and I had a ton of fun with you ~ the pizza turned out really good too! After that, we made a cute snowman ornament out of construction paper. I guess you were getting a bit tired because when we got done, I asked if you liked it and you said, "No like it!" and smacked it. I told Daddy about it and he said, "Welcome to the three's I guess". Later, you decided you did like your new ornament, so I think part of it was being three, but the other part was that you have been fighting this nasty cold for nearly a month now. Poor thing. My Christmas wish for you is to feel better for the big day. We'll see.

On Thursday, when I picked you up from school you threw a fit because we were leaving before you could draw in your workbook like the other kids in class. You felt better once I let you stay and work on the assignment. I'm glad you love being a part of the class and doing your schoolwork. I felt so bad when you got so upset, but Ms. Brandi and I agreed, it's definitely better that you cry because you like school and want to stay than crying because you don't like it.

When we got home, Audrey came over and spent some time with us. We made a gingerbread house together and we had a great time. It turned out really good, which was surprising to me because it was the first gingerbread house either Audrey or I or you had put together. You liked putting the candy on it (sneaking some every now and then). She also brought over her Christmas presents for you, which you loved. You immediately went to work putting stickers all over the craft figurine she brought for you to paint, and are itching to get into the really neat paint set she bought for you. She promised she'd help teach you to paint, which is awesome because she is a really good painter herself! You also did a great job playing memory with the toddler picture dominoes she bought you too. I know I couldn't have done as well as you (getting about 6 out of 8 on your first try!) It just proves what Daddy and I have noticed about you already,  your observation skills are outstanding!

the gingerbread house, decorations a la Mali!

decorating one of your Christmas gifts from Audrey

On Friday, you had your Christmas party at school. Then after, I picked you up and took you to Old Navy so we could pick up a couple more presents for people. You are getting to be a really good shopping buddy, giving me your honest opinions on potential purchases, (e.g. wrinkling your nose up and saying, "Nah, don't get that!" or "Hmmm, I don't know.") Ha ha ha. You also helped straighten a display that was askew, all on your own. Then, you surprised me (and about twenty fellow shoppers) by insisting on holding the door open for them, ALL of them. Refusing to leave until the last shopper in sight was safely out the door. Everyone giggled and said "Thank you" as they walked out the door by you. You are so considerate, just one more thing that makes me proud of you. Lao Lao and Uncle Forge took you out to Polaris tonight so that I could get your presents wrapped. She had an awesome time with you and came home saying how neat it is to watch you work your "Mali magic"...people get such a kick out of you, just by being you, walking up and down the mall doing your thing. It's really a fascinating phenomenon, actually.

getting ready to hop in the car with Lao Lao, but first showing them our Christmas decorations

holding hands with our "Mommy" and "Daddy" snowmen in the front yard

On Saturday, we were going to go to Clifton Mill to look at the Christmas lights there, however in the morning we had to make a trip to urgent care and unfortunately found out that you had a mild ear infection. Boo! While we got your prescriptions filled, we walked down to Skyline Chili to eat some lunch. You liked your first Skyline, which Daddy loves since it is his favorite joint too. While we ate, I asked you, "Have I told you I love you today?" to which you replied, "Uh, yeah!" It was a cute little moment. After lunch we went next door and got your hair cut. Your 2nd big girl hair cut all on your own in the big chair! You did terrific and were so stoked to have a new 'do! We ultimately decided to skip Clifton Mill tonight, with the earache and all. However, one thing I did learn about you is that you are a much tougher patient than I am! I don't know how you maintain such a fun loving attitude, in spite of feeling like crap. By this evening, I could feel my own symptoms turning into an earache too, so we had to make a late night run to get some medicine for me. You were so sweet, insisting on giving my ear and throat kisses to make me feel better. And even something so simple and mundane as a med run turned into a fun family trip tonight. You had Daddy and I cracking up as you ran around, in your fuzzy white fur boots, giggling and exploring both CVS and GFS like they were amusement parks. I could learn some lessons on embracing life from you kid. We are so lucky to be your parents. 

This morning we got up and I took you to get your Christmas pictures taken at Target. You were so cute as I put on your special green velvet Christmas dress, white tights, black shoes with heels, and put your hair up in little buns. You felt so fancy and were strutting around the living room, obviously pleased with yourself. As we drove to Target, you asked me to play "Hey Soul Sister" and "Party in the USA", singing along with nearly all the words. Each time a song would come on, you'd look at me and say, "my song!" Too cute. You did wonderful at your picture session, with only a minor lack of cooperation, to be expected from a two year old. I let you pick out a toy from the $1 bins before we left and you chose an airplane spoon ~ surprise, surprise. You love it and used it for everything the rest of the night.

This afternoon, you and I took a nap on the couch together, nearly 3 hours! You had wanted to sleep on one end of the couch, with me on the other, but at some point you crawled up and cuddled into the crook of my legs. It was one of the best naps I have had in a long time, a perfect cold, snowy, lazy day activity. And some of the best medicine for either of us with our colds ~ sleep!

Hopefully, we can get some more cozy naps in before Christmas, so we can be all healthy and ready to spread that Christmas cheer by Saturday! In the meantime, I decorated the house (and your room) with Christmas lights to help keep us in a good mood until Christmas day, in spite of being sick.

one side of your room...in my opinion, Christmas lights make everything better!

Love you baby,

Mama

That cozy Christmas feeling is finally here...

Maliana ~

Week started off great with dinner with Ggma. We headed to MCL (of course!) and you were so silly. Ggma seemed to get the biggest kick out of you and vice versa, however you made me chuckle when I asked you on the way home if you had a good time with Ggma and you said "lil bit". Ha ha. You've also been into disposable cameras lately and, once home, you made Daddy and I do a photo shoot. You had us posing all sorts of ways...hands on hips, hands up in the air, hugging, etc. Should be funny when we get them developed.

On Wednesday Audrey came over and we made and decorated Christmas cookies. Of course, we stripped you down to nothing (and thank God we did) since you made a HUGE mess, which was also a ton of fun! After our cookie chaos, we gave you a bath (with your turning the water GREEN as the icing came off your body, ha ha ha) and then you put on quite the performance of "Up On the Housetop" for us. Audrey was laughing so hard she was crying, what with your hopping all around as you sang and did all of the motions you have learned at school. We must have all taken turns singing that about 15 to 20 times! Then, as I put you to bed that night, you were softly going over it to yourself again as you lay there, and then later turned to me, softly saying "I love you" and then putting your face to mine and giving me smooch after smooch after smooch. Melts my heart...you are great!

you girls are working hard on your Christmas creations

look at that GREEN mouth!

At dinner on Thursday, you stole my heart again with your response to my asking you what made you happy that day...to which you thought for a second and replied, "Mama." Once Daddy was home, we all tried to decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments, however you just weren't all that into it this year. Coupled with the fact that you are going through a phase right now where you are completely ANTI-camera, equaled Mama going a little insane. You are one of the most headstrong kids I know, which is something I adore about you, but mix that with me being one of the most headstrong people that Daddy says he knows, and look out! I guess my frustration mainly comes from wanting to capture every second with you, but I know sometimes I need to lay down the camera and just enjoy the moment with you. Give me some time to work on that kid, I promise I'll try. Ok?

Along with your awesome response to my question at dinner, I was super grateful and tickled when you were my little helper with the dishes tonight, helping me completely empty and load the dishwasher. It's pretty cool that you're getting old enough to actually start really helping with chores. Growing up before my eyes!

you found our stockings and decided to put them to use, in a new way, a little early

checking out Rudolph on the tree

Friday was your big Christmas show, which you have been practicing for all month! Memaw and Papaw, Lao Lao, Memaw Lisa, and of course Daddy and I all came to see you and were so excited for your first big recital. You were a bit timid and all of the kids in your class looked like a "deer in headlights" as you all stood up there on stage, but we couldn't have been prouder of you. I clapped my butt off when you were done, cheering for you like mad as I lay on the floor in the aisle trying to get the best shot of you up there. I finally understand how those maniacal looking parents feel as they watch their kids' school programs. Daddy and I wore Santa hats so you could easily spot us in the sea of parents. You did a Christmas Conga line at the end as the big finale, with all the kids and teachers in your daycare dancing through the audience. I got some good shots of you and filmed it too. Then afterwards, we all came back home for pizza to celebrate. You enjoyed yourself more once the pressure of the show was off, and while you didn't make a peep during the whole Christmas program, you sung the whole song for all of us at home and did a great version for Daddy and I in bed at bedtime. Luckily we got that one on film, (you little stinker).

lining up with your classmates (you're the little one on the left in the red pants)

Before the show, you, Daddy and I were trying to take a timer picture of us in front of the Christmas tree. You had Memaw, Papaw, and Lao Lao cracking up as you insisted on "setting the timer" on your Hannah Montana camera, right next to mine, and then leaping into the picture with me. However, we looked more like a Laurel and Hardy episode as every time my timer would be set, you'd act like there was a problem with your camera. It was too funny. We FINALLY got a couple mediocre, but comical, shots. Thank goodness! But the process of the whole thing was so funny, it was worth the "frustration".

silly girl

having fun with the Advent calendar that Papaw brought over for you

Saturday night we went over to Wai Gong's for our annual Christmas dinner and movie night. We watched Christmas Vacation and you sat and watched the whole thing! Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Micah came too and it was so nice to see them. I love to hear you laughing and enjoying spending time with family. Your giggles and smiles are like music to my ears, warming my heart and seriously, what can keep me going on even my toughest of days. Aunt Lindsey sat watching you and said quite a few times that night, "Gosh, I just love her", as she smiled at you fondly. Not only is it awesome to see you enjoying your family, but awesome to see so many of your family members adoring you right back. In fact, you and everyone were enjoying these shenanigans so much that you managed to stay up until 1:15am!  Which wasn't really so bad except that you got up at 7:15am to start the fun right back up again! You woke up so happy, giggling and being silly almost as soon as you opened your eyes. Wai Gong said that he loves these early morning times with you. I have to admit, me too.

enjoying the new dancing Frosty that Wai Gong, Memaw Lisa, and Uncle Blaize gave you

laughing at Wai Gong

admiring all the freshly fallen snow the next morning

And as if this wonderful fun wasn't enough, we just got back from a glorious Christmas dinner and family gathering at Memaw and Papaw's. Uncle Kevin, Aunt Beth, Joey, Alex, and Sammy were all there too and you girls are completely and absolutely hysterical together! I haven't seen more running and squealing in a long time with the four of you going crazy together, playing some sort of cross between hide and seek and ghost in the graveyard game that some or all of you made up. I love to see you having so much fun. You are getting to know them all and your playing together gets better and better every time you see each other. In fact, Daddy and I were joking around about what a great weekend you must have had because you had two accidents in your pants this weekend. The reason we are saying that it shows it was a good weekend is that you were having too much fun to stop and go to the bathroom. See, there's a silver lining for everything.

Anyway, once you had an accident tonight after dinner, we took off your clothes but you refused to put your jammies on, so while we continued to take pictures of all you girls playing, our kiddo (YOU) was the naked one in the midst of everyone else with clothes. You crack me up...you just love being naked and since you are all girls, what the heck! You were pretty exhausted as we left and so weren't being very agreeable to hugs and kisses goodbye. However, it was so cute when Sammy (who is about 8 months your junior) leaned in to put a big kiss right on your lips. So sweet.

Wilkinson family in a winter wonderland

you girls were SO silly all night!

So, as the title of this post says, watching your Christmas show and then spending all of this time with family, has really brought the Christmas spirit to my heart, finally. Less than two more weeks until the big day, and I am looking so forward to celebrating this holiday with you. I used to think that Thanksgiving was the big holiday to feel thankful for things, but this year, I am feeling more thankful now as we close in on Christmas. Blessings are everywhere, and I am so grateful.

Love,
Mama