Blueberries

This morning Krista was "helping" me get Gabriel dressed for the day. When I had his jammies off I told her to give him raspberries on his tummy and proceeded to show her what to do. She then blows on his arm, moving her mouth back and forth and shouted, "Blueberries!" I love her so much, she always makes me laugh - no matter how unintentionally.

Gabriel's 12 Mos Checkup

Last Thursday, Gabriel had his 12 mos. well-care child visit. He's 22lbs (48 percentile), 30" (50 percentile) and his head is also around the 50 percentile. So, he's a perfectly average size in every way. He hasn't been gaining weight like he was and is thinning down now, but that is normal at this age as they are moving more and more. He crawls around the house and gets into everything now. He wants to walk around holding fingers now, too. The doctor said he looked great and his language ability is above the curve since he can say so many words. The poor baby got four shots and a finger prick at this visit. He was such a champ during the finger prick and blood draw and didn't make a peep. He didn't like the shots so much, though. But once Mama picked him up, he settled down and took a nice long nap when we got home.

Snow Angel

Krista is old enough to really enjoy the winter snow and not old enough to despise the driving conditions and cold... Today while Gabriel napped, she helped me scoop the sidewalk and front stoop.

Here They Come!

The Christmas lights are out in full force. Even some of our neighbors have lights on their houses. And then there's that "one" house with so many lights, it's like a winter wonderland creating a beacon of light on the block. Krista loves this house and insists that we always drive past the "big one" when we drive home. She sees them coming and a very excited, screeching high-pitched toddler voice shouts out, "Here they come!" Many "wows" follow as she gets her fix.

Ansel is at the height of excitement as well because the delivery men are out in full force. Any time he hears one of their trucks, which he can hear from miles away, he barks like a crazy dog. We have our fair amount of deliveries with all our packages flooding in from Nana this week. Ansel has spent a fair amount of kennel time the last few days when I just get fed up.

Gabriel loves the Christmas trees with their round ornaments. A couple of his new words are used daily as he gazes at the tree, "tree" and "ball".

We are all ready for Christmas/Jesus' birthday (which we now have to have a birthday cake for Jesus per Krista), but can't believe it's already just a week away!

Consequences

We are constantly learning in our household. Krista and I created a new "game" the other day that she loves to play.

T: What happens if you push your brother?
K: Go to time out!
T: That's right, so don't hit your brother. (I start to get distracted with something else.)
K: Do it again, mom. Do it again!
T: OK.. What happens if you don't share?
K: Go to time out! (Big smile.)
T: What happens if you..... say no to Mama or Papa?
K: Go to time out!
T: What happens if you.... hug your brother?
K: ... That was nice!

And on and on we go. I am so proud of the way she absorbs the concept of right and wrong and understands the resulting consequences. It's fun to watch the little wheels crank away in her little mind.

To Blog?

I feel like I need to blog, although I don't have anything funny or cute to report. I could tell you that Krista is doing awesome potty training. She made it through the day yesterday without accidents, only pottying when wearing a diaper in the morning and at nap time. Today, she's only had one accident. I could tell you that I'm getting ready for a low-key 1st birthday celebration for Gabriel. I'm trying to decide what kind of cake and how much effort I want to put into it. I could tell you that Gabriel is talking more and more. He now says "car", "go", "ball", "kitty", "papa", and a few other words in addition to all kinds of rude noises.

I could tell you.... and I guess I did - Blog Success!

Turtle

I am a Turtle, slowly crawling on the floor. My back is humped as my head peaks out.

I am a Monkey loudly calling out, "Oooh ooh, Ahhh ahh!" I grab my monkey young and run across the floor.

I am a Cat, licking my paws. I meow loudly and hiss at another cat.

I am a Bear and release a menacing, "RAAHHRR!" I show my claws and run swiftly.

Thanks, Krista, for your wonderful imagination. It's always fun to play with you.

Christmas Collage

Christmas Dialog

I dragged out our pre-lit artificial tree from the basement and proceeded to put it together. This was the dialog that ensued between Krista and well.... Krista.

K: Is it beautiful?
K: Wow!
K: It's a Christmas tree!
K: Is it nice?
K: Want to go to Christmas?
K: Wow!
K: Christmas is sooo fun!
K: Hahahaha!

Bad Mommy!

Recently, my lack of parental supervision has really shined. Maybe it is because I have been sick the last few days or my kids are being more mischievous... this is what I came into the room and found at different occasions:

--Three streaks of red crayon marks and three streaks of yellow crayon marks on the couch - Krista owned up to this when I asked her if she did it with a proud, "Yes, I did!"

--Gabriel sitting in a puddle of red punch, his pants and socks soaked red with Krista's cup from dinner in his hand. I did put the drink up on the Babee Tenda (high chair) table, but his reach has amazingly gotten longer recently (baby's grow? whooda thunkit!).

--Gabriel standing in the bathtub, unable to get out and me standing there wondering how he got in there without conking his head open.

--Krista sitting on Gabriel's back, while Gabriel is flat on his tummy on the ground unable to move - she was laughing and he was whining (maybe she'll be a professional wrestler?).

And all I can say for myself is, "But, I only turned my back on them for a second!"