Joy...Overflowing!

(Yup, that's 3D!)

We'd like you to meet the newest member of our family!

Brian and I are so happy to announce that I am once again with child!  Truly, our joy is overflowing!

I'm not sure where to begin, because my heart is bursting with this piece of news.  We struggled to conceive this time around due to the fact that I am still nursing Caleb.  Most women are usually able to conceive twelve months postpartum, whether or not they are still nursing, but others are not, which to be honest, is not commonly known.  We were trying for several months, and I was charting each cycle, but we were not having success.  I had to do a little research of my own to figure out why and to find a solution, and I did!  I will write a separate post on this matter at another time.  It was an easy fix once I figured out what was going on, even though we lost several months in the process.  But God is good, and His timing is always best.

Why was I so anxious to get the ball rolling?  I'm no spring chicken any more, folks.  I will go ahead and admit my age here... a whopping 35.  I am considered "high-risk" for that reason alone... once a woman is 35 and pregnant, forget it, the doctors forewarn of gloom and doom.  (Not my midwife, by the way, just the doctors.)  The first doctor I saw for this pregnancy (only because my midwife was booked) recommended me to a high-risk doctor, which I declined.  I'm pretty sure the female body knows what to do, whether or not a woman is 20 or 35, and goodness, I'm not the only woman to have a child at this age.  My sister did it with twins, and she did have to see high-risk doctors, which she said didn't really do anything different anyway.  I will stick with my midwife, who is so happy for me, and has never said a single word to me about my age.

The months of trying to conceive and lacking success were difficult ones, because I was doubting whether or not God wanted us to have another child.  I had felt SO STRONGLY that He did.  I couldn't escape the thought.  Yes, I could have been, would have been, content with just our Caleb, but there was a haunting feeling that would not let me go:   Someone else is supposed to be here.  I couldn't deny it.  I KNEW we weren't done.  I KNEW our family was not yet complete.  Brian felt the same way, perhaps not in the same way that I did, but he very much wanted another child.

Our hearts were overflowing this past Thanksgiving morning when I took my at-home pregnancy test.  I pretty much knew I was pregnant by that time, thanks to charting, but I took the test to confirm it.  What a thankful Thanksgiving that was!

My due date is August 2nd, but as we all know, those dates pretty much mean nothing.  The baby could be late, just as Caleb was, or could sneak in early in July.

I am dreading the long car ride to the hospital while in labor... I managed to escape the dreaded affair with Caleb's birth because my amniotic fluid was getting low, and I went to the hospital to be induced (without Pitocin, thank you!)  I DREAD, DREAD, DREAD that car ride, now that I know what labor is like, much more so than before having not known a thing about it.  As soon as I feel labor pains at all, I think we are bolting for the hospital, because NO WAY do I want to sit in a car that long when the labor pains are so intense.

But, that's more talk for another day.  Here's what's been going on with my pregnancy so far:

1)  It's been very similar to my pregnancy with Caleb, in that I had a lot of morning sickness the first trimester, especially throughout the month of December.  Yuck.  Some mornings I just felt so icky I couldn't look at food, except for maybe a can of ginger ale and some saltine crackers.

2)  I have been EXHAUSTED.  Really, I didn't know the meaning of the word until recently.  I was tired the first pregnancy, but now that I have a toddler, who is ALWAYS up early, some days up before 5, and rarely ever past 5:30... let's just say I feel like I have been living life half-asleep since getting pregnant.  I will be entering my second trimester tomorrow, and supposedly the exhaustion fades by now, but so far for me it has not.  I never can get the rest my body truly needs... I have no idea what it is like to sleep until my body wants to wake up.  Plus, I am still nursing Caleb, so I have a baby taking my nutrients in my womb, and then Caleb taking what's left over.  (This boy is impossible to wean, so please don't even suggest something so obvious.  I am praying about this matter, over and over again, that he will lose interest on his own.  And soon.)

3)  I am starting to show, but truthfully, right now it doesn't look so much like pregnancy, but perhaps like I've been eating too much, if you were unaware of the truth.  I did start showing earlier this time around, which I guess is normal for second pregnancies, though, to be honest, it makes one feel "fat", even though you know there is a perfectly good reason for it.  My sister has reassured me of this time and again.  Her maternity clothes are now holding up for a fifth pregnancy...three for her and two for me.  I will have to actually buy some maternity clothes this time around... last time I bought nothing but one simple skirt, but my sister was never pregnant in the summer, as I will be.  Some flowing skirts, capris, and cool t-shirts will be on the list, and though I hate spending money on clothes that will probably never be worn again, we'll have to plan for that in our budget.

(Please excuse my finger.  I am covering up our last name.  We don't ever put our last name on the blog.)

4)  The lightheadedness has already begun.  I had it with Caleb, and two times while pregnant with him I was out shopping and had to sit down while clerks brought me water.  My body does not handle pregnancy well.  My blood sugar gets very low, and when that happens, the blood starts rushing from my head, and if I don't sit down, I will fall down.  This morning, I had to stop breakfast preparations for the three of us because I had this feeling.  It is definitely not the most delightful part of pregnancy for me, especially since it is so random.  My mom and sister never went through this, so I'm not sure where I get it from.  

5)  I've already had my first fall, so hopefully that's it.  With Caleb, I fell once down the stairs, and just a couple of weeks ago, I fell in our icy driveway... thank the Lord I was not carrying Caleb, but ouch, it hurt!  I am hoping my quota is only one fall per pregnancy, so perhaps I am done?

6)  Cravings?  With both pregnancies I craved bagels and cream cheese very early on, and it ended quickly.  Now I don't really have any unusual cravings at all.  I do eat more healthfully this time around, more organic things and fruits and vegetables, so hopefully I am getting enough nutrients.  I hope!

7)  Things I miss?  Oh, boy, do I miss coffee!  I do still drink it, in small amounts, for example, putting barely half a teaspoon of my instant coffee granules in a cup instead of a whole heaping teaspoon.  I miss licking cake batter out of a bowl (Brian was stuck with the job last night, poor guy!), deli meats, and mayonnaise.  

In all seriousness, pregnancy is both a glorious time, and a difficult time.  It is so hard dealing with your own body as it gets big and awkward.  I am already getting round ligament pain in my abdomen. I suffer from intense restless legs at night (a pregnancy side effect). But, all the discomforts and inconveniences are so worth it.  To know that little one is inside of me, having life while depending on my very breath, is mind-boggling.  I love him or her already.  And so does Daddy.

Our hearts our full.  This is more than likely the last child for us, given my age.  If I were younger, I would have wanted three.  We are content with two, and I want to savor this pregnancy and the miracle that it is.  We only get nine months with this little one inside of us... and we'll never get this time back again.  What a beautiful thing it is!

(This photo is not blurry.  It is how the ultrasound looks.)

If you read all of this, I truly thank you.  I have been quiet on this blog for so long, never breathing a word about the pregnancy, except for saying I've been tired, and since I am beginning my second trimester tomorrow, we are ready to announce it to the world.  Thanks so much for reading!

Ten Things I Love About My Husband

This mood came over me this morning as I was bustling about the kitchen... perhaps it was because I was watching "Love Comes Softly" and my heart broke in the beginning when Marty loses her husband.  I got to thinking how much I love mine, and so this list began to form in my mind.  Here are some of the things I love about my husband (of course there are more), and these are in no apparent order, mind you:

1)  He's so fun, goofy, cheerful, and bright.  Let's face it:  I am the dull parent.  I am grateful that Brian balances me out, and that Caleb doesn't have to endure two square pegs for parents.  I have a hard time having fun, and I could write an entire blog post about that alone, but suffice it to say that I ALWAYS have housework on the brain.  Even when my to-do list is done, other thoughts creep in, like the fact that my sock drawer really should be reorganized, and I feel completely out-of-balance until it is done.  Brian is my opposite, and he brings a lightheartedness to our home that would not be here if he wasn't.  (Side note:  My nieces, though I know they love me, usually ask about Brian first. I don't take offense.  He IS the cool one.)

2)  Brian will watch my favorite shows with me.  I hope he won't get mad at me for saying this.  I love historical dramas, and I have the whole series of "Dr. Quinn" on DVD (most of it was passed down to me, not purchased); I love the "Love Comes Softly" series, and all Jane Austen books turned movies.  He does not watch my Jane Austen stuff with me, but he does watch the rest of the above. Most husbands would grunt and say, "No way!", but my Brian took an interest because they are important to me.  (For the record, I will watch things like the Super Bowl with him, because he is so good about watching things with me.)

3)  He works hard for our family.  I truly hate to see Brian busting his tail at two jobs.  His first job as a music teacher is often like two jobs in one, with all the extra functions that he must attend.  To boot, he teaches lessons at a music store, and he even has another private student beyond that. He works two evenings a week and some Saturdays, and I know it is very taxing.  He works hard to keep me home with Caleb, simply due to the fact that we do not believe in day care raising our child.  (Call us old-fashioned, but we both believe the mother's place is in the home.  Gasp!  Did I as a woman really say such a thing?)

4)  He is an excellent financial planner.  While we are both involved in figuring out where the money goes, Brian is the main planner.  He is the brains behind our budget, and I follow through with what he says.  He has an excellent head for math, and I'm really grateful that he's in charge.

5)  He is generous.  Brian is not stingy.  When it comes to giving, Brian does not hold back, even if he knows we aren't being given the same amount in return.

6)  Brian stands for his morals.  He believes in the unchanging, timeless truths of Scripture, and he will stand up for what he believes, even if he standing alone.

7)  He is godly, loving, kind, and a wonderful example for Caleb.  I am so grateful that Caleb has such an awesome father to look up to.  Caleb loves him so much already, and I know he'll only love him more as he gets older.  Brian is one of the nicest people that I know, and I'm so glad he married me!

8)  Being here with us is important to him.  Of course, Brian has to go to work.  Beyond that, he's here with us.  He doesn't seek out other opportunities.  He hurries home because he knows he's needed and wanted here.

9)  He's smart.  Honestly, I don't think I'm all that smart.  Brian is a lot smarter than I am, and he can explain things to me that I simply don't understand.  For example, I have no head for politics.  I'll often let him read the news and ask him to reexplain it to me.

10)  He stands by those he loves for life.  Once Brian is your friend, you can't get rid of him.  I'm thinking of James, Chris (though now they are brothers-in-law), and of course later buddies like Doug, Matt, and Aaron.  I've seen so many people come and go from my life.  That's just not so with Brian.  He is a committed friend for life... how much more so is he committed to his own family!

11)  One more thing to add:  he's stable.  What I mean here is that he isn't off and running, changing his mind on jobs or careers every other day.  He's committed to his job and where we live, and we're not chasing after lofty dreams just because they look enticing.

Oh, and if I wanted to add another... he puts up with me!  I'm sure there is some head-nodding here! I'm not the easiest person to live with.  I am very structured, no-nonsense, particular in my ways... etc., etc., etc.  Yet he puts up with me.  Need I say more?

I'm so grateful that God gave me such a wonderful husband to lead our family.  I pray that we get to grow old together, because I want him by my side for always!

A Lapse In Judgement: Stuck on the Road

Two months after Brian and I were married, my dad had an emergency trip to the hospital, nearly dying with clogged arteries.  We rushed home so we could see him in the local hospital there, before he was transported to New York Presbyterian.  Brian returned home and I remained with my family for the week, taking trips back and forth to the hospital to visit my dad.  Long story short, Brian came to get me the following weekend, and we encountered a freak October snowstorm on the roads. Combine that with a car battery that was obviously on its way out, and it resulted in being stuck on the side of the road, when even AAA wouldn't come for us.  Finally we were rescued by a tow truck who came for some guy who was stuck behind us (whom we could not even see because we were buried in snow by this point), and we spent the night in a cheesy motel, ate Burger King for dinner as well as breakfast, and waited for our car to be fixed the next morning.

How's that for a long story told quickly?

So, I'm a little cautious when it comes to bad weather.  We didn't travel for Thanksgiving due to a bad snowstorm up here, and while it was on its way out, why risk it?  Add a toddler to the mix, and no, thank you, I don't want to be stuck on the side of the road, or worse.

This past Sunday, I was checking the weather forecast before church.  I am pretty much obsessed with weather-watching in the winter.  Brian has a long commute, and I always warn him of any and every potential danger that could possibly await as I monitor the weather.  If it looks even remotely bad, I will hunker down indoors with Caleb and not even think about venturing out.  The weather report called for a Freezing Rain Advisory from 9-1.  I read it, thought to myself, "Brian is driving.  He's a better driver than I.  Church is ten minutes down the road.  We'll be fine."

Oh, boy.  Was I ever wrong.

We got to church just fine.  When we left, we headed to Dunkin Donuts because I was about to pass out due to low blood sugar, and so an egg sandwich was in order.  Then we stopped at the grocery store, because I had forgotten to get bananas the day before.  (These stops are all very close to one another.) After the grocery store, yikes, the roads turned scary.  All of the sudden, the guy in front of us started to skid, and then we did the same.  It was clear that the roads were indeed a mess.  Hazard lights went on.  Driving two miles per hour commenced.  We kept going, praying all the while.  Then some heavy skidding continued.  The guy in front was losing control, then we were too, and then the guy behind us was inching toward us ever so quickly.  Thankfully, he missed us.  I called my mom, crying, asking for prayer, which she began to do over the phone immediately.  We passed the guy in front of us so we could have some distance, and we saw there was a row of cars ahead, all stopped on the road.  We had no choice but to stop, too, and wait it out.

Folks, we waited over two hours.  Good thing we had gotten the bananas, because Caleb had one for his lunch, which we were missing at home.

Caleb was due for a nap, and he has been going through some kind of sleep regression, and he has been up desperately early lately.  One day he was up before 4:30.  Caleb couldn't get to sleep in the car seat, because we weren't moving, and he was so tired.  He was crying because he just didn't know how to get to sleep.  I recited his bedtime stories from memory, but he wouldn't fall asleep.  Finally, finally, the cars started moving again. We got a little further, and then the cars stopped again, and a car from the opposite direction was telling us to go into the other entrance to our community.  We turned our car around and headed back the opposite way, and Caleb finally fell asleep due to the movement.  We crawled the whole time, and made it to the entrance we never use, and pulled in.  We breathed a huge sigh of relief.  We were finally off of the main road.  This is the long way home, but we didn't care.  Caleb kept sleeping, and when we finally pulled in our driveway, we stayed put so he could finish his nap, which we knew would be ridiculously short.  (Any nap other than the crib always is.)  He woke up a few minutes later.

We were soooo glad to be home and off the road- glad to all be in one piece as well.  We heard reports that others were stuck on roads until 4 p.m., so in the end we felt like we got off pretty easy.

Next time, I won't be such a fool.  When I see a Freezing Rain Advisory, we are staying PUT!

Ode To My Kindle

"I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!  How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!  When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library." ~ Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (Quote appears on mug in picture below- gift from my sister for Christmas)

Our first Christmas spent together as a married couple, Brian gave me my very own Kindle.  If you know us, we really aren't technology people.  We have one laptop, and that's about it.  No flat screen t.v.'s, no tablets, no iPhones... Brian has a pay-as-you-go phone, and my cell phone is pretty basic by today's ever-changing standards.

But one thing I have to have?

A Kindle.

I've had this one for three years now, and Brian has already given me permission in advance, that the instant it dies, I can immediately order a new one on Amazon.  In fact, a few weeks ago, we thought the time had come.  It was frozen for hours, but then all of a sudden, it began rebooting, and I don't believe I had anything to do with it.  So we'll hold off on the new purchase for now.

I love to read.  It goes without saying.  After all, I did teach literature for five years.  As a teacher, though, I didn't have much time to pleasure read.  My time was spent grading papers, and staying fresh on the literature I had to teach.  I didn't have time to go seek out new authors and see what's new out there.

That all changed after I got married, when I stopped teaching, and of course, when Brian bought me this Kindle.  I've gotten tons of books for free (I have ways of finding free books), or deeply discounted, making the books way cheaper than buying a hard copy.  I have easily several hundred books on here, and I could never fit them all in my house.  (Side note:  I hate taking books out of the library because I'm a germaphobe.  I absolutely hate holding a book in my hands, especially in bed at night when I'm all tucked in, that who knows who has held before.  Yuck.  I never have to worry with my Kindle.)

Since having my Kindle, I've gotten to download the classics, such as Jane Austen, whose books I already have in hard copy, and I've gotten to explore contemporary authors.  I have my favorites, but generally I stick to Christian authors who write about the late nineteenth century... both in England and the U.S.

When Caleb was young and I nursed him around the clock, my Kindle was my faithful companion. In those days, his nursing sessions were half an hour long, and while I did adore gazing at his sweet face, I did also enjoy using my Kindle... I only needed one hand to hold it and turn the page. Though I don't spend the same time nursing, and therefore, don't read as much as I did then, it is always with me.  When I go to bed at night, it follows me.  When I get up, it goes out with me to the kitchen.  If Caleb wants to go and play in his bedroom (which, lately, is at least four times a day), I take my Kindle, so I can sit in his chair while he runs around.

As a stay-at-home mom, my world is very small.  Living away from friends and family, makes it even smaller.  I'm so grateful for the written word, which takes me on one adventure after another. Captivating descriptions and carefully crafted words stay with me, and they keep my mind sharp, long after the story is completed.

I am so thankful for my Kindle!

Caleb: Twenty Months

It's been a while since I've done an update on Caleb.  Today is his twenty-month birthday, and I can scarcely believe he will be turning two in just four months.  What in the world?  How did that happen?  A year ago he was only eight months old.

He's so active now, so curious, and is interested in everything.  If we run to the bedroom or the bathroom, he's running behind us, wanting to know what we are doing.  He gets bored so easily these days, which is a combination of two things:  a) being more indoors due to the frigid temperatures and b) he never plays much with his toys.  He never has.  I had thought that Christmas might change this, bringing in brand new things, but it hasn't.  I am coming to the conclusion that he is just not that into toys, which can make the day very long and draining for us both.  He can only bang through my cabinets so many times.

He's a full-blown toddler now, complete with temper tantrums about fifty times a day.  This, too, can be very draining for me.  He definitely does not like the word "no", he wants his way, and he continues to fight me on diaper changes and naps.  These days, I am often hit in the face, and I have been bit three times, on purpose.  One was the inner thigh.... ouch!  (I still have a purple mark.)

Yes, we are dealing with these things and not just looking the other way, but for whatever reason, he is trying to desperately hold on to his will and his way.

But, in spite of all this, he is the light of my life.  When I crouch on the floor to pick up a toy or a crumb, he often will lean against me for his version of a hug, and he'll kiss my cheek.  Those tender moments are so sweet that I want to hold onto them forever.

I can't wait for winter to be over, when we can shed the winter coats and I can carry him down the stairs and out the door without feeling like I'm going to keel over due to all of the bulk.

He still hasn't said any words yet, but we are not worried.  I've heard from other parents who had slow-talkers, and their kids turned out just fine.  I do long to hear him speak a word or two, and hopefully it won't take too much longer.  I think I will melt the day I finally hear "I love you."  For now, even without words, Caleb gets across what it is that he wants.  I know him pretty well, and it is a rare moment that I can't figure out what he wants me to get for him.

Daddy is his clearly his best friend.  When Daddy comes home from work, Caleb could care less about anything else.

We love our little boy!

Routines, Routines

Months ago, I wrote a blog post describing Caleb's and my routine for each day.  It has definitely changed since then.  He is older now and is changing at record speed, and of course, our routine must change too.

Here is how a typical day looks these days:

5:18- My alarm goes off.  I try to beat Brian to the bathroom before he takes a shower, and yes, we do have two bathrooms, but stumbling downstairs first thing in the morning is not my idea of a good wake up.  I can pretty easily beat Brian out of bed in the morning on any given day.
5:20- 5:30-5:45- Caleb gets up anywhere in this time frame, though it is usually on the early side.  The boy just cannot sleep in, which is fine on the weekdays, but it would be nice to sleep in on weekends/vacations.  I go and get him and bring him to our bed for his morning nursing session.  (Yes, we are still nursing.  At this rate, I'm hoping he'll be weaned by the time he graduates from high school.  What can I say?  I must have some amazing milk.  Anyway, I have heard the average age to wean is 2 years old, so I guess we are right on track.)
6:00 or so- Check Caleb's overnight diaper and get him dressed for the day.  I RARELY keep Caleb in his pj's.  Since I have to check his diaper, it is simply easier to get him dressed right away.  He's so fussy anyway, I'd rather just get it done first thing, plus it eliminates picking up yucky cat hair and getting it all over his jammies.  (Those fleece jammies are magnets for everything.) After we head to the living room, Caleb tries to play with Daddy for a bit as he is getting ready for work.  Daddy prays with Caleb and reads a Scripture before he leaves.  I also throw in a load of laundry while Caleb is busy with Daddy.
6:30- We say goodbye to Daddy and count the hours until his return.
6:50- Caleb eats breakfast.
7:00- I might eat breakfast, if I'm in the mood for it.  Time for me to get dressed, wash my face, brush my teeth, and brush Caleb's teeth.  Try to make myself look somewhat presentable, but as a stay-at-home mom, I don't put all that much effort into the task.  For the next hour or so, Caleb plays and I join him.
8:00- If we are running any errands, I usually do them now.  Let's face it, now that it is winter, I go out VERY little.  I just started going grocery shopping on Saturdays, alone, when Brian can stay home with Caleb.  It was just getting to be too hard for me to carry Caleb up and down the stairs, plus all the groceries... I'd come home exhausted.  Brian talked me into going on Saturdays, so that he can unload the car when I come home, thus saving me a lot of energy.  I do miss bringing Caleb with me, though.  He is always so good in the store, and he really enjoys it.
10:45- Prepare Caleb's lunch.  I try to give him time to eat and let it digest a little before his nap time.
11:45- Wind down for nap.  People look at me, I know, like I am crazy to have Caleb on such a strict schedule.  I literally plan my day around his nap, and I know that I cannot go out too close to his nap time, or else he will sleep in the car, and I will never get him to sleep later in his crib, and car naps are always short and pathetic.  I am a bit weary of the judgmental looks and comments I get from people, but I know my son better than anyone, and I know how even the little changes throw him off.  Do I wish I didn't have to run my life around his schedule?  Of course!!  But I feel strongly that baby sleep is just as important as a meal.  I wouldn't ever let him skip a meal, so why would I let him skip a nap, just because it is more convenient for me?  Not all babies are the same, but unfortunately, Caleb is, and has always been, tough when it comes to sleep.  All I can say is that I am doing my best, trying to give him my best, always.
12:00- Caleb is down for his nap, and I wash his diapers every other day at this time, and I eat lunch, and attend to any other chores that need doing.  I used to wash Caleb's diapers at night, but I've been SOOO tired, practically falling asleep these days at 8:30 on Brian's shoulder, so I had to move the time for my own sanity.
1:30-2:00-2:30- Caleb wakes up.  Your guess is as good as mine.  Some naps are short; some are long.  Whenever he wakes up, he nurses, then has a snack, then goes on to play.
2:30-2:45- Begin dinner prep.
3:30-4:00- If Daddy is coming home, he usually comes home at this time.  (One day a week he works two jobs and doesn't come home until late.)  Caleb hears the door, and is so excited.  Brian must hurry to change out of his work clothes, because Caleb won't rest until he gets a ride on Daddy's shoulders.
4:30- Caleb eats dinner.  We eat soon after, which is early, but I like to get dinner out of the way and cleaned up before we start Caleb's nighttime routine.
6:15- If it is a bath night, we begin to get Caleb ready for his bath.
6:40 or so, begin bedtime stories, Bible reading, final nursing, and prayers.
7:00 or so, Caleb is in bed, though I am thinking of moving his bedtime back a bit.
7:05- Last minute kitchen clean-up, wash Caleb's cups, etc.
7:15- I take my shower... how I miss showering in the morning, but with a toddler that gets up so early... IMPOSSIBLE!
7:30 or so- I finally get to relax a little.  I am still on my feet a bit, preparing a treat or some hot drink for Brian and me.  We might watch a movie, or I might read.  Time to unwind a bit.
8:30- I often find myself nodding off these days on Brian's shoulder.  I have been so tired.  If I'm still awake, I try to hold off until 9 to head to the bedroom, where like to read a bit more, comfy and cozy under the covers.
9:45 or so- Bedtime after Bible reading and prayers, if I haven't drifted off before then.  I always check on Caleb one last time, no matter how exhausted I am.

That's what our day looks like!

Christmas Recap

Here I am, albeit very late, writing about Christmas.  I've been debating taking a blogging break, and that is why I am so late posting anything.  Normally I write all about Christmas, an end-of-the-year reflection and recap, hopes for the new year, etc., but I just haven't felt like doing it this year.  I have been extremely tired, and in many ways, weary, and I just don't need another thing on my long to-do list.

It was fun watching Caleb on Christmas day, but truth be told, he still had no clue about the concept of presents, so I had to open most of his gifts.  We even had to open two or three the next day, because I simply could not entice him to rip off the paper.  We had Caleb's new basketball hoop set up, and he and Daddy began making baskets even before I had put the breakfast casserole in the oven.  We began to open presents, and we all got tired (perhaps me the most), so we took a break to eat, and then we went back at it again.  I never knew that opening gifts could feel like work!

I cooked my first real turkey (just under fourteen pounds) for Brian's parents, and while I'm certainly no expert, I think everything turned out really well.

Brian's vacation flew by, as vacations are always wont to do.  We have truly loved all the extra family time, and poor Caleb is going to have a hard time of it next week, getting used to Daddy being gone. Daddy is his best friend and his favorite playmate, so it will tough for him, I know.  He'll have to make do with Mommy, though she isn't nearly as fun.

Here are some photos from Christmas: