Christmas 2009

We so enjoyed the Christmas season with our family of 5! The boys were excited for every activity and just darling with their little sister.

Talia did feel like our gift this Christmas. Life is just such a miracle and truly a gift. She has been such a fantastic baby which makes us feel even more thankful.

The boys enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree and house, decorating sugar cookies, building gingerbread houses, watching Christmas favourites like Veggie Tales, Frosty, Rudolf, drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows, riding the train at Bright Nights, tobogganing, several play times with family and friends and many many other activities. We enjoyed Christmas celebrations with each family separately and then all together with both grandparents on Christmas day. What a treat for our family!

Talia at 1 month

Talia continues to grow and delight our family. She still sleeps well, averaging at least a 6 hour stretch at night. She loves to eat and although is growing, still fits a lot of new born clothes (so different than the boys first month!). Some of her favourite activities are a nice warm bath and snuggling on a caregiver's chest. She likes being on her tummy and loves her hands. She wore her first dress (thank you Duane, Val, Steve & Kathy) at Christmas time, around when she turned 1 month! Mommy still needs to get in the dress "groove" with all the little extra accessories of tights, shoes, etc. Fun times ahead!

Nate's acting debut

Nate's preschool performed the nativity story for their party day. They worked hard to memorize lines and learn several songs celebrating Jesus' birth. Nate played the part of one of the wise men. This video is a bit long and a bit quiet, but if you are interested it is cute 4 year old acting and singing.

For some more amazing video, pictures and an eloquent write-up of the December party day, my friend Lynda has an amazing post.

Sugar Cookies

The boys and I made sugar cookies for the Christmas season. It is a fond memory that I have from my childhood and want to carry on the "tradition" with my own children. Nate loves to help me bake things and Jadon is starting to want to help more too (especially when it comes to licking beaters, sampling, etc.). They both helped me make the dough and then decorate the cookies. They generously added multiple candies to each cookie. I started to get frustrated with how many candies they were using as I couldn't keep up with replenishing each emptied candy dish. THEN, I realized, those actually were the tastiest, most desirable cookies. They both were very creative in their decorating and lasted much longer than Mommy with their patience and attention to detail. Talia peacefully slept through all the activity. I'm quite certain this will be the only year she doesn't try to participate (or interfere) with the cookie decorating.

Brotherly Love

Nate and Jadon have become fabulous "big brothers". We were not expecting the interest and attention they give to their new sister. Each day, they both come up to Talia on numerous occasions to shower her with kisses and hold her hand. Nate, in particular, is developing his caretaking role and will sit with Talia while Mommy showers or takes care of other duties around the home. They both help entertain her, sing to her, talk to her, read her stories, and "translate" for her. This stage is THOROUGHLY being enjoyed by Mommy especially. Already it is passing too quickly.

A Visit with Santa

Brent's school hosted a party with Santa for the teacher's children again this year. Nate and Jadon are starting to anticipate time with Santa and are a little more brave in their interactions with him. The boys made a variety of crafts, played with several "Best Buddies" (student helpers), and asked many, many questions about Santa. Talia enjoyed many cuddles and basically slept through the party. Even a visit with Santa did not wake her up.