A Holiday Classic

This is such an accurate depiction of how my children are right now, I'm not going to lie, I love this picture!

Outtakes

Capturing just the right picture for a Christmas card, with both kids looking and smiling is no easy task.  Here are a few outtakes from my many attempts...

And the winner - Merry Christmas!

21 Months

 In the days leading up to the 15th of the month I was thinking all about how much this month has been one of such change for you Leo!  You have FINALLY learned how to sleep through the night, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this gesture!
Your communication has been astounding, you know what you want and are able to communicate it, it has lessened the tantrums and frustration and brought on a whole new level of pride.  You are saying new words every single day and love to "read" books buy pointing to the words and saying "I", "I", "I".. Georgia tells you often how proud she is of you.
You so badly want to be one of the big kids and do your best to jump, climb or slide right along with the best of them.
You've continued to have trouble with the common cold settling in your chest which makes it hard for you to breathe.  We took our first trip to urgent care last weekend to get you some relief.  We're doing our best to strengthen your lungs and hope as you get older this is something that you will grow out of.
You are sweet and snuggly and I cannot tell you how fun it is to have a boy!  I love you Leo, Happy 21 months!

Be You

Last week I went to our monthly parent meeting for school, this time instead of a meeting it was our winter social.  It was a nice have time to chat with the other parents and teachers.
One mom came up to me and said how she'd just been telling teacher Kylene how much her daughter loves Georgia, Kylene's response, everybody loves Georgia!  Later as I was saying goodbye to Kylene I told her how much you love going to school, she said, "Oh, I love Georgia, everyone loves Georgia.. and she loves EVERYONE!
I was taken a back in that moment, remembering those questions from doctors.. "how do you think she'll do without you?" "Does she have a hard time being away from you since you've been with her the whole time in the hospital?"
I knew on your first day of school last year when you walked into a room full of kids you didn't know and didn't even turn around to say goodbye that you'd be just fine.  You're you.  You are a good friend, you love to give hugs and notice if someone isn't at school.  You draw your friends pictures and genuinely love being a friend to your friends.  On the first day of school this year, you asked a friend if she missed someone who'd moved away, you knew this had been a special person to her.
It's pretty remarkable, to see your kindness, empathy and social skills, all things that come to you naturally.  If ever you doubt yourself, which you will do, just remember to be you, it's a very powerful thing.

Ready to Ride

The other night I was getting a bath ready for the kids and couldn't find Leo, I called for him, saying it was time to take a bath, I heard a "no" and found this.  Clearly he had other plans.

Nutcracker

I went to the Nutcracker for the first time when I was five, my mom said I wiggled in my seat the whole time.  Over the years I remember going, loving the music and beautiful dancers.  When it was announced that this will be the last year for this version of the Nutcracker I was sad, and determined to go one last time.  This Nutcracker was special, my mom loved it and it was something I could share with Georgia.

We got tickets with the Leslie, Lauren and Blake, arrived early to look around, sipped champagne and sparkling cider at intermission and had a really fun time.  Georgia and Lauren sat next to each other and everyone was really well behaved.  Watching the kids watch the show made me think of my mom and how much she would have reveled in that moment, I took it in for her.  

At the end of the show Georgia said, "that was a great performance!"

 

 

Oh Christmas Tree

 The day after Thanksgiving we headed down to the Fairmont Hotel to officially start the Christmas season.  The lobby was full of beautifully decorated trees, each one honoring a child.  After checking out the trees we headed upstairs to the teddy bear room and finished things off with some hot chocolate!

Georgia was particularly impressed with the Georgian Room

Thanksgiving 2014

 This year we enjoyed a fun filled Thanksgiving with the Pittmans.  Brian had been called to fly early that morning and was supposed to be back by about 4pm.  Unfortunately, his flight was delayed, but as luck would have it, uncle Chad accidentally turned off the oven so the meal came together a little later than planned.  We were just about to dish up when Brian walked through the door, it all worked out perfectly.  The whole day was great, but my most favorite part was the impromptu dance party at 10:30pm, all of the kids were wound up and giggling to "Happy" it was a happy day indeed.  We have so much to be thankful for.

Stats

On Friday Georgia had her 5 year old wellness check - imagine that!  She was a very giggly girl as she answered all of her doctors questions.  She passed with flying colors and is in the 60% for both height and weight.  It's so gratifying to hear how normal and healthy she is, we talked about her immune system and her pediatrician said she considers her a normal child, incredible.

Here are a few thing Georgia wanted to share:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjeH64f2ln8

Potlatch

On Thursday Georgia's class had a potlatch and performance at school as a way to wrap up their two week lesson on Native Americans.  The lesson was complete with a field trip to the Burke Museum and a week full of making Native American jewelry and clothing.
The kids were beyond adorable, all wearing name tags with names they'd given themselves.  There was 'boy with brown eyes' and 'girl who loves horses' .. Georgia was, girl who likes to help her little brother.  She was all smiles and enjoyed participating in her performance.

Enjoying their feast

Their grand entrance:

Signing a cedar tree song:

FIVE

Georgia,
Yesterday you turned five, it feels monumental in so many ways.  I remember the day you were born, waking up early, waiting for the phone to ring so I could be induced, you were running on your own time schedule but at eight days past due it was time to meet you!
In the years that followed you have been my greatest teacher, I told you yesterday that you are the reason I was given the title, mom, you looked surprised.  Before you my dear I was me, owning all parts of myself, now you and your brother have become my heart.  I'm not sure if you'll ever know just how much I love you.
You have taught me about strength, resilience, living and what is important.  You have an old soul but are very much a five year old girl.  I asked you yesterday what is something five year olds know, you said, "you never give up!"  You love playing doctor and caring for your patients, you love playing dress up and dancing around the living room.
You are happy, you wake up happy and in a good mood.  You are a master negotiator, you often say, "how about this for a deal..."
Yesterday we had a family birthday celebration, opening presents first thing in the morning then went to school, ballet then home for requested pizza and cake.  After dinner we went outside and lit a lantern, you made a wish and we sent it off into the night sky.  First, when I said it was time to make a wish, you said, I wish for my family to be healthy.  We had a family hug and I told you that we are all healthy so why don't you make another wish... you smiled and said, I wish for a baby sister, (clearly I should have left the first wish alone) daddy and I looked at each other, had a good laugh then I had to talk about how wishes don't always come true. Luckily you agreed that Leo is a great little brother!
Happy birthday to the most incredible girl in the world, I am so happy that you are my daughter!

 Officially 5!

 Frozen nightgown and CD were a big hit

 Ready for patients with her new Doc Mobile

 Leo was barely done with pizza but ready for cake!