So much to say!

First of all, isn't it amazing how children's bodies change so fast and they seem to just roll with the punches? We adults are not nearly so accepting and willing to "move past it". Luke chipped his front tooth Saturday night and I cried more than he did! I mourned the loss of his perfect, beautiful little smile...until he smiled again and reminded me that teeth are not what makes the smile beautiful - it's joy that makes the smile; and this little guy has abundant joy! I joked later that he was hoping for a percentage from the tooth fairy. Don't get too eager Luke.

Secondly we moved furniture this weekend, as you can see above (click the picture to see up close). And we had Dan, Jen and Mara over for supper (they arrived moments after the fateful fall). Mara and Luke were the amazing dancing diaper duo! Such smart children we have, and they've definitely got the beat.

Lastly, I'd like to report that "Nook", as he calls himself, asked to "go poop" last night. We got a toilet seat topper for him a few weeks ago, but we haven't started training him. We just let him sit up there whenever he asks. Well, last night when we put him on the toilet he actually went poop!! We are so proud. After he wiped, he flushed and put his small toilet seat down on the floor and asked to wash his hands. I don't know any other 18 month old children as amazingly intelligent as Nook - I mean, Luke. They say that there are smarter children out there, but I don't think they exist.

Dolly Walk

Yes, our son has a doll.
Yes, he likes to brush her hair.
Yes, he gives her kisses.
Yes, I bought this doll for my son.
Yes, he drags her around by her hair saying, "Come Daya!".
Yes, I think it's adorable.
Yes, they have a special relationship.
No, it's not like that.

What I've been busy with

I just love the creative, design aspect of my job as a photographer. I love taking the pictures, but I have also really come to love "working the photos" after wards. It satisfies a creative, artistic, part of me that nothing else does (partly because I'm not GOOD at anything else?). Here are this week's achievements (I can't take credit for the photos in the top card, just the design...although I did fiddle with the photos a bit to make them a little more "card friendly". But the bottom card is mine from start to finish.)

Snug as a bug in a rug

It's been getting mighty chilly outside (yesterday was around -35 with the windchill!). But we have managed to keep cozy, and enjoy the winter outside our windows. We've ventured out twice for groceries etc, but for the most part we are happy with our books and blankets, and the occasional visitor. We have birds on our deck that come to push the snow off the bird feeder, and we haven't seen the rabbits yet, but the evidence of their visits is a tremendous mosaic across our back yard. But best of all is when Luke's Daddy comes home for lunch.

My Christmas present from Derek.

Our newest piece of furniture, and by far the heaviest. This 130 year old piano is joining the ranks of our old, character-filled furniture. I am so pleased that our son will learn to make music on a beautiful old beast just like I did. Thanks Derek and (former?) friends for moving such a monstrous instrument into our home!

Can you guess what we're getting him for Christmas?

Stanley Skywalker Comic Strip: Episode the First

Another blue, snowy day around here and thankfully Luke and I have very little on our to do list. We are coasting into this hectic time of year and taking advantage of "the calm before the storm" by watching Christmas movies and staying in our pajamas until noon. Ah.