Happy New Year!

Orange you glad?

 

Zane decided to figure out a way to try this orange. He seemed to get the idea, using his fingers and teeth to peel small pieces. He decided to collect the pieces he peeled in a toy pot. Once he was bored with peeling, he placed the whole orange in the pot. He worked hard to keep the lid on just right. Then he had the idea to take the pot to the play kitchen to make roasted orange. He made several stops along the way, setting the pot on the floor to adjust the lid just so.

 He placed the pot in the oven. Pushed buttons to roast. Opened and peeked. Opened and peeked. Finally it was done.

I'm so glad for these moments to watch . . . well I'm not just glad, I'm thankful.

Zane is 15 months. He's so focused.  He loves sorting. He loves to pick up trash and throw it away. He takes his dirty diapers tied in bags to the garage to be tossed. He places things where they belong. He carries books to me to read. His favorite instrument is the toy violin. He carries it around begging for someone to turn it on. He relaxes on the couch with it, every so often pushing the button to switch songs or to begin a new one. He tries to work puzzles all on his own and is getting the idea with many pieces. He now yells and demands much more than he used to. He will attempt to whine but often stops when you tell him that he's all done with whatever he wants. You can tell him something is too messy to do, and he'll sometimes stop begging then too. He's such a jokester. He's not fighting bedtime as much, although he still needs early morning company with Mommy. Just this week he started asking to go to his room for a nap. Let's hope that sticks! (His nap ends up longer which provides Mommy and Vanessa more time together.) He's just an awesome little guy!

Exchangeable

Before the sun had a chance to rise and Vanessa and Zane could finish their milk, we were opening presents. :)

Once again, there was a concern that Santa may have forgotten to give Vanessa her most coveted gift. :) With a little reminding that Santa sometimes shares ideas with others that gift her, her graciousness for what she had just received oozed.She loved everything. Obviously her new princess dress and Spider-Man bouncy ball were early morning favorites.

Zane was pretty excited to play with his new toys. The things he liked most at home were his rain stick and jack-in-the-box. 

Our family gift this year is a train set. It'll be a fun project and tradition to continue. It whistles, blows smoke, and rings a bell. Vanessa can watch it go around and around. For now Zane wants to grab it.

After a little rest we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's. They enjoyed the surprises and extra indulgences.

 

Time with family is not exchangeable.

Finally . . .

 . . . the night before has made it here.

 

We're so excited for morning. And surprisingly, Vanessa hasn't gotten up once since putting her to bed. It's a common situation right now that Vanessa is up several times after bedtime. Cutting out naps hasn't helped. It's obvious that she's sleep deprived. But today, after a weekend of waiting on Mommy and Daddy run around, she's finally ready to rest. And just in time. She's just curious and has to share. Her imagination runs wild. But not tonight. She happily ate a peanut butter sandwich before bed (hope it fills her tummy all night long!!!) and Zane had ravioli. Daddy read The Night Before Christmas, and we had milk. We'll share the True meaning in the morning!) Zane knows something is up.

 

Zane [In a deep, rough and gruff voice]:  Yeah, Santa, you better fill my stockin'! . . . What are we doin'? Why are we doin' it . . . ?

 

Vanessa [flashing biggest cheesy smile]: Yeah, Santa, I made these cookies for you . . .

Making Spirits Bright

We were so blessed to be able to see Cousin Rachel perform a solo a couple weeks ago. She had an awesome stage presence and her voice was very angelic. Vanessa was so very excited to see Rachel perform. Vanessa loves to sing and perform, but surprisingly, she gets "stage fright" when it comes to doing it in front of others. (Thanks for demonstrating great confidence, Rachel!!) Rachel's daddy and brother Joel (lower right corner of the picture) sang in the choir. Joel, too, has an amazing stage presence.

The production was so very different and so very cool. All of the pop Christmas movies were interwoven with the story of Christ's birth. The costumes and actors were awesome. How often is it that you see the Grinch standing over the manger?!

These two seem to really enjoy the entire show. Vanessa said her favorite song was "Sing Joy." She went home singing it. 

On our way home it was like we saw the North Star above where we just came from. The moon was beautiful and it was really neat to see it over the skyscrapers that are decorated for Christmas.

I was able to capture a photo while going north on 315 at 65mph using our amazing camera. Now that's anti-blur! (Daddy was driving while I snapped shots.)

Crack Up

Zane is a very good little helper. After using the big broom, Zane goes to get the dustpan to sweep up his collection of crumbs and dust. He's not only good at sweeping, but he collects things to put them back where they belong and he likes to wipe things clean. He's so focused and domesticated. He cracks us up!

So Be It!

Recently when we say bedtime prayers, Zane started to pray with me in gibberish. Earlier last week he ended the prayer with "A-ma". Then he nestled his head between  my chest and arm, sighed a big sigh and closed his eyes to sleep. He repeated it the next night . . . and the next night . . .

And, ironically, just over a week ago, Zane walked his Bible over to this barrel and started talking loudly while flipping the pages and slapping it with his hand. Zane's sermons are bright and uplifting. I can only hope and pray we're seeing an early a desire to share God's Word and Hope. A humbling experience indeed . . .

Itty Bitty

Zane's daring and destructive side made us decide on an itty bitty tree.

 

We took the ceremonial picture for hanging the first ornaments. (You'll see a cluster of bulbs at the bottom that Vanessa hung while trying to remain patient with Mommy and Daddy, but those don't count.) Thank you, Vanessa, for keeping your clothes on up to this point. :)

 

Our Christmas tree  turned out extra cute. And the kids seem satisfied.

Zane's view!

Perfect Picture

After 10 minutes at three different locations and 96 pictures later, we got a few that were worth sharing. :) We saved the better for the cards and still had a few others worth sharing. Vanessa's hair was perfect before walking out the door for this picture. We talked about not touching until after pictures. Two minutes later, she put on a knit cap. :) I only got Zane looking at the camera in this one because he slipped and fell into place. :) But hey -- we'll take what we can get! ;-)

Fuzzy Wuzzy was a . . . ??????

 

We love creating with these fuzzies! They provide lots of quiet play.  :) But you can imagine the party gets loud when they come to life.

Totally Tollie

Welcoming Cousin Tollie!

Fallow

With no signs of Christmas at our house just yet (other than all the presents being purchased and hidden), our neighbors must think we're scrooges. We're experiencing a delay due to work deadlines, final exams and papers.  We'll catch up to December soon. In the meantime, doesn't Vanessa look cute with ponytails?! Wish she would let me do them more often and wish she would keep them in long enough to make it worth our while . . . :)