Tree of Glee

It was rather cold the other evening when we went to pick out our Christmas tree. But we were also the only people there, making us feel we could walk around and really inspect the entire selection without fear someone else was going to snatch up the first one we noticed to be a perfect fit. And Vanessa enjoyed the "tree store" extra much because it was fun to run around and hide. She'd just run by every so often, assuring us that she was fine.

The day was much colder, cloudier and windier than when we picked Vanessa's first tree. Zane was very excited that we chose our tree fast and got home to where it was warm.

We've been pulling out decorations slowly -- a few a day. On one of the first days, we got out this stand of three small, lighted trees. It has gone on the porch in the past and probably will again this year. We're very careful not to speak of our plans loudly, so Vanessa doesn't getting any false hope or unnecessary disappointment because she's still figuring out what planning is compared to a final plan, and she can obsess over things. So when we got out this stand of trees, she thought it was our Christmas tree for the season. She decorated it with "lanterns" and was quick to show me the perfect job she did. She's been easy to please with the smallest and fewest decorations and has been extra surprised as we pull out more. She decorated another small tree too, and it will probably end up in her bedroom.

Wait till we pull out the tub of ornaments to hang on the "really beautiful tree" we picked up at the "tree store the other day." It'll be "just perfect." "Daddy did a great job putting up the tree."

Holton Huddle

We recently huddled with the Holton clan. The CA/WA cousins who were unable to join us last year joined us this time. Mike (standing beside Adam in back, far left) is Adam's older cousin. He brought with him his wife Pam and children Daniel (middle, back), Lauren (behind Daniel, up high), Madison (beside Vanessa and Tuck) and Caleb (in front of Daniel, behind Madison). They're all wonderful kids and Vanessa really enjoyed visiting with them. Other new additions this year are Jack (front, very far right), Zane (you can guess his location) and another little cousin to arrive in the spring (belly of Cousin Christen -- behind Vicky).

It was an exciting time with lots of visiting and eating. Here's only one moment of fun:

As Grandpa Holton reminded us on August 18, 1995, it was a visit to be extra thankful for:

Giving Thanks

For health and food,

for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends,

Father, in heaven, we thank Thee.

                                         ~Emerson

Two Months

I feel silly beginning these postings because I repeat myself so very often. We love to celebrate it all. Zane is filling out fast. He weighs about 11 pounds. In fact, you could call him "Little Chunk" and it means something. :) I have to believe at this point that he's very laid-back but becomes hotheaded fast.

The boy pukes a ton. He'll overeat if you let him. He sometimes gags himself from slouching and his lazy swallowing or from leaning his head too far back. :) Three nights ago he slept for 7 hours straight. And I was able to take advantage of the second half and sleep myself. Wow! -- 4 hours of straight sleep! We're figuring out a routine.

Zane is much more alert these days. He loves to track things and will become so fixated on something that he twists his head as far around as he can and then screams out for you to turn him the rest of the way. He's very busy with his arms and legs. He has a great right hook. He now sometimes sleeps on his tummy and we're okay with that since he has the ability to turn his head and so forth. He's been trying to suck his thumb. He sucks the side of it.

He's grabbing and swinging at toys and learning to love his bouncer, swing and rocker.  He doesn't like the car seat, much in the same way Vanessa didn't. He likes to stay awake so much that he sometimes over stimulates himself, leading to a meltdown. He loves for you to hum a song. And he'll even rock out a bit. Still love to cuddle and doze with him. :)

No more eye crud from his overactive tear duct. Both he and Vanessa had one eye within a couple weeks of birth in which the tear duct opened early and would pour tears constantly, creating buildup in the corner of their eyes. We're finally done with that and now he's beginning to grow eyelashes.

It's fun to watch his personality develop. I can already tell he's a sweet one.

He'll move into his room tonight. :( We'll document it. I know I haven't shared pictures of the nursery yet, so I hope to do that within the next couple of weeks. We still have a few little things to do.

Appreciation

There are so many things we are so very thankful for. I can't even begin to touch on the list. But most importantly, we're thankful for our relationship with God, our dearly loved family and friends, good health, shelter and food. What else could we ask for?
This morning while watching dancers perform in the Macy's parade, Vanessa said, "I wish I could be crazy like them." I replied, "You are." Vanessa then said, "No, I can only watch."

As Vanessa and I talked about the significance of today, I went on to ask if she is thankful for her toys. Since she wasn't responding I pointed out that not all kids have toys like she does. Her reply: "But I have toys!" I think this holiday season we'll be sure to share toys with kids who don't have any.

Yesterday she was thankful for fairy tales:

And I imagine Zane may one day be thankful for all the football that's on TV on Thanksgiving. He was sure to dress for it today.

"Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays that really continues to have a heart toward what it was intended for: thankfulness."

~Kim Wier

Don't Blink

These pictures are almost two weeks old and I have a sneaking suspicion that this boy has changed even more. He no longer fits in the newborn bathtub net. He's transitioning to size 2 diapers. (Can you believe that I've felt extra emotional as we move into each new diaper size. How silly am I?!?!) We need to adjust the belts in his carseat again. Newborn clothes have been packed away and 3 months fill his dresser. I know it goes fast, but really . . . ?! Please don't be in any hurry, little guy!