Magic

Christmas is magical. :) At least these two think so. Oh, even more reasons to love this time of year!

Life's about....

I have been totally bummed out at work this week. I got to school Monday to find my classroom covered in 3 inches of water. We weren't even allowed in our rooms. I taught on the 8th grade hall that day, the library the next...and continued my homelessness through today. I don't know if you have ever smelled wet carpet, but it is AWFUL! I won't be going back in there anytime soon. I'll teach in the hallway if I have to. Being homeless at work has really gotten my mood down. It is just hard lugging my things everywhere. I have my purse in one room, my lunch in another...I really couldn't take much more! Then last night happened. Susan had to be taken to the hospital in the middle of the night last night. I have been really worried about her lately and it finally got bad enough for her to be hospitalized. She was pretty dehydrated and they admitted her to the hospital. As I type this, we are not really sure what is going on diagnosis wise, but they think that it is a bacterial infection. Please pray she heals quickly and the doctors find out what is wrong. Greg went up to the ER last night with his parents so we were up pretty late last night. I woke up today to meet my fellow grumpy teachers about the awful smell on our hallway with a new perspective. It's not about any of that. Life is about living. It's about taking these moments and making the best of them. I just walked in my stinky room, put my purse in my closet like I always do, and went on with my day of class in the library. There are worse things that could happen. So, after school, I took my kids to do some things they love. We played with the trains at Books a Million and saw the chinchillas at Petco. Then we came home and cranked up Christmas music and had a dance party. It was truly, truly, good for my soul.

I am even more thankful for my family today. I'm thankful that Susan is being taken care of, that God watches over us and protects us, and has kept all of us safe. May I pass by the small things in life and enjoy what life is truly about.

Dear Kennedy,

I can't believe you are almost 3!! It seems like yesterday I was waiting on you to get here. My feet were so swollen I couldn't wear any shoes. I could barely walk. I couldn't feel my fingers. The minute I met you I forgot it all. It became the past and my life was forever changed. I remember that first moment, that look you had. I thought, "this is my child?" :) You are your daddy that is for sure! Tonight you helped me address and stuff your invitations to your big princess party. Your eyes twinkled with excitement as we put each invitation in the envelope. You truly sparkle with excitement about the things you love. You love princesses and babies. Purple is your "favorite kind of color." You tell me everyday that you took good care of your brother while at Michelle's. You say, "I made sure he didn't cry." Michelle says you don't give him the time of day there but that is your story everyday. You love him with your soul and I love that. You hugged my neck so tight last night and said, "Thank you so much Mommy! Thank you for letting my friends come over for my princess party!" I have been given such a grateful child. I've tried to teach you to be polite and generous. I try to teach you to appreciate even the little things and be thankful. To my surprise, you at almost 3, really get it. You are as grateful and appreciative as you could be at your age. You also told me tonight as you put on my ring that one day you would be married. Eyes twinkling again here...you say, " I will wear a beautiful ring and carry flowers in my arms." You are the same sweet little baby that I first held on that December day. 3 years later, you have dreams of being a princess, of marrying your prince and I am at a loss for words. I know you will grow and change. I cherish you now, my precious Kennedy. I cherish these sweet moments when life has no worries. You have no fears. You only know love and happiness. I hope you always hold on to that. I know the world will reach you, but for now, you live in this land of pure joy. Thank you for bringing that back to my life. Because of you I am full of that joy each day when I see you smile or hear a Kennedy story. My miracle, my joy, I love you so much.

Mommy

Double Take

The same face....wow, I look at them sometimes and am amazed! Someone said to Kennedy the other night, "You sure look just like your daddy!" Her reply, "I sure do!!" Crazy girl!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The house is decorated. I even got to the outside of the house today. I wish with all my heart, that one year my sweet husband will go to all the effort of lighting our house up in an obnoxious way. It is my dream. I want to live it the glowing house that screams CHRISTMAS!! He does not understand my obsession at all so each year I drag myself out and do what I can with my chair from the dining room table. I did get the garland on the columns and the windows done. It brings back such memories because for two years in a row I was pregnant with someone so I had to have help doing this. Greg huffed and puffed but did what I asked. It is something I now appreciate being able to do. Gosh, time flies. It seems like yesterday I was told to not climb on anything because I was pregnant with Whit and now look at them.....

As always during Christmas I am thankful. I hope I can take time to slow down and enjoy the season. It is truly my most favorite time of year. Merry Christmas everyone!

Silent Night....for a minute at least. :)

My sweet boy.....he was SO tired after church today he was SOUND asleep in Greg's arms. I never get to catch those moments on camera so you know I had to snap a few. I do so love a sleeping baby. Whit has never been my baby that let me rock him so I appreciate any moment he sleeps in my arms....or Greg's for that matter.

Then nap time is over and he is EVERYWHERE. That is just Whit. He loves life. He loves us. I love that about him. Here he is in action this afternoon.

Surprise!!

15 month check up...errr...ok 16 1/2 months

We are a bit late in going to our 15 month check up. He was so sick around 12 months I couldn't ever get him to that appointment that we got behind! I find myself really BORED with going to these well visits the second time around. I know my baby is fine, I don't need another trip to the dr to find that out. Then I have to realize how truly blessed I am to be bored at a well visit. My child is healthy. He is growing and strong. So, I'll enjoy my boring visits. Here are the highlight for baby record of course....

24 lbs 6 ounces....woo hoo!!!!!!!!!! He gained like 2 lbs this month. It is all muscle in my opinion. I have never seen muscles on a baby but this child has some chiseled legs. Seriously...come by and see. :)

31 1/2 inches long. This one makes me laugh. He has almost grown a ruler's length since he was born. Gosh, they grow fast!

This puts him around 40th percentile for weight, which has never been that high. He is in the 70th for height so maybe he will grow a little taller than these short Olliff men! Not that I don't love all the short Olliff men. :) He is like 90th in his head circumference. He's pretty smart you know. :)

I was asked to list his words. He has too many to list. He knows all the animal sounds, everyone he loves he can say their name and point...even you SuSu although he holds out on that one and whispers it and then announces Poppa's arrival! I love his conversations lately. They sound like this MaMa....gla gi skibba go la go boo sa ga. Yes, Whit. I understand.

So much to be thankful for. Praise God for my healthy son. I am feeling like a super blessed MaMa right about now. We love you Whit. Sorry for taking you to the dr. I know it is not your favorite place. :) Maybe one day we'll go and you won't get shots. :)