Happy New Year!

2010...WOW! How did that happen? I remember ringing in 2000...partying like it was 1999. 10 years have come and gone...and I can't think of a thing I would change. If only I could slow things down a bit to savor each and every moment just a little bit more. My wish for my friends and family is to have a blessed year with as much love and laughter as you can handle!

To update...we are alive! We have been living life to the fullest, all while battling colds this winter. We are becoming quite familiar with the pediatrician, the nurses, the receptionists, and the nebulizer. We are thoroughly enjoying the snow (and snow days), but won't be too disappointed when the weather breaks and the children are healthier.

Updates on the family:
Seth...oh, Seth. He LOVES his football. He even expressed his sadness in the closure of the season. It is coming much too soon for him. He cheered on the Hokies in their bowl game against Tennessee. Even though he didn't get to go to Atlanta for the game, he enjoyed it with good company (even I was invited for once) in the "Man Cave."

Dana...I LOVED being home for the holidays, and even enjoyed an extended break due to the 20+ inches of snow we got. I love being "Mama" and am basking in the beautiful ring it has coming out of Liam's mouth. I got a sewing machine for Christmas and am trying my hand at being Susie Homemaker. I have begun looking at Hokie material and dress patterns...want to deck out the little lady this spring...we'll see how that goes! I have been in a cleaning mood, and Seth and I have been doing some much needed organizing.

Makayla...she is always FULL SPEED AHEAD! She is constantly talking, studying how things work, and solving the world's problems. Nearly everyday Seth and I look at each other and comment on what a sweet girl she is. We are so thankful for her. She has been cooking with her Elmo's restaurant, putting together puzzles, playing Cootie, playing with her new dollhouse and tent, and avoiding her pony panties (sore subject).

Liam...he is growing and changing every day. I cannot believe he will be seven months on Wednesday! He is sitting up, rocking on his knees...attempting to crawl, giggling, teasing his sister, and saying, "Mama!" I know that he doesn't realize what he is saying yet, but I sure do love to hear it! I also love rubbing it in to Seth...I'm sure "Dada" won't be too far behind. He loves his walker and jumper, but you can't contain him for long...he wants to be on-the-go! I have hated to see him so sick this winter...he just can shake his colds. He was pretty healthy during the month of December, but has recently been battling another cold. I know it could be much worse, so I don't want to complain, but it's hard to see him down. He seems to be on the mend, and spent a good part of his evening this evening acting like the smiley bug that he is.

Foster...just wants more attention. He LOVES Liam. He was always a little apprehensive around Makayla as a baby, but he licks Liam to pieces. This is reciprocated...even if Liam does try to bite his tail off!
CHRISTMAS!
My favorite time of the year! Being home for over two weeks was amazing. I got my fill of decorating, baking, shopping, looking at lights, wrapping presents, watching movies, scrapbooking, and playing with the kids!

On Christmas Eve we followed through with our usual traditions...we delivered baked goods to our neighbors, went to visit my grandmother, ate dinner and McDonald's (I know, strange tradition, but they're open and it makes Makayla happy!), looked at Christmas lights, left cookies for Santa, opened Christmas pjs, and wrapped the final presents.


Christmas Day!
We started our day early and with enthusiasm...okay, so most of the enthusiasm stemmed from me, but it rubbed off on everyone else fairly quickly. We entered the kitchen to see if Santa ate his cookies...he certainly did, and left a note. We ate cookies for breakfast, followed by gift opening. We all had a very nice Christmas. Seth's family joined us for brunch, and after naps (yeah, right!) We headed to my mom and dad's house for Christmas round 3. Not a dull moment to be had!

Random picture, I know, but my brother, Darrell, loves to be creative with how he wraps my Christmas gift each year. He has been known to wrap it in dirty socks, painter's tape, etc., etc. This year's wrapping topped them all! He wrapped my gift in an unrinsed kitty litter container! Inside, he had a paper towel roll suspended with duct tape (so, I couldn't shake it!). I manouvered my way through, only to find a gift for my mother at the bottom. Thank goodness there was a necklace and a spa gift certificate in the paper towel tube! :)

Because Christmas day was so busy, we opened stockings the day after Christmas. Makayla loved all of her figurines and candy! Liam enjoyed his first Gerber puff!

Liam sporting a gift from Mimi.

Whew! Now that I've updated Christmas, I need a break. I do have more catching up to do, but that will be another day...another blog!