Merry and Bright

It's hard to believe that my little Brody man is almost 8 months old. Pretty soon, I'll be planning his first birthday party. But before that, I'll be baby proofing the house. He is on the verge of crawling and he can most definitely move around on his own. The other night, I put him in the hall while Riley and I were brushing her teeth and hair, and next thing I know, he's backwards inch-wormed himself into the bathroom. This evening, tucking Riley into bed, I watched in detail and I'll try to explain it...he gets from point A to point B through a series of movements that can only be described as hurling himself with one half of his body and dragging the other half to catch up. Add in a few log rolls and you've got one mobile baby. He strengthens those little legs by jumping for nonstop power sessions on his doorway jumper. He's still about the smiliest baby you'll ever meet, and he charms everyone...his usual fan base, complete strangers, everyone. We really can't go anywhere without people gushing over him. It never gets old. Love that handsome little boy.

Riley Roo, who never would sit still for a picture, discovered that mommy will show her the picture in the camera screen if she sits still and says cheese. Now, she loves to pose and then wants to see it.

She went to her first fairy princes party a few weekends ago. She had a great time playing hide and go seek and beading a necklace, coloring, and of course, her favorite, eating a cupcake. It was the first time she really got into the whole princess thing, but it stuck. Now, she'll put on a tutu over any outfit and run around saying, "Soooo pretty. Princess Riley, Princess Riley."



We walked to the party, since it was just down the street. TJ took a picture...what an adorable sight we must have been to anyone driving by.


When we got back from the party, I needed to do some baking, and my little helper decided to join me. I don't know what to tell you about her baking attire. I guess sometimes you just need better range of motion in your arms to stir the batter. Note the necklace she made at the party. She's wearing it Rambo bandana style around her head. Are all 2-year-olds this profoundly unique?


This is the cute Thanksgiving shirt a friend made for Riley and a matching turkey bow from the bow lady in town. Too bad we weren't able to show it off to family in person.



This past weekend, we went to visit Santa. Riley had no problem hopping right up on the big guy's lap. She even posed and smiled for a few photos. I wonder if she realizes that her naughty versus and nice tally is not completely in her favor this year and she's trying to turn on the charm at the source.


The Brody man was just fine with Santa too. He was pretty fascinated with the beard. Lucky for Santa he didn't go for the glasses.

This month is flying by and Christmas will be here before we know it. What a magical time of year to have small children. What a great time to reflect on how blessed I am in my life. It is the simple things that fill my heart with joy these days. Sharing a big pile of books with Riley. Marveling at how Brody seems to be an inch taller every morning. Sharing stories and laughs with other wonderful moms and friends. Hot chocolate and a toasty fireplace. I know I say it all the time, but life is good and my heart is full.