The Longest Post Ever

I could have broken it up into the 24th and 25th, but I didn't. Oh well. Hope you're in a comfortable chair!

Christmas was very special this year. Reeves does not quite yet understand that Santa Claus comes on Christmas Eve and brings presents, but he is facinated with the results nonetheless. We were smart this year and really didn't go overboard on gifts for him - basically just presents we had bought a while ago and never given him. I'm glad we did hold back because there was a deluge of toys for him later on that day.

But first, Christmas Eve. After a very enjoyable church service, we returned to Gams and Pops' where we were to have dinner with the Smiths and Humphreys et al. Yes, Reeves did get more that just a piece of bread for Christmas Eve dinner!We missed having Henry there to complete our rugrat quadfecta, but it was so nice to finally see Will again. Or should I say, "Little Whit"? The resemblance is uncanny!It took a bit for him to warm up to the crazy Leeze and Reeves, but the box of balloons that Gams had wrapped up for them certainly helped. The chicken taco soup was delicious, Gams! Thanks for doing all of this for us. Christmas Eve in Charleston - a wine glass, a beer bottle, and two sippy cups. Drinks for everyone!After most people left, we changed Reeves into his Christmas jammies, and he settled into his rocking chair to look at the tree. Pops just adores this outfit on him, and Reeves thinks he is some hot stuff, walking around in his bathrobe! Such a big boy, what with his paci and all!
Christmas began with Santa at our house. Reeves gave us the best gift of all by sleeping late (although, this did rush us later, but that was OK). I was able to get up and get showered and dressed all before he made a peep. Apparently Reeves was extra good this year because he got even more than I knew he was going to get! Silly Daddy! I think Bryant was a bit more fascinated with Reeves' tractor than he was. However, I know that he will soon be playing with it way more than I would ever want him to as it comes complete with engine noises and horns and some sort of farm emcee announcing what is going on and calling for chickens. Interesting.
Then it was time to go. Load everything up and hit the road to Gams and Pops'. Leeze continued her unbridled kissing of Reeves, and he kindly obliged. This year marks the passing of the torch for my family. Each year, we have done Christmas morning with our nuclear family at Mom and Dad's, then we all went to Grandmother and Poppa's for dinner and presents. This is how it has been for as long as I can remember. But this year, it changed. This year, my parents house has become the gathering place. It's funny because before Christmas, I was kind of sad about this, like Christmas wouldn't be the same or something, but, you know what, it's not that at all. Christmas isn't about *where* you spend the day but about *who* you spend it with. And that part hasn't changed at all. In fact, this year, we even added my great aunt, her daughter, and her daughter's new husband. It was wonderful. We actually got L and R to pose for a picture (after many attempts), only to realize that putting them on the back porch also alerted them to the fact that there was an "outside" where they would really like to play, but it was soaking wet, and we wouldn't let them go out, despite the 70 degree weather! Live and learn. The house, of course, handled everyone perfectly (as it is, in my opinion, the perfect party house), and the dining room table was bulging. Dad had, a few years ago, built 4 or 5 new leaves for it, so we were able to seat all 20 of us comfortably - it extended into the living room, but it was great to be able to all sit together. Reeves, the angel that he is, napped through the whole meal. We were so lucky. I did not envy Morn and Case as I watched them tag team Leeze! I was sitting somewhere near the middle of the table, and as I panned left to right, I saw my mother sitting at one head and my grandfather at the other head. It still amazes me each time we all convene that we are able to have four generations together. And, I feel so old writing this, but I can't believe these girls are old enough to drink and be out of college and be living out on their own! Where has the time gone? I love you girls! (And here's to Sarah for finally making an appearance on the blog! We have missed you!)
Like last year, our final stop (and ultimate destination) on Christmas was the Bairs' house. They were so sweet and had waited all day for us to get there to open presents. How they kept 4 year old Preston at bay is still beyond me! After going through Julie and Troy's new house (ETA of move in is by the end of Jan - keep your fingers crossed!), we all settled down for the opening. True to form, it did not disappoint. We were showered with so many gifts it may be a month before Reeves plays with everything! By the end of the night, we were all exhausted. Reeves and I hit the hay together super early. This was necessary, unfortunately, because I had to go to work the next day. Can you say, "Unproductive"? Reeves and I don't sleep all that well together - snuggle for a bit, of course, but sleep all night, not so much. Needless to say, we were both up super early. What could we do but rouse Daddy from his slumber on the sofa?

Thank you, everyone, for making this such a wonderful Christmas. We are truly blessed.

Icing, Anyone?

So, the vegan sugar cookies are actually quite nice. At least, Reeves loves them. I'm not sure if it was the cookies or the company that was so enjoyable. We had a wonderful time at the cookie decorating party. I remember parties like this when I was growing up, and I'm so glad Reeves is able to start making these memories as well. It was so great to see eveyone one last time before Christmas.

Reeves is right on the cusp of being a bit too old to be in the group of the babies but not quite mature enough to be in the big kids' group. So we split the difference. We spent the first part of our visit with Rutledge, Anne, and Mills, but then, I swear it's true, Reeves "heard" that there were trains upstairs, and he headed for the stairs. He was in heaven - all these older boys and MK playing with hoo-hoos. What more could he want? (And, Doro, I love that MK pointed out that she wasn't the only girl up there, that Kacky was there too!) I'm not sure how it happened, but somehow, the chilluns developed this game where they would all run out of the room, leaving me to wonder, "Where did everyone go?" At that point, they would all run back in, screaming. The fun that little ones can find in anything never ceases to amaze me. What a gift that is.
The cookie decorating did not disappoint. There was icing and sprinkles everywhere. Each child had a healthy coating of red and green icing all over their faces and hands. I think that is a necessary part of their holiday armor. Clearly, this is Spencer in his "before" state!Thanks, Nancy, for putting this all together. It was so special. I hope we didn't mess up your house too much. Thanks for starting the Christmas weekend off with such a great bang! We are already looking forward to next year.

18 Month Appointment

Reeves and I went to his doctor for his 18 month check up yesterday. He is 34 inches long (93%) and 23'8"(20%). We're still not sure we're really his parents. I mean, the whole "giving birth" thing was pretty convincing, but where is this weight to height ratio coming from? Anyway, he's a cutie, so we're keeping him. I just hope these recessive genes stick with him for the rest of his life, and our opposite genes don't take over as he gets older.
I discussed with his doctor the possibility of getting his allergies tested again, but she said that since we had rushed him to their office about a month ago with a pretty severe allergic reaction to getting straight milk one day, we didn't really need to do that just now. It's pretty safe to assume that he's still allergic. I mean, when he has intense hives all over his face and neck moments after ingestion, do we really need another piece of paper telling us that? Right.
She gave me a milestone update sheet, which she does each time. This one, his 18 month one, is titled, "Mr. No". How appropriate. Reeves can't really talk yet, but he has certainly mastered the negative headshake. And he has also picked up quite the attitude since he reached this ripe ole age of 18 months. At the moment, there is not much sweetly asking for anything. It's mostly demanding. That being said, he has quickly learned that this new attitude doesn't get much of a reaction from us, and if it does get a reaction, it is most certainly not the one he was looking for. So he compromises. He does the things we ask him to do (clean up, give kisses, one finger to touch the tree), but there is still this "amount of time" thing he needs to learn when he wants something. Getting louder and louder does not make Mommy and Dada go any faster when retrieving something. He'll get there.
Reeves was great at the appointment yesterday, but he did get a little wild towards the end of the visit. Still, no shots, so there was no crying. He was supposed to get his second Hep A shot, but as his 12 month appointment was so late (July), he can't get this till the middle of Jan. He did not get a flu shot as that is an egg based vaccine, so I've stocked up on plenty of meds just in case.
This appointment completely wore him out. We got home (after a quick trip to Kiln Time), and the child slept for four and a half hours! It was so nice. Gave me plenty of time to get things done - like making his vegan sugar cookie dough for tomorrow! I felt so Betty. As many of you know, I am not a baker, so we'll see how the actual cookies turn out, but the dough is pretty good!

548 Days

Today you are 18 months old. I've been telling myself to work on this post for days now, but, of course, here I am, the morning of the day, and I am just now composing. Learn from this. I have spent a good bit of my life putting off till tomorrow what should be done today. Trust me, it's so much easier just to go ahead and get it done. I guess this is when I start my parenting style of "Do as I say, not as I do." Funny, I thought you'd be older that 18 months before that started. More like 8 or 9, and I try to get you to practice your piano, and you refuse, and I say you must, and you say that I didn't do it when Gams told me to do it, so why should you have to do it? That's more the time frame and situation I was envisioning using the "Do as I say,…" phrase. But you know what? You won't believe it for a few decades from now, but I'm right, just like Gams was right when she told me to practice. And here I am, 31, and I really wish I could play the piano.
I suppose with all the excitement of turning a year and a half old, you just couldn't contain yourself and started screaming at 4:00 this morning. Unfortunately, it didn't really sound like an out of control toddler rager, but more like the scared wailing of a child who just woke up from a nightmare. It could also have been the fact that you were running a fever pretty much all of yesterday. Whatever the reason, your father gave in and brought you in bed with us. Much as we don't want to do it, it is hard to deny a child we know is sick. OK, truth be told, much as we know we shouldn't do it because we don't want you to get used to crying and being able to get in bed with us, secretly, we both love to snuggle with you between us. In the recesses of our minds, we know it won't be like this forever, and if, once in a while, you can only be consoled by being our little snugglebug for an hour or so, we happily concede. You must have some sort of sixth sense for the timing of trains because, much to your delight and your father's and my dismay, a train came by at 5:00. You shot up like a rocket, cheering and clapping and chanting, "Hoo, hoo!" There was no containing you, so we all rushed to the toy chest by the window (your HooHoo watching post), and marvelled as it went by. And, of course, it was the LONGEST TRAIN EVER! Daddy gave in after a few minutes and headed back to bed. Once the train finally passed, you and I headed to your room, a little song, a little rocking, and two froggies, and you were back down for the count.
It's amazing to watch you everyday. You are so inquisitive and curious. You are always interested in finding out (on a toddler level) how things work. This can be good (toys, puzzles, shoes), but this can also be dangerous (electric cords and plugs, scissors). The good news is that you are definitely learning the meaning of "No" and respond appropriately most times. When we tell you something is dangerous or hot, you know not to touch it. I think this stems from the time you wanted to touch a lightbulb in your room, and despite my repeated protests that it was HOT,HOT, the only way for you to find out was to learn the hard way. I was sad that it hurt you a little, but so happy and thankful for the lesson it taught you. I suppose that is the fine line we will always walk as parents - knowing when to protect you and balancing that with allowing you to make your own mistakes so that you can learn from them.
We are in the throes of celebrating your second Christmas this year. Last year your milestone was sitting up on Christmas Eve morning. We wonder what this year will bring - perhaps a continuous string of intelligible words? You appear to be taking after Pops on the verbal front. Apparently, he did not speak until he was 6. Now, it's not that you're not speaking. You are quite verbal, never at a loss for noise. It's just that unless the word starts with a B or is ta-ta (thank you), it doesn't really come out as a word. Gams says that Mimi and your Pops had a language all their own during those early years that only they could understand. I don't know if that code speak is necessarily limited to them. I think all mothers and their children are intrinsicly programmed to understand each other's noises. Your "ba-ba-ba" is distinctively different when pointing out a boat or a bubble or a bath or a balloon. I know this. Just like you know that my "ah-ah-ah" means one thing when you are reaching for the Christmas ornaments with a destructive look in your eyes as opposed to when you when you are trying to put a puzzle piece back into the wrong spot. It's the same noise, but it has so many different meanings. Honestly, I have no doubt that you will start talking any day now, and that kind of saddens me. Not that I want to stunt your growth or development, mind you, but just knowing that once you start talking, you won't ever be able not to talk again. Just like crawling or walking or eating grown up food. With each milestone, you are turning more and more into the person you will become, while simultaneously inching further and further away from the baby you were just 18 short months ago. But trust me, if you do turn out like your grandfather, and the talking thing doesn't take off till you're 6, count yourself lucky and hope that there are many more years of taking after Pops because he is a great man, and your father and I would be very happy.
Reeves, I've said it many times before, and I know I'll be saying it for the rest of my life, please know what a blessing you are to your father and me. Some nights we try to remember what life was like before you, and we have a hard time doing it. We treasure the nights and weekends when we are home with you, with nothing on our calendars but watching you and taking you places and playing with you. It's amazing how much happiness you have brought into our lives. Thank you for all you have done for us. We will spend the rest of our lives paying you back.

Budweiser and Burritos

After Santa and some really good naps, we headed to Marion Square to see the Budweiser clydesdales who were in town for the Mt.P parade. Wow!

These are some large animals! They were all in their stalls, but we had heard they were going to be hitched up, so we waited...and waited...and waited. Umm, looks like that was yesterday. Oops! Oh well, there are certainly worse things to be doing than playing in the park on a gorgeous afternoon. It was too much fun watching Reeves, Leeze, and Henry play.

They didn't always acknowledge each others prescence, but when they did, my, how precious! What is it about boys that makes them go straight for the rocks? They must have some sort of homing device in them.

And lucky for David, that same device drove them to drop all those rocks on him. Jenny and I were just happy not to be the catch-alls.

Can you tell what Leeze's favorite word is right now? This picture pretty much gives it away. Reeves isn't talking yet, but I'm sure it won't be long before he is responding "No" to any suggestion I make. After exhausting ourselves at Marion Square, we were famished and made our way to Juanita Greenberg's. Did you know that a quesadilla without cheese is actually not that bad? Luckily, Reeves thinks it's pretty good too.

We had the whole outside to ourselves, so we loosened our parental "how-to-behave-at-a-restaurant" ways, and let the boys run after they had finished eating.

They were fascinated with the hanging beads. I hope this isn't an indication of what their dorm rooms are going to look like at college - complete with Jimi Hendrix and Doors posters!

Super Santa Saturday

Dad, Bryant, and Casey took the Littles to see Santa Saturday morning. While that afforded Mom, Morn, and me a nice relaxing morning of coffee, breakfast, and decorating, the guys returned frazzled and wide-eyed. I think it was truly a team effort to get the kids to Santa, to the table, and to get breakfast from the buffet to the table. Oh yeah, and to then get the food into the children. Deer in the headlights, PTSS - Post Traumatic Santa Syndrome, hearding cats - there are so many phrases to describe it. And each one makes us laugh and laugh! My favorite is "Appreciation for all you do as a mother". While it is a nearly unattainable feat to get a good picture of two children on Santa's lap, it is possible to get decent picture of one. But you can't make him smile - no, sir! Once home, it was time for a photo shoot on the steps. Now, why can't I get him to pose like this for a Christmas card picture? These are two of my favorite pics of them ever. They were having such a good time. Leeze is all about giving him kisses. I's not so sure Reeves is, but he tolerates them like the good little cousin he is.And there was much rejoicing! They must have been laughing at Gams or Pops here.Really, is there any better subject to take pictures of. I mean, sure, it's a lot of plaid, but I totally think their cuteness makes up for that!

Preston's Pageant

Preston had his first Christmas Pageant last night at school. He was, in my biased opinion, the cutest angel up there. His friend, Meredith, was front and center as Mary. We were a bit concerned at first as we knew he was going to be an angel, but it was quite some time before the angel's made their appearance. I was only slightly nervous that there may have been a breakdown backstage, and the cutest angel was refusing to perform. How silly of me. I think acting must be in his blood. (I know his uncle can be a bit dramatic. Haha! Love ya, B!) He bravely marched right up there with the great multitude of angels, down the aisle, right and left, forming a radiant line of precious carolling 4 year olds. Preston crooned like an old pro, where we could easily hear his dear voice ringing out above the rest. He knew every word to their song. We were all so proud. There was no shrinking, no hiding his face, no standing silently while everyone else sang. He loved every minute of it, and, likewise, so did we. My only regret is that I didn't have my external flash, so the pictures are pretty dark. It's amazing how frustrating that can be when you're accustomed to being able to throw plenty of light out there. Yeah, that and also the red-eye flashing thing - not a fan. Poor B spent the evening chasing Reeves around. What a good dad! I honestly think I saw the relief flow over his face as the lights came back on. Well, that, and he finally stopped holding his breath! Preston, we are so proud of you! You did a great job last night. We look forward to many more performances!

There's So Much To Find...

Just so you know, this may be the most annoying song to have running through your head, particularly at work, where most people don't have kids, and they have never heard the song before, so it's not even like you can get it stuck in their heads because they don't know it. So you're left to suffer in solitude. But sometimes, by forces beyond your control, and for reasons you cannot understand, you are compelled to sing outloud. Why? Who knows. Maybe it's because the show is on every morning as you are getting dressed. Maybe it's because looking at a picture of your child conjures up this little tune because it makes you think of the joy it brings him, and the fact that he dances to it and pat-pats when these adventurers need more power. And ultimately, despite the running loop in your head, thinking about that makes you happy. Whatever the reason, all you can do is accept it and thank heavens that it's not the Barney song!

Thanksgiving 2006

Well, look! I have not fallen off the face of the earth! Finally, I am able to post again. Not that I have not had ANY spare time to post, it's just that work has been so crazy that getting on the computer at home has been the last thing I have wanted to do. Still, no excuse. This blogging thing is addictive, and I don't want to get too far behind! So, let's begin with Thanksgiving....

The whole fam, sans Sarah (in Atlanta), Casey and Leeze (they were in NY with his parents) got together at Big Laura and Rod's. It was, of course, a wonderful day, filled with laughter, love, full bellies, and football.

Rod and Dad are the Bird Boys, the Turkey Twins. They have the honor each year of carving (pulling apart) the turkey. And they do a fantastic job. Now, unless it is fried, they aren't really involved in the cooking of it, but I'm sure the final taste has as much to do with the dismemberment of the turkey as it does with the preparing of it.

Here are the guys taking a break from their duties. I'm sure they're discussing what each is getting his wife for Christmas.

Reeves got a little tuckered out about halfway through the day, but he perked right back up once the food was served.

I think he wore himself out trying to wriggle out of everyone's arms. Without Leeze there, he was the sole source of toddler attention, and that is a lot to ask of one child with a family of 16 who don't get to see him nearly enough!

Eating dinner. Not really too much else to say about these pictures! The food was delicious.A man and his daughters. A man and his son.

Even though we were short a few members, this year's Thanksgiving was as special as any. Thank you, Big Laura and Rod, for hosting all of us on such a special day. We are a family who truly has so many blessings to be thankful for!

Oh, and did I mention, later that night, at home, Reeves had his first poopie-on-the-potty? No, well, he did. I think it was more of a right-place-at-the-right-time than a headlong sprint into potty training, but it was a momentous occasion nonetheless. It was a perfect finale to a great day.