We had a lovely Christmas. There were cookies made (though they were not left out for santa). There was seafood Christmas Eve. There were presents left out. There was coal in stockings. Fruit and candy in stockings. There were toys. There were happy kids. There were cranky kids. And kids who took naps. And kids who refused to take naps.
There was a roast beast. And potatoes, yams, stuffing, green beans, peanut butter, and cookies and pie. Juice boxes. Uncles. Cousins. Aunts. Grandma's and Granddad's. And google chats to be with those who are far away. We didn't *do* much but we *did* enough. There was geocaching even.
Today my parents are here and we'll do more of less. We'll probably watch movies and eat food and play games.
I miss my sister. And my niece. Who are in foggy London. But I always miss my sister, and my niece. And I'm sure we'll visit in the new year. In a few days we head up to Wisconsin to see the other grandparents, and try to take a sleigh ride. And I'm sure we'll do more of less. Food will be eaten. Games will be played. I'll probably mess up a hand or two of spades and my mother in law will scold me and I'll throw up my hands and ask for more wine. It's a silly game anyway. How did I end up surrounded by so many competitors?
My boys are growing and thriving. At 15 months (almost 16) Chalupa is really trying to talk. Last night he said bathtub and was shocked the word came out. This morning he said downstairs. He put two words together today too ... mommy go or something. He *seems* - from this biased moms perspective - very verbal. But G always was too.
Chalupa had a really fussy week after his 15mo appointment and I thought the gypsies were going to get him. But he pulled it out and started being *normal* again. At 15mos (almost 16) his personality is emerging. He is drah-matic. With a capitol DRAH. Like screaming at the top of his lungs and throwing his arms above his head and then throwing them to the floor (think downward facing dog) in a fit of despair. And moody. He'll be happy happy and then fifteen seconds later he's screaming to be held and then put down, then screaming to be held, and then put down. I have faith (and if memory serves) this is that frustrated age before they learn to communicate. He's fussy and moody because he knows what he wants and tries to say it (babbles) but we don't understand. He comes by drama naturally. No way none of my kids come through me without a bit of drama in them.
Usually, with him, it's he's hungry. He's in a growth spurt I reckon. And eating me out of house and home. Or cheese and fruit, really. He eats practically nonstop till about 4pm. It's crazy.
G is wonderful. I find I spent little time with him this holiday. He was always chasing after his cousins or going to the park with his uncle or playing trains with his dad or just ... running. It's the way of things. I'm grateful his brother still needs me. I have many quality moments with Chalupa before nap and bedtime. When he practices saying mommy and giving me kisses. Those are his favorite times, when it is just he and I, and he really just is the sweetest boy.
He loves trains as much as G. G got so much train track for Christmas (sort of - it was all used) that we have enough track to get a train from here to downtown (30miles). 3 huge boxes. This year I got second hand toys and a few new things. But they really don't notice at this age. G doesn't care at all. I watched the resale sites for a bike (a small one) and someone sure enough, got a new bike for Christmas and listed their old one on the 26th. I snatched up an $80 bike for $20. It's in the attic for his birthday. I can't wait to give it to him.
I can not believe that 2013 is over. I'm relieved it's over. But Chalupa is just growing towards his second birthday. And in fourth months to the day G will be 4. That does not seem possible.
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