Merry Christmas

A very Merry Christmas and joyous day to family and friends near and far.

Winter

Goodbye layers and thin fleece jackets. Hello warm snuggly hats, footy pajamas, big puffy coats, gloves and mittens.  We welcome you Winter with open arms.

One Year

One year old. 365 days we have spent together but looking back, each day has gone so fast. A reminder to live in the moment and to appreciate each and every day.  Oh how our lives have changed but never have we been so happy.  You light up the room with your big, toothy grin and when you laugh out loud it warms my heart.  It’s my favorite sound.  You are learning and starting to understand the world around you.  You are inquisitive and thoughtful.  You concentrate and are determined.  You can climb a big flight of stairs in no time flat and then have no problem trying to come back down head-first.  You are fearless.  You love to grab objects one-by-one and load them into your arms until there is no room left and you can do this over and over again.  Getting dressed and having your diaper changed are activities much more tolerated than in the past and you even try and help sometimes.  However, when your coat goes on you know that it’s ‘car seat time.’  Historically, not your favorite.  Although, lately it’s been taking only one animal cracker instead of a handful to coerce you into your seat.  I must admit we have been parenting with snacks but sometimes you do what you have to do.  You still love to eat and are trying to master the use of a fork and spoon.  It’s a work in progress which involves you often times using the opposite end of the fork to squish the bean or pea on your tray.  You know the sign for ‘more’ and ‘all done’ and every time you hear the word ‘yay’ you enthusiastically clap your hands together. You love music and wave your hands around like you are conducting when you hear a tune.  You continue to pull yourself up to standing on anything in your path but no walking yet. I can wait, as those of you who know you well say you will be running before you learn to walk.  You are full of energy but you also love to snuggle.  You give the most wonderful hugs and kisses.  We continue to be in awe and fall in love with you more and more each day (if that’s possible). 

Happy Birthday to our Christmas Miracle.  Happy you.  Happy being one.  Happy everything.

Pre-Birthday

Tomorrow Carmen will be one.  I still can't believe it. In honor of the big one-year milestone, her daycare treated her to a day of royalty.  She was given a necklace, crown and birthday cape to wear.  She dined on cookies in the shape of a C.  They made her a banner and the big kids made cards.  She was the recipient of a Happy Birthday certificate commemorating the occasion and was given a very special stuffed snowgirl that she has barely put down. What a wonderful day for her and for me too, as I got to witness much of the Birthday hoopla.

Candy Cane Lane

For as long as I can remember, Jim and I have gone to 'Candy Cane Lane' each holiday season with a coffee in-hand to take in the neighborhood light display.  This year we were thrilled to introduce Carmen to the tradition (no coffee for her just yet).  She was wide-eyed for most of the short walk and thoroughly enjoyed pointing at all of the candy canes and waving to the giant snowmen.

Holiday Swing

The holiday festivities are in full swing at the Skurski household.  The outside lights are up, the Dicken's village is strategically placed on the mantle, the tree is decorated, the Elf is on the shelf, holiday jammies are being worn, the downtown carousel has been ridden, we saw the gingerbread houses, Carmen had an early visit from Santa (a big bottom lip came out and there were a few tears)...an indication we many need a practice run or two before we take her to see Santa for her picture.

Phew, a busy time but so much fun. 

 

Froggy see Froggy do

Free Lamby