Things That Make Me Smile...

I've been feeling the holiday stresses like anyone else right about now. Although it seems "worse" this year...probably because of other things going on and my illness the other day setting me back a bit. That kind of thing. So, I wanted to make myself think of a few things that make me (and possibly you) happy...

- so yesterday I was having a particularly frustrating afternoon. After having to pin Dalton's arms down with my legs to change his messy diaper I then let him play on the floor of his room while I collapsed grumpily in the rocking chair. Well then Easton comes in and turns on some loud music and before I had the chance to say something to him about it, he came up to me and said so happily, "Let's dance all together! 'Cause I turned on some music" So dance, we did! Easton found us little shaker egg "instruments" and we shook them (Dalton too!) and danced about. What a way to fix my mood.

- Dalton is becoming such a little imitator...if he hears you make a sound (or shaking an egg) he'll often try to do it too...the other day he imitated the sound of the windshield wiper squeaking on the glass!




- we went to the library today and I was reminded of a story I forgot to tell you before...there is a librarian who now wears a lovely scarf on her head when she used to have hair. From the pink ribbon she wears I can only assume... Anyway, one day as we were waiting to check out books Easton told me, "I want the pirate lady to help me". I couldn't stop laughing, even though I knew it was probably inappropriate at the same time. She has a scarf so he assumes pirate. Ha!

- Dalton's immensely fat thighs. I just love that kid's backside. Although right now I do not love that the diapers cut his legs. Yes cut. I'm afraid to go up in size because of the waist maybe being too big...I may just have to revisit my diapering technique. But, oops, I'm focusing on happy things right now. Um...

- this morning I laughed out loud when Easton told his breakfast, "Hello, Pop Tart. I'm going to eat you now." He also had a drinkable yogurt because I decided that 3 Yo Babys a day (12 oz. total) is just not enough yogurt. I'm kidding about the amount not being enough. I'm not kidding that I bought drinkable yogurts. They were Backyardigans. We love Backyardigans.


- It makes me happy to see Dalton's appetite improving. He's been doing well with his foods, especially if you mix it with bananas. He'll tolerate things without banana, but with banana: look out! He throws mini tantrums if he sees food that he can't have...or can't have right away (such as if we're praying before dinner). Easton is allowed to eat the free cookies at the grocery store. But Dalton can't yet. Today Dalton grabbed Easton by the shirt collar and pulled him close in order to grab his cookie. Yet another thing that made me smile: Dalton trying hard to wrestle food away from his big brother. Poor E didn't know what hit him, he was just trying to enjoy his cookie. Good times.




- It made me happy when we were grocery shopping a few hours ago and the boys sat side by side and "drove" the little car grocery carts. When did Dalton get so old? He's driving now.

- My door of Christmas cards, even though I haven't even met about half of the people the cards are from:


- And the little helper who helped me hang the latest batch:


- He's even been making other people smile because he wears this hat while we're out running our Christmas errands.

- I just got a great big smile when I opened the latest "Explanation of Benefits" for Dalton's last appointment and I saw, "Amount You're Responsible For: 0.00". Ahhhhh. How beautiful. I'm still fighting with our old insurance company over charges from his three month well-baby.

- I'm done. I'm done shopping, I'm done mailing, I'm done wrapping. I'm all done. Aside from a bit of holiday baking to contribute to the meals other people make for us I don't have anything left to do but enjoy. And that really makes me smile.

These boys are gonna have a good Christmas. And I'm so thankful I have 'em.





E.T.A. Man, I think my hubby is so cute in that above photo. If it was someone else's husband I'd say...wow...she got herself a winner. :) And that one's mine!!!