So it begins...

Maddie tried getting Micah in Time Out last night.  You're probably thinking, "Isn't he too young for time out?"  Yes, but I was trying to be consistent with "consequences".  Here's how it went down:

Micah was stuffing his mouth with one of Maddie's trains.  She wasn't happy because he was getting slobber all over it.  We don't want him doing that, so I took the train away and told him that he was going in Time Out if he did it again. (Teachable moment?)

He then picked up a train.  As if she had busted him, Maddie shouted, "Micah's touching a twain!"  I said, "Oh, he's allowed touching the trains.  He just can't put them in his mouth."

I turn my head for a second and hear, "Look!"

Maddie was stuffing a train in his mouth......

Christmas 2009

It's Micah's first Christmas.  Maddie finally understands OPENING presents.  Unfortunately, it didn't go as planned.  They're BOTH getting over bronchitis.  Here they are with their nebulizers.

 

Maddie with her Zhu Zhu pets.

 

Maddie and Micah with their Thomas train table.

 

 

 Micah and Aunt Bethany.

 

Our new tradition -- a birthday cake for Jesus.  Notice the Zhu Zhu pets and Birthday Thomas joined us for the fun.

 

Christmas Fun!

Just in time for Christmas.  Here are some pictures from the neighborhood Christmas party.

 

 

 

 

 

Is it too late for FALL pictures?

Christmas Eve is tomorrow, so why not share some FALL pictures?  I was browsing our pictures and came across some pictures from this fall.  Don't mind the turkey bib.

 

 

 

 

 

Santa: The Great Debate (Part II)

InTouch Magazine offers an interesting perspective on the man in red as well.  It's taken from Stories Behind Men of Faith by Ace Collins.  Here's a good excerpt:

"Yet what ultimately made [Nicholas of Myra] a legend was his love of children.  As he grew older, he used more and more of his funds to purchase gifts for children.  Giving toys or candy to little ones, Nicholas told stories of Christ and the gift He had given through His death on the cross.  Then, he would add, 'Jesus loves little children, and He loves you.'  Through these gifts, many began to understand the full measure of their salvation."

It goes on to describe him as a "servant of God" and a "legend of faith."

Santa: The Great Debate

Our Santa trains didn't collide until we had Maddie.  Emily was in the non-believer camp.  I, on the other hand, believed and was devastated when I found out.  I recall standing at the top of the stairs and yelling down to my parents, "I guess that means the Easter Bunny isn't real either!"  Believe it or not, it's the source of all my problems today.

To believe, or not to believe?  That is the question.

Here's a great resource for those trying to figure it out -- Thinking About Santa.  In my opinion, the best excerpt is this:

"...we think about how confusing it must be to a straight-thinking, uncritically-minded preschooler because Santa is so much like what we're trying all year to teach our children about God.  Look, for example, at the "attributes" of Santa:

• He's omniscient -- he sees everything you do.
• He rewards you if you're good.
• He's omnipresent -- at least, he can be everywhere in one night.
• He gives you good gifts.
• He's the most famous "old man in the sky" figure."
  

For those debating, I highly recommend checking it out.

First Trip to the Dentist

Maddie visited the dentist for the first time a few weeks ago.  Pinky (her "security blanket") joined her and got to experience some of the sights and sounds as well.  She did a great job.  Here are some pics from the trip.

Maddie and the dental hygienist holding Pinky's paws on the way back.

 

 Waiting patiently to be seen.

 

X-ray time!

 

Pinky making sure the toothbrush is safe for Maddie.

 

A little lick to put her at ease.

 

Look at that face.  Priceless!