Only Big Smiles Allowed: December 2006

Haircut

We even have fun getting haircuts!

More Chanukah Fun

Today was Amelia's Chanukah party at school. The teachers had sent a letter home last week, explaining how sometimes kids are different when they are in front of strangers and not to be alarmed if they are not themselves. Amelia was totally herself. For the first half of it, she was completely "mummified", wouldn't look up or smile or sing. By the end, she was answering all of the questions (something I have never witnessed in public) and singing and doing the dances, complete with smiles. Amelia is in total control of herself and her actions and when she decides she is ready to open up, she does, and not one minute before. Thats ok because then I know that she really wants to be participating and doesn't feel like she is being forced to perform in any way. Amelia can be herself, and as long as she is comfortable with who she is and how she behaves, she can be as shy or outgoing as she likes. Amelia is growing into a beautiful little girl and I love watching every minute of it.

Oh Chanukah, Oh Chanukah

Everything becomes more special when you can enjoy it through your children's eyes and that could not be more true than with celebrating Chanukah. Chanukah music has been streaming through the house for weeks, Leo clapping along to Amelia's singing. Amelia has learned so much at school and has brought home some beautiful projects. Today we had some friends over to make Chanukah crafts and everyone had a great time. As we hung around the house today, Leo had fun experimenting with his new mode of transportation and new ways to get into trouble.
----
Amelia, flashing a classic

Leo on the go

"I have a little dreidel..."

"Who me??"

Leo knows where a kippah goes

One day you will be able to spin it like Zadie...

I think I will have to start putting shorts on Leo - the darn pants keep (literally) tripping him up

Celebration

Yesterday we had a little lunch for Leo and it turned out really nice. Leo enjoyed the ice cream cone cupcakes...a little too much, maybe. After we broke for a few hours, the family rejoined for lotsa latkes...lotsa latkes.

Why I never need to stop in the toy aisle...

"Boy, my calves hurt from standing on my tippy toes. Grabbing the whole box is the way to go. Why didn't I think of this sooner??"

"Who me??"

"I *will* get the rest of these 300 bags out if it is the last thing I do!"

"Who me?"

"I love you, sis, but I got work to do here"

"Now on to the cups!" (*Literally*)

"I can get away with all of this as long as I keep asking for Mommy's zucchini muffins - flattery gets you everywhere"

Little Leo Hayden is 1 year old!!

It seems like only yesterday that Danny and I were sitting in our hospital room, uploading all of the pictures of our little Leo. Time has a way of passing us by in a flash but, if we are lucky, we have a way of remembering every minute. As exhausting (and dehydrating) as it has been, I would not trade any minute of my time alone with Leo, nursing and playing together. There is a special connection between us that I know will be there forever. I love how he squeezes my nose and tickles my stomach, all the while looking right in my eyes. I have had a cricked neck for...hmm...about a year now, I wonder why. With both Amelia and Leo, I wondered what it would be like to sleep and let Danny give a bottle once or twice. I always decided that I never wanted him to do it, I just didn't want to give up that time. I wish I could say that restful nights are on their way, but I know that I will always be needed, no matter the time of day. And, that too, I would never trade. The snuggles and kisses during the day make it all worth while. I know how I feel when I hear Amelia tell me that she loves me and I know I will melt when Leo gives me a kiss for the first time. Happy Birthday, Leo. You (help) make me the luckiest Mommy around.

---
We started our birthday celebration with Bubbie, Zadie, Tante, Noah, Ari, and Amelia. Leo was not interested in the camera. Doesn't he know I have a scrapbook to fill?

I was sure Leo would be asleep before we left the parking lot. He hasn't decided whether he loves being turned around yet.

After a potty break at home, we were off to get ice cream. I hadn't planned on going inside, but the drive thru line was so long, I didn't want Leo to fall asleep and miss his own party. I didn't know how much Leo loved ice cream. They were the two quietest kids in the place, as if they hadn't eaten all day.

Dinner Time

Amelia in (only) her second outfit of the day. She is going for the Hi-5 layered look this time.

Leo has taken to "organizing" the pantry quite often these days

Leo knows that I am watching him, waiting for some walking and he is really amused by it. He actually teases me by kneeling down rather than taking a step.