colleen writes: December Rewind

Looking back at December only confirms what I already know. December was, without a doubt, the busiest month of 2012! Was is that way for you too? Probably. Getting ready for Christmas is always fun at our house. It's a really special time of year, so I don't really mind the hustle-bustle that consumes us. However, right after Christmas it's nice to spend the remainder of the year is total relaxation mode!

This month marked Carter's 18th month. He put together a couple of two-word sentences such as, "read book" and "help door" as he was trying to open the door of his ambulance. In the morning when I went up to get him he asked, "Dada work?" So that's pretty cool. At his 18 month check up, he weighed in at 24 pounds, so he's a pretty hefty boy. Solid, you know?! This month he also discovered a love for truck DVD's from the library. Basically, they're mostly footage of different kinds of trucks rolling and crashing around to music. His interests aren't very diverse at this point. If trucks/cars, etc., dogs, or balls are involved... he's happy.

Gabrielle had a fun month. She made her debut in The Nutcracker as a little baker. I had no idea what to expect even after several rehearsals, but the end product was very cute, and most importantly, Gabrielle really had fun and enjoyed it. She has even expressed interest in doing it again. She also was in a Christmas program at preschool which was super cute. She was dressed up as a reindeer and then as an angel. She really missed her teacher over the break which is just indicative to how much she loves school. She is really interested in writing and letters and reading and how to spell certain words.

We has parties and playdates galore! We also spent lovely time with family celebrating Christmas. Gabrielle and Carter had fun on Christmas morning. As Carter says it, "Tonta" was very generous and both kids were in seventh heaven. It was great for Adam and I to see. Gabrielle's hot ticket items this year included anything with a Disney Princess and/or Barbies. Carter's hot ticket items this year included anything with 2 or more wheels and his coffee pot. Somes kids have very varied interests, but mine don't:) This is Gabrielle's third Christmas in which princesses are "IT" and at this point in Carter's short little life, it is trucks OR BUST!

This month more than ever, probably due to Carter being a lot more communicative, Gabrielle has her brother really play together. They chase each other around, she plays cars with him, he'll sit on the couch and watch Tinkerbell with her for awhile, just to name a few. It's so endearing. And this is just the beginning!

We are looking forward to 2013--hope you are too!

Colleen