Mr. Independent

It seems that Mister Maximus is doing something new everyday. He is proving his independence in not-so-subtle ways. He is vocal and expressive in explaining that he wants to do things by himself. No help from his mama. Or his daddy. He wants to do it all. by. himself.

I caught the little man in action yesterday as he discovered how to get a drink of water all by himself. He was giddy, and I am pretty sure that is an understatement. Today, I watched him fill his little sippy cup up over and over and over again. So cute. Ok, I'll be real. It was cute at first. But, by the end of the day, and the hundreth time, I was getting a bit tired of cleaning water up off the floor. But, keeping my perspective in check, I kept reminding myself that I am watching my little man learn his independence right before me very eyes. A proud mama moment...and a couple sniffles too.

Surgery Day

Our little man had his first [and I am claiming last!] surgery today: tubes in his ears. He has had chronic ear infections for the last six months and tubes seemed to be the answer. He was a complete champ throughout the entire process and we pray this is the start to a new, healthy era!

And can I just say that I noticed a DRASTIC change by noon today? His mood, his disposition, his energy level, his communication. I mean, complete, drastic change. Unbelievable.

Thank you Jesus for providing us with these kind of resources.

And well done little Max. You did good!

Meet Doc

Max welcomes another boy cousin to the family!

Meet Mark Daniel "Doc".

Doc weighed 8 lbs 2 oz

and measured 18 in long.

Congratulations Mark, Amy and big sister Mia!

It's 'Nowy!!

Max's favorite word right now is: 'Nowy. Since we have had weeks of snow on the ground, he has had plenty of time to practice and perfect this word!

Everytime he walks past a window and peers outside, he exclaims, "it's 'nowy!" Or, he catches a glimpse of one of my snowmen decorating the house, "it's 'nowy!" Or, we get out of the car and big flakes are falling from the sky, "it's 'nowy!"

So, since this is his favorite word [and mine too :) ], I finally got him to say it for the camera tonight.

Enjoy!

16 Days

Did you see my blog post title?

That's right, 16 days of wintry, snowy weather.

We have had snowfall [from flurries to several inches] everyday for 16 days in a row. [That is almost unheard of in my part of the Midwest.] That also means that EVERYDAY of 2010 has included snow! Now, that's just crazy talk. ;)

Lucky for me, I love snow. In fact, if it is going to be cold, I might as well have something beautiful to look at! Here is just a short clip of how we have made the most of these snowy days.

A Christmas to Remember

"When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart."

Luke 2:15-19

I absolutely love the part about Mary treasuring those things and pondering them in her heart. To ponder means to consider deeply and thoroughly; to meditate; to weigh carefully in the mind; reflect; and even estimate the worth of. Mary took the time. She was still and quiet. She treasured those first moments and pondered the destiny of this baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. She hid them in heart. Reflected and rejoiced.

I felt a bit like Mary this holiday season. I pondered so many moments, wanting not one to be taken for granted.

I pondered reading the story of baby Jesus to Max.

I pondered baking Christmas cookies with Sam. Twice.

I pondered decorating the house, inside and out, for the holiday season.

I pondered Max taking every ornament he could reach off the tree until the bottom half was bare.

I pondered the packages that arrived on our doorstep with Maximus' name on the front, just a reminder of how many people truly love and adore the little man.

I pondered our Christmas Eve in, Max tucked in bed, and Sam and I putting together the toys.

I pondered our Christmas morning and Max excited to open his gifts. And the breakfast Sam made that will hopefully be a family tradition.

I pondered our relaxed Christmas get-togethers with all the grandpas and grandmas and aunts and uncles and cousins.

I pondered how different Christmas was only a few short years ago.

I pondered how a gift like Max, a beautiful, blue-eyed, baby boy could change our world. Forever.

I think I got a small glimpse this Christmas into what it meant for Mary to "treasure all those things and ponder them in her heart." She was overwhelmed. Thankful. Grateful. Filled-up. Satisfied. And deeply moved by the goodness of God.

And so am I.

************************

Some of my favorite Christmas moments

Max models some of the clothes he received from our friends in NY.

Lookin' good my man!

Sam sportin' his "Cousin Eddie" [from Christmas Vacation] outfit.

Christmas morning Max played with his toolbench forever. and ever. and ever.

[and was completely oblivious to the BIG WHITE SHEET behind him that had his new Jeep Power Wheels underneath!]

Another favorite gift, his dog he calls "Abby"

[after my parents dog that is named Abby].

Finally...

Checking out his new ride.

Standing on his new ride.

One of the gifts from Grandma Tonya and birthdaddy, Colton.

I love wooden toys and so does Max!

Max, so proud of his new [and noisy!] fire truck.

Thanks Uncle Josh, we owe you.

Why Is It So?

Today, Max and I had the pleasure of hanging out with two of my nieces, Abigail and Lauren, and my nephew, Gabriel. I won't bore you with all the details of my SIL's dislocated shoulder [yep, that's right. Kristen fell, dislocated her shoulder, and is now doing all functions with only her left arm]. I thought it would be a nice and welcomed relief to have some of her kiddos hang with us today.

Since I strive to win the "Aunt of the Year" award, I pulled out all the stops. Art projects. Board Games [you play a mean Hullabaloo, Gabe!]. Baking. Snacks. Treats. Cartoons. A delicious pot roast dinner.I think you get my point. One would think I would have this award in the bag.

One. Would. Think.

That is, until, Uncle Sam walked in the door. How easily the children forgot the Rolos I offered them spontaneously. You know, a "just because" treat. Or, the two cartoons I let them watch back-to-back. Or, allowing them to take every single stuffed animal out of hibernation and tuck them in Max's crib. Every. Single. Last. One. And, oh by the way, I found all three children in the crib [at the same time] with these said animals.

Again, one would think I have this award in the bag.

So, why is it so that children just love their daddies and uncles?

I give you

Exhibit A: The Ball Pit War

and

Exhibit B: Ride the Bull

You will know exactly why Uncle Sam won the coveted award today.

Sam,

you are one incredible husband, amazing father and fun-loving uncle.

You deserve the title.

Congrats.