FIRSTS

Mason and Moira had their first days of school this month.

Mason entered the first grade. I remember when he was born in a flurry of chaos; entering the world eight weeks early and worrying all of those who love him. I remember one incident in particular. Matt and I were up for our nightly visit with him in the NICU and he was running a fever. The nurse informed us that we could not hold him and that they were going to do an LP (lumbar puncture). On an infant it has higher risks. She told us that if he took a turn for the worse, they would give us a call. That night, Matt and I were beside ourselves with worry. On his first day of school, I had that same worry. Have we done enough for him to go off and be a decent, respectable, young man with manners and poise. I know we have done our best, but he is still my little boy and I worry about him. He will be fine, but his parents may not!

Then there is Moira. The one who came on time and has been a whirling dervish ever since. She does not take a back seat to anyone and let's you know it. She walked at 8 months, spoke clearly at 14 months and continues to keep Matt and I on our toes today; she in only 3 1/2 years old. She walked into preschool, found her desk and told mom and dad she was fine and to have a nice day. We both walked out of the class with tears in our eyes ( I don't know if it was the fact that our little girl was off to school or if we realized that we won't get to do this again). That is our precious girl. Cute as can be, but watch out. We love her so much.

Meet Max

This is Max. Our Austrailian Shepard puppy. He may not look like a puppy, but he is. He is about 5 months old and just like babies, everything goes in his mouth. When Moira became potty trained, I thought 2AM diaper changes were over, but not with Max. With his potty training days behind him, those 2 am potty breaks outside are not that far of a distant memory. Thank goodness he has it down. That was a killer. The kids sure do love him to pieces. He fits into our family so well.

Please let spring come.......

Please let spring come. The rain and snow are getting to me. I want to be outside with our new dog and the kids. I can't wait for the grass to turn green and the tulips and daffodils to bloom. That would mean that summer would be right around the corner.......

Let It Snow, Snow and Snow

Wow, when is the snow going to stop. I am usually one to get real excited about the snow, but even for Oregon this is a little much. The kids are really enjoying it. Mason had an entire week off even before the Christmas break because of the snow. He liked that. Moira cannot stop eating the snow or the ice cycles off of Daddy's car. And she wonders why her hands are so cold. Keep warm everyone.

IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS

Well, we went and picked out our Christmas tree last week. That was fun. The kids love it; running and getting lost among all the trees. We decorated it the same night. Mason and Moira are now wondering when presents will start to appear under it. Only Santa Claus knows. This weekend we went up to Haggs Tree farm. The barn was full of animals. The kids are partial to the goats because they get to feed them. It is hard to keep up with them and the quarters for the food. Santa was there. Moira wanted nothing to do with him, that is why there is no picture of her and Santa. This is the second year in a row that this has happened. Hopefully next year we can get a picture.

Happy Holidays to all.

Let's get along today

This must have been a day when Mason and Moira were getting along. They really do love each other, but they can sure get on each others nerves. I guess that is to be expected when one just wants his space and the other feels the need to think everything is hers. We try to make them aware of the other and the feelings that they have. Every night they have to say goodnight to each other with a hug. I hope they grow up to think of the other as a friend and look out for each other long after Matt and I are gone.

TRICK OR TREAT

They had a blast and it helps that lots of candy is involved. As you can see, Mason likes to get into character and Moira just can't stop with her toothy grin. What hams...