Christmas & The New Year

Kieran just turned a year and a half which I can hardly believe. He certainly loves the adventure of climbing onto our table. At least he is not sitting on top of it all of the time, mostly just standing in the chair playing with toys, still putting both Kerry and I on edge as he smiles with joy like nothing is a concern. We have pinned him as a "momma's boy" always clinging to me for "hugs." Hearing that precious word from his mouth, who can resist? He loves to eat and just when he says, "All done" and gets down from his seat, he is right next to you begging from your plate. He is very polite, saying "Thank you" when handing you things or getting something. His "brutha" still lights up his face in the morning, sometimes he can hardly wait to see him, he has to go in and sneak a peak at Caleb sleeping. Caleb often calls him the "cutest baby or best baby". It warms the heart to see the affection and love they have for one another, something I hope they hold onto for years to come.

We headed out to AZ for Christmas to spend a week at Nana & Papa's. Kieran is a little bit of a nightmare on the plane, but at least his slept the last hour of the flight. Caleb adores Nana & Papa and we often feel regret for moving so far from family, but distance makes the heart grow fonder right? Some day we will be closer, should the Lord lead us, but for now we love our home in Indiana. I missed the beauty of it while in AZ. At least we could play outside and enjoy the warm, winter weather. Christmas Eve came and Kieran came down with a bug. He was feverish and whiny, waking up at 3:30am covered in puke. The poor little guy missed the joy of Christmas morning, but Caleb was a delight. He was so excited to see the cookies had been eaten and was amazed at the gifts under the tree. I guess Chippey, our Elf on the Shelf had a good report for Santa! Thankfully Kieran was almost back to normal prior to our flight home and he was a delight for the most part thankfully for Mommy and Daddy! When we got home, Caleb couldn't believe there were more packages under the tree, so we had our Christmas together. Kerry had the rest of the week off which has been nice for us to spend extra time together as a family.

The night before New Year's Eve, Caleb woke up hysterical complaining of stomach pains. Another holiday, another bug! He has been feverish and couch bound for the past few days, so we are hoping and praying he recovers or we may take a trip to the hospital to double check its not more than a bug. I promised Kerry I would stay up for New Year's, which I did and then hit the pillow at 12:01am sleeping next to my sick boy.

Kerry suggested making a memory jar for 2012. Write down memories throughout the year to share next New Year's Eve. This is a great idea because I sometimes forget to jot every fond memory down. I can hardly wait to see what the New Year brings. I am thankful for my healthy family and for dear friends who have been constant in our lives. I am thankful for a God who loves us unconditionally and who has purpose for every circumstance we face. I am thankful for another year I get to share with them all.