Surviving Christmas

The holiday season is upon us. It crept up, it really did. Last thing I remember it was Halloween... or something. Time is just flying by. The long long days of counting down till Christmas day when my presents would be opened are long long over! Now, I feel that there aren't enough days to get it all done! haha

Nonna sent Korbin an Advent Calendar (similar to the one pictured here). She sends one every year (she remembers us opening all the little doors when we lived in Germany). I think Korbin is now at an age that he'll enjoy it (last year we just opened them all and ate the candy - LOL ... isn't that what parents do!?).

Work is going very well. They asked me to design the special 8 page "year in review" section that will go in all six papers for January. It's exciting and stressful. After I gladly accepted the project I looked at my calendar and realized that I had 2 weeks to complete it! And, that's on top of my regular ad design duties at the paper. Hope everything goes smoothly. :)

Ryan is doing well. He was sick yesterday and stayed home again, today. He is feeling much better and had the opportunity to get a few things done around the house. We have our first over-night guest coming on December 22nd - Nonna! The homeowner! haha

We'll be here for Christmas. We'll be spending time with my siblings and parents. My brother is leaving for Iraq in January, shortly after his second daughter is born! We are very excited to welcome her to the family (due Jan. 13th). Ryan's parents are coming down for a day or two, also. Poor little Korbin will get soooo much attention! :)

Korbin is saying more and more words. He is trying to repeat the sounds that we make, and is doing an excellent job. He now says Please... "beeeeee". It's so cute. He knows when to use it, too (like asking Mom to get out of her chair). He also says "hot", "hat", "mail", "juit (juice)" and a few more here and there. The "noooo" is still my favorite. I need to get a video of him saying that! This morning I asked if I could see his Happy face. He said "NO" and turned away. I asked again and then starting tickling him. He laughed and I pointed out that I saw his Happy Face. He looked at me and said "NO" and turned away (smiling). LOL. So cute.

Gotta start addressing those holiday cards. Ugh.

Cool site: www.FatBrainToys.com
They have really cool educational toys. You can shop by age/sex!
We already bought his big present (kid's art easel with all the fixin's). So, we'll have to use this site for future purchases!