Customized: Cordon-style

We've finally left our permanent mark on the place, with the use of some paint!

With the colors we've chosen it has begun to feel like home to us.

We didn't paint the bathrooms or kitchen, but here's what we did do, 4 buckets of paint and 4 rolls of tape later....

The Absolutely Most Wonderful Time

Yes, its after Halloween, so therefore is officially Christmastime!!!

I am so so so excited.

I love Christmas.

Snow or no snow

I love the sight of the decorated pines, wreaths, poinsettias, gingerbread cookies, the glorious green and red combo we shun the rest of the year, sparkles, ornaments, and the lights. Oh, the lights! They have such a magical way of bringing beauty to no matter what they are on or near. You could put them up on a trash can to make it look inspiring.

I LOVE Christmas

I love how everyone seems to smile a little easier, finding children charming instead of irritating, becoming quicker to forgive, and feeling a sense of calm about daily life. It brings me back to the holidays of my youth that were so perfect and magical.

I love the feeling the music gives me. (Hence the playlist). I love the stillness of Bing Crosby's "White Christmas", and the power behind Mannheim Steamroller's, "Stille Nacht" which almost always moves me to tears (a feat in itself). What songs spell out Christmas to you? Any suggestions to add to the list?

Bah Humbug to all those who try to hold of the goodness of the season until after Thanksgiving. By the time the momentum builds, Christmas has come and gone. I prefer getting a start where I can allow the beauty to sink in and cheer my soul. Its at this time that I become what is lovingly termed by Jared as "Christmas Paige". I like Christmas Paige. You'd like her if you knew her too. She's perpetually blissful and carefree, spreading thoughts of goodwill to everyone. Unfortunately she abruptly departs each January 1st, leaving a tremendous void well into the month of March.

Regardless, Merry (pre-)Christmas to everyone!!

5 Things You May or May Not Know About Rykie

1. He loves to be held and will snuggle into you when you hold him. He even snuggles his blankets

2. He is a big time talker. He loves to jabber and giggle

3. He loves to grab onto everything and everyone, especially my hair. His favorite toy is a play gym he lays under where he can bat at the toys and try to grab them

4. He loves his hands. He tries to suck on all of his fingers and his fists, especially when he is hungry or cranky

5. He was the best "surprise" we could have ever asked for!!

If someone had told me a year ago that I would have a 3-month-old right now I think I would have been so overwhelmed and nervous about how I would handle it all. I found out about the pregnancy two days before we had a big Christmas party, a week before Nicholas turned one, during the rush of the holidays. I was nauseous while I traveled with Nicholas alone (Jared had to work for another week), and my mind was constantly filled with concern for how I would manage two babies so close. We knew Jared was going to do a master's program, but we weren't sure where, and I was aware that I would be on my own quite often.

I was at my grandparents for Christmas, and I was overwhelmed with anxiety and stress, and felt I couldn't share yet because it was so early. I eventually confessed to my parents so they would know I wasn't infecting everyone with the swine flu, but had my own non-contagious ailment. I was in a bit of shock, so I didn't really share the news for quite a while until I came to terms!

Its so funny to think I felt that way just over a year ago. Ryker has turned out to be such a wonderful addition to our family. He came at just the right time for our insurance, moving plans, and family schedules. Hs timing really was perfect. He is so happy and content most all of the time, and accomodates my busy schedule with his big brother's demands. He obviously wanted to come and be in our family, and I'm so glad each day that he did!!

I can't wait for our Christmas this year with two boys!!

I Need Better Hiding Places

Nicholas finds the strangest things to be fascinating toys...

The other day Jared walked in on this:

What is he holding, you might ask?

That would be the attachment to my breastpump.

He was holding it to his bare tummy, telling Daddy, "Kiki pumping".

And what are you supposed to say to that?