First Comes Love...

A big, unexpected event! After dinner last night Kevin suggested we practice Abigail's walking.   We've done this before to no avail, but last night she went for it! Abigail,  You were all laughs and so very proud of yourself.  Each time you stood to get ready, a huge smile would streak across your face; you knew what you were about to do and it filled you with such delight.  Dad and I couldn't help but laugh along as our hearts overflowed with pride.   So here I am at 8:45am this morning, uploading this monumental milestone as you sleep soundly in your nursery... all that walking was quite the workout! Your accomplishment brought us joy beyond belief; a chart-topping Mommy Moment indeed!

Last year we skipped our Christmas party to celebrate Abigail's baptism . Kevin refused to have two parties at Christmastime. (I suppose I can't blame him.) But we came back with avenges this year, and it was so much fun! Joined by many friends, a bonfire, yule log disco, sing-a-longs, and topped with an ugly Christmas sweater cameo concert, it was a memorable evening for sure! The party started at 7pm, which seems reasonable until you have a kid.  Then 7pm on a Saturday night feels like bedtime.  Next year we'll be starting at 6- just to be sure we stay awake  ;) (and I'll be using a real camera since clearly my iPhone takes blurry pictures) My little Elf was ready to party So was our cute little house! Even the tree was eager for friends to arrive!  Santa and his Elf. These two are adorable and I love them so. Abigail shows Grandpa how to party Alford & Taryn Lewis loved Abigail, but Abigail wasn't sure about ro...

A note I received while we were in New York: (12/13/12) Abigail was very comfortable at preschool today.  I was impressed that a parent was there with each child.  This is an excellent approach.  You can already see the children's little personalities.    Abigail has been beautifully behaved this week!  She is such a delight!  She does her naps with no fuss and has slept the entire evenings without any waking up until about 7:30AM or 8:00AM. She sings her tango song often and is so cheerful always!  Tomorrow is the seniors Christmas party where she will again be the hit of the party!  They love seeing her.   We received your beautiful Christmas card today.  Abigail thought it was great too!  She loved to look at the picture of the three of you and was singing her song the whole time and giggling. Hope you and Kevin are having a great time.   Dad and I and Abigail send our love! ...

As promised, here are some pictures from the past week.  (The Lauckner's are getting into the holiday spirit!) Our celebrations began late last week when Abigail and I went shopping downtown.  It was to be a quick, focused errand: gold shoes for Abigail, then back home.  Of course it didn't end up that way, and before I knew it, Abigail and I were at Macy's sitting on Santa's lap I only had the intention of bringing her by to say hi, but of course he asked her to sit, and before I knew it, they were snapping pictures and I was toast.  (I'm a salesman's dream; the ice buying Eskimo...) so naturally I was suckered into buying this adorable $20 photo. Saturday morning Kevin and Abigail drove out to the tree farm to get our Christmas tree while I attended my friend Brooke's baby shower.  Abigail had a great time hanging with Henry, riding in the wagon, and laughing as Kevin pretended to hit himself with our tree. Thanks again for hosting such an awes...

Abigail made her first Christmas ornament at preschool today. I was suppose to be in my Parent-Ed class, but Abigail was being shy after a few weeks away from school, so I hung around and made this ornament with her.  I assembled the bell and strung the ribbon through, and she applied the stickers. A thing of beauty...  ;) They say these are the ones you cherish forever; I suppose we'll have quite the tree someday. Merry Christmas!

(I'm a sucker for cat humor) We spent the weekend getting into the Christmas spirit by decorating the house and getting our tree (pictures to come) - we look forward to seeing many of you next weekend! Happy Holidays!

What a relaxing and enjoyable weekend. Kevin's parents and Marie's Mom (little Oskar's Oma) joined us for our annual Thanksgiving weekend this year and added such a fun and festive dynamic.  We had a total of 14 adults and 2 toddlers! You've seen our Thanksgiving weekend routine of eating, relaxing, and drinking in past years ( here and here ), so I'll leave you with some pictures instead of my usual ramblings...  ;) Heaven is a little closer in a cabin by the river First night's jam session Thanksgiving morning.  Bundled up for a walk by the river   Papa fly fishing Pre Thanksgiving dinner snack  ;) Prepping the fried bird. Our tradition is one fried bird (small) and one oven cooked bird (huge!) Mamie and Abigail hangin' by the campfire The fire master Watching the "Ca's!" (dogs) Chatting around the campfire   Shooting balls across the river; clearly amusing themselves  ;) Ab...