Christmas 2014

We had a lovely, low-key Christmas. With no snow to play in for Kyalo it barely felt like a 'proper' Christmas, but we managed to have fun.  He got lots of good workouts on the Big Wheel bike we keep at my parents' house.

Before too much time passed, and we entered the New Year, I wanted to get a few pictures up from our day.

 I think this is my favorite picture of Malaikah to date! Those eyes! That chin! 

A friend gave me this awesome dress for Malaikah that her daughter wore.  She was, without a doubt, the best dressed of us all!

Kyalo was looking pretty handsome himself, but wasn't totally cooperative with the whole picture-taking concept.

 his grumpy face!

 but he can smile, too

We even got a picture of just Dexter and me, by the Christmas Wreath (no tree, sadly)

And Grandma with Malaikah

December 25, 2014

we're out of focus, but isn't that a lot like life :)

These days are precious and sacred and as exhausting/frustrating/overwhelming as they can be, I am thankful for this little family of mine. If I blink, the kids will be off to college.

Happy New Year!

baby giggles

I tried to upload this video the other day but was having technical difficulties.  It is nice to have friends who can solve all our technical problems!

Malaikah has the sweetest little laugh.  I thought I'd share.  Maybe it'll brighten someone's day.  It always brightens mine.

:)

three months

Oh boy, time is slipping away.  Last week, Malaikah hit three months, and I haven't had a minute to blog.  A new computer arrived from my Uncle Tim & Aunt Ellen (thanks again!) so now have no excuse not to blog.  Except for the whole having two kids thing...

Anyway, life is good. Malaikah is growing, healthy and happy.  She survived her first round of shots - not without screaming bloody murder, of course.  At her two month appointment she was already over 12 pounds.  And she isn't slowing down any, either.  We go back to the doctor again next month. Can't wait to see how she's doing.

I think I mentioned before that so many people comment about how easy-going and content she is.  She really is! She's a happy little girl, doesn't cry too much, will go to most anyone (except, it seems, to Grandma.  She's not sad about that at all) and smiles and laughs so easily.  Her laugh just about melts me every time.

Oh and she's a champion sleeper.  I almost hate to mention it because anytime I talked about Kyalo and his sleep (or lack thereof) it changed.  She is generally only waking up once a night, and can often go 7-8 hours before waking to nurse.  This is so very different from my experience with Kyalo that I keep waiting for these glory days to end and for her real sleeping pattern to develop. I'm grateful for every day that she sleeps so long, that's for sure!

 try as I might, I could not get a smile out of her!

And, of course Kyalo wanted some pictures, too.

 Kyalo's expression! 

Because Malaikah is such a good sleeper, and because Kyalo's in school two mornings a week, I have to say the transition to two is going smoothly.  Kyalo loves his sister, but doesn't smother her.  He still pretty much does his own thing.  And then, I'll find him doing this:

He doesn't actually read yet, but quickly memorizes simpler books.  The fact that he 'reads' to her is just so sweet.  I hope he always wants to help her in this way.

We celebrated Thanksgiving here in Maine this year.  My parents came up, friends from church came over, and Malaikah was the best dressed of the bunch.

(Also, we got a turkey from a local farm that was killed the Friday before Thanksgiving. Best turkey we've ever had!)

So, life is good.  Now, I'm off to make a batch of cookies before Kyalo comes home from school. (Have I mentioned how much we all love school??)

On the off chance I don't get back here before next week, Merry Christmas everyone!