Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas together as a family. Coley didn't have to work the entire week, so we were able to spend lots of quality time together. One of the highlights was going to the movie theater to see "Tangled." We went to a matinee on a day that everyone was still in school, so we ended up having the entire theater to ourselves. It was fun! Coley spent a couple of days finishing a bookcase for me (for the piano room). It looks absolutely beautiful!

Adventure hit on Thursday, December 23... I was miserable with fever and chills. To make things just a bit more interesting, Abby fell and split her lip open in the late afternoon (just before every doctor's office was ready to be closed for vacation). Off we went to check to see if she needed stitches. We were all happy to find out that it would heal on its own. She was pretty nervous when we first arrived at the doctor's office, but she was very brave and was talking up a storm before the end of our visit.

We spent the afternoon of Christmas Eve with some friends (who were given fair warning, but didn't seem to be scared of being exposed to me.... fever and chills and all) for a bit of socializing, food, and music. The rest of the evening was spent together as a family.

Even though I was still under the weather on Christmas Day, we had a wonderful time together. Abby was very excited about Christmas this year. The presents and anticipation of Santa's visit certainly had her attention, but she also talked about Jesus being born in Bethlehem. What a special experience to watch a child experience the joy of Christmas!

Abby in her Christmas dress

Abby and Coley sprinkle reindeer food in the front yard on Christmas Eve.



Tara and Michael on Christmas morning

Coley and Abby have fun opening presents.

Abigail & Michael meet Santa Claus

Snowstorms and Stitches

Snowstorms and stitches pretty much sums up my month so far.... and the two don't necessarily go together very well! I had minor surgery on my foot at the beginning of the month to remove a cyst on my heel. I decided I wanted to go ahead and do the surgery right away so I could comfortably wear my boots and other shoes this winter. When I scheduled the procedure, there was no snow on the ground, but I think it has snowed almost every day since my surgery. It's almost comical because I can only wear slip-on shoes at this point! What an adventure it is to limp through the snow and slush with slip-on shoes while holding Abby's hand and carrying the infant seat in the other hand! Only the most important outings are actually occurring right now.... I think I have a pretty good excuse to stay snuggled up inside. It has been nice to cuddle with baby Michael, and Abby has been such a great helper! I am excited to get the stitches out in a few days. I'm even happier when I think about wearing shoes again soon!

Preschool Days Begin

Shortly before Thanksgiving, Coley and Abby visited the preschool just down the street from our house to inquire about preschool for next year. We had heard that it was an excellent preschool, but it was difficult to secure a spot in the class. Can you believe that THE day Coley and Abby visited, there was an opening because a child has just moved? They told us they would save the spot for Abigail if we were interested. We spent the next couple of days completing the registration papers. Last week, Abby began attending preschool and is just LOVING it! She goes to school two afternoons per week for about 2 1/2 hours.

The night before her first day of preschool, I showed her the new backpack she would take with her. She was so excited, she wore it until bedtime!

Abby is all ready for her first day!

This is Abby after her first day of school. She wouldn't admit it, but she was definitely ready for a little nap!

Baby Smiles

I'm not sure there is anything sweeter than baby smiles. I love how Michael's entire face lights up when he smiles! He is a very happy and content baby.