Are you ready for Christmas?

So, if it isn't bought by now, forget about it! I am DONE shopping. Words I never thought I would say. Normally, I love Christmas shopping. But this year, I just didn't have the time or the energy to devote to doing it properly. So it was more like racing from one place to another, running in, picking up the one item I came for, and running out. Or shopping on the internet, which while convenient, just isn't the same. Next year will be better. But anyhow, I am happy to say the shopping is done. Now, it just has to be wrapped. Ugh, anyone want to come over and do that for me? I HATE wrapping gifts, mostly because I don't do it well. Never have. I am too impatient. In high school, my best friend gave me a lesson in present wrapping - I still remember everything she taught me, but alas, my gifts still turn out looking nothing like hers. Oh well - a 3 year old and an 8 week old aren't going to notice the difference anyway, right?!?

Speaking of 8 weeks ... Mallory will be 8 weeks old on Tuesday. Yippee! That is the age at which if they get a fever, infants do not necessarily have to go directly to the hospital. That's a big milestone!

Wade has started traveling back and forth to st. louis. He'll be home the next 3 weeks (home as in, in town, not off on vacation) and then he'll have to be in st. louis every other week till we move. Sucks! Single parenting an infant and an almost 4 year old is no fun. I get through most of the day alright, but bedtime just stinks. It's Mallory's fussy time of night, so she's screaming while I am trying to get Keira quiet down and go to sleep. Good times. This too shall pass.

Mallory's fussiness has gotten better, but by no means has cleared up. We have good days and bad days. I guess teh best news is that it is mostly a daytime issue now -- at night she is really doing well. I deal much better with a fussy baby during the day than I do at 2 in the morning! Other than this fussiness, we are really enjoying her. She has started to smile which just melts your heart and even started to "talk" some. If you say goo to her, she'll try to copy you. It is the cutest thing. And she tries sooo hard. Sometime she gets it, sometimes not, but just to watch her try is so fun.

Keira is still really into drawing. Our scanner is on the fritz, otherwise I would upload and show you. She is drawing people now - they are hilarious. She is still loving school. She also is loving her dance class. She had a little holiday show the other day and it was great. it was on a big stage at a high school and the auditorium was full. The look on her face when she got out on stage and the turned the lights up so she could see how many people were watching, was priceless. At some point I hope to upload video. Sooo cute.

This is probably the last post before christmas, so I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy your families! Hugs to you all!