'77 Holst

On the drive to O'hare my dad and I talked a little about our favorite memories over the last Christmas holiday. He told me that his was waking up with the babies and watching them interact while the other "adults" slept in. I would have to say that this was a highlight for me as well (watching the babies, not sleeping in, although the latter is sorely missed these days and most appreciated). It was so wonderful to spend time with my entire family, and I always feel a little sad when we have to part ways. If Clara and Lucas were able to articulate what their favorite times over the holiday were, I'm guessing that they would have something to do with the car that my grandfather built for my older brother Jon in 1977. (It sounds like there is a twin out there that was built for Ben). The kids spent a majority of their time crawling in and out of this wonderful little car. Clara would get a serious look on her face as she placed the key in the ignition and turned it just like mom and dad. Next time we all get together it will be interesting to see if Clara has learned to share yet. :)

Mountain Splendor

In an attempt to work off the loads of food that we have ingested in the last 48 hours we decided to go on a hike today. The road to our original destination ended up being a bit too snowy so we ended up turning onto a random road, parking, and going for a walk. Beautiful views, and a happy family.

Biggest gift EVER

Had the Moonwards/Linder gift exchange today, and Clara made a killing. Mor Mor just had to give the best gift, and boy did she ever. Having a great time in Bailey, enjoying being with family and taking in the mountains.

It's A Wonderful Life...it really is!

Major shoutout to my mother who got all of us tickets to see "It's a Wonderful Life" on stage at the Arvada theatre. What a great time. We saw an entire play and had dinner together sans bebe! It was a blast. This story ALWAYS reminds me of what is truly important in life. I feel like a wealthy woman because of the friends and family I have. Thanks to you all and Merry Christmas!
Thanks Mom! You are the BEST.

Sleigh Bells Ring...Are You Listening

We drove up to Estes Park this afternoon for our traditional sleigh ride. So much fun to see Clara's delight this year, as she slept the entire time last year. So much fun to enjoy this tradition- we are so glad to live in such a beautiful place where we can take a sleigh ride every Christmas! It started to snow that unique Colorado snow right in the middle of the ride. We are so glad to have make it home safely because we ended up driving through a nasty snowstorm. Ahhhh, Christmas- here you are!

She has lots to say...

I know we have gone a bit video crazy here, but we have an excuse! Our DVD recorder will not let us upload footage unless we finish and finalize an entire DVD, which means we have to wait and wait until our disc is full and then we get to go post crazy and upload all our videos!!
This clip is hilarious for several reasons.
Mainly because Clara always says, "Mama" in a totally normal voice, no theatrics involved, but almost ALWAYS says, "Papa" in this secretive almost mischievous whisper. I think she feels like he is the fun one and I'm just boring old mom! Ha!
Anyway, sorry about Oscar's insufferable whining in the video. Sometimes it feels like we have two toddlers.

whisper

Somebody please tell me what this girl is saying! I actually think she is just showing off.

pete's entry

Clara walking to Horowitz in Moscow.  Such a treat to watch her skills improve every day.  A nice break from studying as well :)

Walking... for real

So. Clara really began walking on Thanksgiving Day.  Peter and I were both Thankful for that as it was so much fun to see how proud she was of that.  We think that a lot of the joy in parenthood is to be able to witness the sincere pride in our daughter's little accomplishments...such as walking.

Enjoy.

The Santa Claus Dilemma

In his book, "Dress Your Family in Corduroy & Denim" David Sedaris does an excellent job of articulating the strange and hilarious, yet important and meaningful ideas surrounding the notion of Santa Claus.  In one particular story he tells, he is in a taxi cab in Europe and has a discussion with the driver about how different cultures view Santa.  It is laugh out loud funny as he illustrates how attached we are to our own traditions and views of Santa and how utterly rediculous other depictions of the "Santa Story" seem to us Americans.  

In my work here at the hospital as a Music Therapist, I find myself in a myriad of situations and discussions with patients about all sorts of things you would never believe.  Each Friday afternoon I facilitate a support group in the Psychiatric unit, which is usually both a joy and a real trip.  I learn so much from these patients- they will never know!  Anyway- somehow we got to talking about trust and the holidays this past Friday and then people started talking about how they each "found out" about Santa.  It was fascinating to hear their stories.  

It also happened that later that night, Peter and I took Clara to see the "real"?? Santa Claus for her first time downtown.  I guess it seems like the thing to do to take your child to see Santa.  Am I depriving her of this meaningful experience if I don't?  Is this really for her or for me??  

My parents did a great job of dealing with the whole "Santa Dilemma" when we were growing up. They always told us the story of the historical figure and how he is still honored by people dressing up like him, and he reminds us to be kind and generous.  As a child this started to annoy me!  I felt like I was getting jip'd.  Why on earth couldn't they just humor me?  If you talk to my mother she will tell you the story about the time she was honestly and thoughtfully trying to explain the real meaning of Santa to me, and I precociously replied, "Mommy- you can believe what you believe and I can believe what I believe!"  

After listening to several stories of my patients telling me of finding out about Santa and how it made them feel, I began to realize that maybe my mom & dad had the right idea. 

Why do I feel this need to take my child to see Santa?  C'mon it's fun, right?  But then again, is their something kind of creepy to forcing your little girl to sit on some strange old man's lap?!

Yikes!

For now, I am glad that I have some time before I have to answer Clara's more challenging questions.  I have plenty of time to decide how to handle our own "Santa Dilemma."  Maybe it's harmless, maybe not.  I have absolutely no idea.  For now, I am just happy to share these photos of Miss Clara's first experience with St. Nick himself!  We ended up having a mostly good time.  She was more interested in smiling at him from behind Peter's leg, and was fine with hi-fiving him, but when we put her on his lap, she looked like we had just sold her into slavery!  I immediately removed her and felt kind of bad.  That is why the picture is kind of blurry.  However, she quickly recovered and we had a great time the rest of the night.  

Will we do the same thing next year?  Not sure and glad I have a year to decide!  

Bring it on!!!

I am seriously totally and completely nuts-o excited about Christmas this year.  I love the cold weather and snow because it gives us all an excuse to be cozy at home and make lots of yummy food!  What could possibly be better?

We got our Christmas tree together the first weekend in December and decorated the house.  

It was striking to watch Clara's eyes as the tree, lights, stockings and other decorations materialized in our house.  She just stands in front of the tree and waves her arms like she's conducting!  It's so funny to me that this is how she expresses her excitement for Christmas time!

It's better that she do that than trying to destroy the tree & ornaments which I was really worried about.  

I know Clara was around last Christmas, but she is able to notice so much more and participate in things with us now than she was last year.  It feels like her first Christmas in so many ways.

Thanksgiving!!!

We had a great time celebrating Thanksgiving with our good friends a few weeks ago.  Alex & Carrie Luttrell hosted several of our friends and various family members.  It feels good to know that we truly have a "Colorado Family" here.  My dad came out for a visit and was delighted by all of Miss CJ's tricks which now include walking EVERYWHERE, saying "bye bye" 2 million times a day and laughing hysterically at Oscar when he bounces around like a nut!  

We brought the famous Thanksgiving crescent rolls that Peter's mother makes every holiday, as well as my apple sage sausage stuffing.... so yummy! 

It was a wonderful time- all the adults (wow, are we actually adults now!?) got to relax and talk as we watched our growing kiddos run around together.  

It feels like society, especially during a recession can really make people (okay ME) yearn for what I don't have.  I focus a lot on thinking about if I could just have this or that... fill in the blank, then life would be easier.  

Thanksgiving is a welcome break from that pattern of thinking for me, and for all of us.  I am grateful for a day that reminds us of the necessity to celebrate all we do have, rather than dream away about what we don't.  

It is a nice way of leading into the Christmas season, which sometimes can cause people to think about all that is missing in their lives- like a bigger paycheck, or bigger house, different job or that iphone! 

My hope for this season is to carry with me the spirit of gratitude that we celebrate during Thanksgiving.