Spoiled

For starters...I haven't experienced a day this cold in such a long time. It is so bitter and blustery outside and the outdoors is quickly looking like a frozen tundra. It is great for bringing out the Christmas spirit but it needs to be done after that. I find myself wanted to become a shut-in. Staying in my sweatpants and sweatshirts all day and eating comfort food. Unfortunately life must go on...even in the cold. Every year our Church puts on a Christmas program Some years we have several performances on a weekend...this year it is two performances...one last Monday at the homeless shelter and the other at church on Christmas Eve. I have a small narration part this year and was completely touched by our performance at the homeless shelter. When you see whole families, down on their luck, around the holidays....it just breaks your heart. On top of that...we have this extreme weather and you know that those people have limited options. We are struggling to find a house that we like and that is in our price range...but at least we have family to support us and shelter us when we need it. I can't imagine what day to day life must be like for these people. I almost felt sick to my stomach when I came home to a warm house, with a lit Christmas tree...lined with gifts that are waiting to be opened. You can't dwell on it....I think you just have to give where and when you can. A couple days later Brian and I had the opportunity to deliver gifts to a needy family. This year his union sponsored a family and everyone chipped in to get gifts that they wanted and needed. I was overwhelmed by the amount of gifts we all came up with...they barely fit in the family's tiny apartment. The kids were so excited and I can't imagine what it will be like in their house Christmas morning. It is truly better to give than receive.

Growing up Charlie

Charlie is in one of those amazing times of development. He goes through what seems like a lull in his milestones and then it is as if all the sudden they all come out. I walked into his room, to see if he was asleep yet, and found him standing up in his crib. AHH! Panic and Pride hit you all at once! He was grinning from ear to ear and we immediately lowered his mattress to the bottom level. Now it seems he is pulling himself up on everything he can find...couches...chairs...my pant legs. Another characteristic he is developing is his free will. He will clearly tell you if he does or doesn't want his binky or bottle. He also has found out that he is not allowed to have everything within his reach...when it is taken away..look out...he knows how to pitch a little fit. If anyone says that it is a learned behavior...I would like to talk to them. He is almost nine months old and has no way of learning that. With all of these things comes new challenges as a parent...but it is soooo exciting to see his personality come through as he plays alone and eats new foods and feeds himself. My heart just melts.