Happy Holidays

Ah, the holidays. A time to celebrate our faith, our sense of giving and our family. What a perfect time to begin potty training. And Kelsey has not disappointed. Her first day sans diapers and running around the house just bare bottomed resulted in no accidents, and poop and pee in potties and toilets. Hoorah! Today, day two, not as good. I was sitting with Addison, reading a book, when a somewhat red-faced Kelsey came up to us and said "poop." "In the toilet!" I exclaimed. Unfortunately, Kelsey was making a statement, not a request. As I picked her up, two stinky chunks dropped to the floor. She did manage to get a third piece in the toilet along with wee-wee. Yes, it could have been worse. Later, I was reading to all three girls with Kelsey on my lap, when I suddenly felt the dreaded warm, wet sensation on my crossed legs. Ugh! I rushed Kelsey to the bathroom where she put more wee-wee in the toilet. Yes, it could have been worse. After these two incidents Kelsey did much better and went to the potty on her own to pee two more times today.

Life the past two months has been a bit of a whirlwind. We visited the Meyers in Maryland for Thanksgiving. We met Mike's grandnephew and ate lots of good food. Mike and I also ran in a 5 mile turkey trot. We finished in just over 43 minutes which was significantly better than we expected.

Addison and Lily had their Christmas production at school December 15. The next day we drove to Geogia to spend a week with the Sheppards. Kathleen and her family and Billy and his family joined us for a couple of days. The older cousins provided great entertainment for our three children. We experienced riding the Pink Pig with Coleman. And spent an afternoon and evening with the Kaplans. We also were able to spend a quick visit with the Best Burgers in Town in Charlotte, NC.

We arrived back in Athens late Christmas Eve eve. Fortunately much of our Christmas preparations we completed before we left for Georgia, so we didn't have to stay up all night Christmas Eve. Christmas morning was quite fun. Addison and Lily definitely have the hang of opening presents. Addison received her beautiful Belle ball dress which she wore all day long. Lily received her new blocks (legos)...and more new blocks and more new blocks. In fact there were enough new blocks that Addison and Kelsey were also allowed to build things with them. After all of the presents were opened, Addison and Lily actually enjoyed playing with them. After the Belle dress and blocks, the favorite toys for all of the girls are the new play castles and princes and princesses and horses and carriages. Kelsey received new toys as well, just like Santa promised.

Once again we realize that we are very blessed and fortunate to have our family, friends and health. Hopefully after a few more days of potty training I will still feel blessed.