The Real Update

This Saturday we had our annual Christmas party with some of our local friends. There were quite a few that couldn't make it due to schedule conflicts or sick kids, or me completely forgetting to get them the information on time (SORRY!!!!). We still had a fun time with those that could come. I want to apologize right now, however, for the pictures. I am not a photographer by any stretch, and Saturday seemed to be even worse than normal - but at least these are small pictures, so that hides some of it! Those of you that I missed getting pictures of, you will probably be glad after you see these :) :)

Titus helping me sweep the floor...Brittany, Olivia, and Titus


Mary Sue and Jen...Stephen sitting on Titus' horse


Dena and Kristen...Chris and Leslie (Olivia and Brittany are their girls)


Dillon...Julie and Dave


Angela and Jeremy...Will and Jackie (she's due in March)

As for other news, Stephen has been sick with the stomach flu...so far no one else has gotten it...I have no idea how he is doing today, but I don't dare call in case he is still sleeping. I have stayed far away because stomach flu is probably something I dread more than anything else on this earth...

Titus is learning to talk in sentences quite a bit now, which is really cute. It is interesting how I take our language for granted...I have learned so much and have a new appreciation. Like right now Titus is trying to figure out pronouns. I have no idea how to teach him when to use "we", "you", "me" or "I". I know when to use them, but how do you explain that to a 2 and a half year old? He is getting there slowly, but normally just reverts back to "Titus hungry" instead of "I am hungry". Speaking of which, we have been excited by a new breakthrough...force feeding! Normally this would be a frustrating thing for a parent, but for us - a miracle. Whether it is a swat on the bottom or a time out if he refuses to eat, he now eats when he knows we are serious. It has only really started working recently, now that he really understands almost everything we are saying. I get joy out of making him eat peas or anything else we put on his plate - am I twisted or what?? I am hoping his iron counts are up when we go back in January, even though he still is not taking the drops. He at least is finally eating the gummy vitamins (we call them candy so he thinks he is getting a treat :)) we bought for him a while back. So, we are making progress!! Even though he is ornery, we love him tons and it has been more fun with him now that he is older and we are able to rationalize with him. He still has to take everything to the limit, but we are trying very hard to hold the line. It seems like there are less fits because he understands what we are saying. And now he understands that if he throws a fit when we tell him no, he gets a timeout...so that helps too. It has been easier to parent lately than it was even 6 months ago. Whew!

Damaris has been battling a cold...but slowly getting better. You would never even know she was sick. She has become quite the chatterbox lately, which is so cute. Stephen says he is counting "dah-dah" as her first word...even though I insist in order for it to count, she has to know what she is saying :) It still is sweet to hear her really jabber, and not just make "baby sounds". She is sitting up really well on her own, which is nice. She does better on her belly too, so maybe she will try to start crawling??? She still spits up a ton, which is frustrating, especially now that she is eating all kinds of baby food. I don't remember Titus spitting up this long...but maybe I am trying to forget how bad it was?? She really is a joy, though. She is such a happy, content baby, and probably my favorite part of the day during the week is when I pick the kids up from childcare and Damaris catches her first glimpse of me. She starts shrieking and laughing and going crazy...it is just too cute, and warms my heart to know that she missed me and is happy to see me. Titus has always been a daddy's boy, so I guess it is my turn :) :)

I am doing OK...I am tired - probably from trying to stay healthy and still take care of everything and everyone else. Work goes from really stressful to a quiet lull. Not sure what is worse. :) I had an amazing weekend with the kids...just playing together and having fun. I really felt like Titus and I finally connected (daddy's boy, remember?). I am really looking forward to spending time with the kids and Stephen for Christmas. It will be so nice to stay at home and have a special time together as we are trying to create our own family traditions.

Have a great weekend!