Easy Riders

Lots of traffic in the bonus room this afternoon.

Climb Every Mountain

Graham was proud of himself, and deservedly so, for being brave and trying the rock climbing wall at the Chick Fil-A holiday party. We were impressed and proud of his effort.

Where's Aubrey?

Someone is very fond of playing peek-a-boo these days. So cute!

Morning Snuggles

Morning snuggles with this little guy: my happy place. (His sister was still asleep, but for the record, I love morning snuggles with her as well.)

Getting to Know Aubrey

Aubrey and I ventured down to the kitchen and enjoyed some quiet time  together before anyone else was awake on Friday morning. I had coffee, she had cereal. She "helped" me with the dishes afterward. It sounds fairly ordinary. It was special to me.

Aubrey and I haven't had nearly enough time together during her first year. Our lives have revolved around her feeding schedule, which typically means Erica takes care of her while I spend time with Graham. Our days have started and ended that way. It's made for a wonderful bond with my son; however, it's also left me feeling like I hardly know my daughter. That's why the simple act of starting our day together meant so much to me. 

Later that day, I pushed Aubrey in a swing in the middle of a park in Blowing Rock. Performers sang Christmas carols nearby as part of the town's holiday celebration. Graham was with Erica enjoying another turn in the bounce house. I had been with him on a previous trip there; now it was Erica's chance to share in his joy. Having found myself alone with Aubrey again, I soaked in her joy and felt tremendous gratitude for the moment. 

Given the freedom of Aubrey weaning, we're less restricted in our parenting roles. For me, it feels like we're finally a complete family unit rather than separate parts operating in the same parallel space.

I can't remember if those carolers were singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." It sure felt that way.

 

Back from the Mountains

Pulled into the driveway with two sleeping kids in the back of the car. Cut the Christmas tree off the top of the car and carried it around to the back porch. Put the tree in a bucket of water just like dad always does. Carried one of the sleeping kids up to bed while Erica took the other. Finished our trip feeling very much like a dad, doing dad things. Went to bed happy about that fact.

Snug as a Bug

Seeing Graham and Erica curled up together on the bed as I left for work earlier this week reminded me of all those occasions they did the same thing when Graham was a baby. There was a lot more room on the bed back then.

That same evening Graham stole some more snuggles with Mommy before heading to his own bed for the night. Graham surely inherited his mother's love of snuggling.