baby blessings

A baby blessing is such a sweet way for a father to publicly announce the name of a child and confer upon him all the blessings and hopes he has. Mike decided to bless them on separate, consecutive Sundays so that he could focus on each one individually. His words for them were beautiful and unique and powerful. My brother happened to be in town for Benjamin's blessing and was able to join the prayer circle, which was also a special moment.

Mom gave us the most beautiful kimono for the boys to wear - white with dark blue at the edges, embroidered with an eagle. Benjamin's had a bamboo motif, Corrigan's a pine. 

The bamboo (take) is a symbol for longevity because of its durability, strength, flexibility, resilience and longevity. It flourishes in harsh conditions. Its deep root denotes resoluteness; its tall, straight stem represents honor; its hollow interior modesty and its clean and spartan exterior exemplify chastity. 

The pine (matsu) is prized for its practical uses and attractive appearance and represents eternal life, suggesting tranquillity, faithfulness, and integrity.  The pine is masculine, bold, vital. 

Appropriate for our sweet, strong boys, no?

say uncle!

Over the holidays we were lucky to have a visit from my brother and his girlfriend, Sandra. Things are always cheerful with goofy Uncle Chris around - Maya was in heaven. I think Chris is her "uncle crush." Every girl has an "uncle crush" at some point, right? (When I was six years old I thought my Uncle Bruce was so handsome and funny!) We all enjoyed getting to know Sandra, who is quiet and sincere and sweet; Maya adored her, too. In addition to Baba, we had quite a merry household for Christmas!

on a christmas morning

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect morning. At one point Mayumi woke up at 4am and wanted to know if Santa had come yet, but then she went right back to sleep. When she finally did wake up, she was very patient about waiting until everyone was awake and together before exploring the contents of her stockings. She discovered an orange, a card game (Spot It), and a mini book (Ollie's Ski Trip by Elsa Beskow). 

After cinnamon cream cheese french toast casserole for breakfast, we had our little gift exchange. There were many thank yous followed by some music-making and relaxing and feasting. Quite the perfect way to spend this special day.

making christmas

All these happy preparations for and celebrations of Christmas have kept us feeling festive and spirited. What a happy time it has been!

Maya and Zack work on a gingerbread house (don't judge me: it is a kit from Trader Joes and it is probably two years old - the result of good intentions the past few years that never got accomplished until now. Now worries- Maya refrained from actually eating any of the outdated product. It was purely a building venture!)

Exchanging gifts with her friend, Quinn Weaver.

Giving some love to Benjamin, who gives us such charming smiles nowadays!

Showing off some poinsettia face art while helping with some holiday baking.

Wearing a fancy dress while checking out the life-sized nativity display at the temple.

Maya's dear friend, Zoe, holding Benjamin during a tea party play date.

Sweet Corrigan showing where his loyalties lay.

Mayumi helping Dad make Polish pierogis, a Qualter family tradition at Christmas!

Playing Qwirkle with Dad

Thank goodness for Skype! There has been frequent gathering 'round the computer to talk to Em, Annie and Dad who are all so far away...

We opened some gifts with Chris and Sandra a little early before they left for Virginia Beach to visit Sandra's brother who is on leave from the Navy. 

Corrigan, dapper in his little vest with his long arms and big blue eyes. We can't get enough of these little men!

Benjamin, sporting one of his sweet smiles and trying to be happy despite stubborn congestion that makes it hard for him to breathe. But how could you not smile when you are laying on a Nancy Ricks homemade quilt!? I can't help but be incredibly flattered and honored that she made us one for each boy - they are gorgeous.

Our designer snowflake windows.

The amount of gifts under the tree is a little embarrassing... but to be fair, there are more of us in the house this year so it will spread around.

Oh yes, it did snow... for about 3 minutes. But we'll take what we can get.

On Christmas eve we were lucky to have Colleen and MJ and their little girl, Siobhan, come over for dinner.

MJ was such a clown and we all loved him.

Our friends Darrin, MaryJoy and their little girl, Sarah, were also present. 

Mike made an amazing Shepherd's dinner on Christmas Eve, which included shepherd's pie, tabbouleh, hummus and pita bread. This dinner has become a tradition now in our home as a way to remember those humble men who were among the first to visit the baby Jesus. 
Thanks to the presence of family, good friends, and lots of good food, December has been full of such warm and happy memories!

a visitor

Since she lives in Japan now, we don't get to see Baba very often. But with the birth of these wonderful little boys (mine and Auntie Em's) she made a special trip to meet them and help out for a while. And it truly has been incredibly helpful - I can't imagine what we'll do when she leaves in a few weeks! 

Not only is the extra pair of loving arms helpful, but having her company and presence has made this Christmas season even more wonderful. We were able to attend a children's strings concert at the Washington temple visitors' center - Maya is even more determined now to start learning the violin!

All the little activities around our home are a little easier and more fun when she is around. 

We were happy we were able to have both Baba and Chris (and his girlfriend, Sandra) here for the blessing of Benjamin this past Sunday. Baba bought the most beautiful Japanese kimono for the boys to wear for the special occasion. I think a Father's Blessing is such a sweet way for Mike to be able to be involved in the babies' life and to formally share his hopes and dreams for his children. He decided to bless each boy separately, on different Sundays, in order to focus and give them each the individual attention they deserve.

Oh, it truly will be a difficult adjustment when she leaves!