I was in a minor car accident - which was technically my fault, but I maintain the other lady was a maniac - so our van was in the shop for TWO WEEKS right before Christmas. Mostly we didn't go anywhere, since our area doesn't really have sidewalks, but a few times I'd run an errand after Eldon got home from work. One time I didn't have Brooke's car seat with me, so I let her ride in Eve's booster. She's almost one year old ... no biggie, right? I took this picture because she LOVED it so much. Brooke sat there like a little crime boss, holding her armrests and watching everything around us. Sorry, baby girl ... I know you don't have a bow and you're wearing a boy outfit. That hardly ever happens. :) I can't wait for her to be front-facing. It's so nice to look behind me and actually see her.
Right after Christmas we drove over to spend a few days with my brother Bryce's family. We were there for Noelle's birthday, so we brought her presents with us and had a party. Which I didn't take pictures of. It's a rough time of year to have a birthday, but one of the perks is that we are usually around cousins or grandparents, and that makes the day so much more fun. I'd asked her what she wanted for a gift and she told me she wanted a new baby doll. A boy one. Boy dolls are surprisingly difficult to find in the style she was hoping for, so I just bought two girls and made some boy clothes. She was so happy, and hasn't put them down. That's what it's all about. :)
I'll get better at masculine clothes. I realize using blue yarn doesn't hide the feminine style. :) I sewed a darling little boy romper and then ruined it during the very last step. I was putting elastic in the leg casings and got my safety pin lodged in there in a way I can't even describe. I had to hide the evidence from Noelle so she wouldn't be too disappointed that the fabric she picked was a gonner. I'll try again when school starts.
Being with Bryce and Haley and their kids was so fun. Well worth the nasty colds Eldon and I caught from Bryce. :) The girls can't stop talking about their cousins and how much fun they all had together. There was minimal fighting, tons of laughter, and only a handful of injuries. That's a win. Haley is the most kind, gracious hostess there has every been. I didn't feel like I bothered her for even one second. That is a gift. I could kiss Bryce's feet for bringing her into my life.
Everett loves Brooke. He doted on her. He wanted to hold her all the time. He cooed at her and brought her toys and did everything he could think of to make her happy. I wanted to take him home with us. :) Those kids are the sweetest. I don't have a picture of Malcolm, which breaks my heart, but we love him too. And Ginny was my little buddy. Her voice is so cute, she could be in an animated film. I picture her character fluffy and purple. I don't know why.
We love you, girlies! Can't wait for another year of being your mom. :)
P.S. We made some family goals this afternoon. Among other things, Chiara is going to read 10 books that Eldon picks for her, in addition to her normal reading. Her reward will be a toy of some kind. Noelle is going to use her words to talk about her feelings and read one book by the end of the year. Her reward will be ice cream. Eve is going to try so hard to go potty in the big girl potty. Her reward, and I'm not making this up, will be chocolate chips. As a family we are going to focus on being kind, cheerful, and serving others. I'm going to do consistent journaling and finally lose my accumulated (ahem) baby weight. I'm not sure what Eldon will decide on, but I'm sure he will do great at it. I love new years!
