Christmas cards

Hi Friends!

Anyone still read this blog? Or blogs in general? I've been a poor poster. Maybe I'll resolve to do better in 2013.

Do you like receiving Christmas cards in the mail? I have some cards that don't have homes; email me your address (or, if you're comfortable, leave it in the comments, and I'll delete it when I get it) and you can see what the Ricker family has been up to in 2012. And get some obligatory cute pictures of Henry.

Love to all,

Sarah

Family Home Evening

The rain kept us from waking to our treat, but we enjoyed sharing it just the same.

When Henry feeds himself

But the bowl is licked clean.

Happy day

Congratulations to the happy, beautiful couple.

Happy birthday!

My dear Henry, Happy birthday, my dear sweet boy. All weekend and week long I've been thinking "a year ago today" thoughts. Yesterday you and I looked at the pictures from the first few days and months of your life.

You've made our lives so sweet with your loving, adventurous spirit. You're fearless, favoring going down the slide headfirst. You're loving, snuggling babies and animals and your mama and daddy. You're friendly, loving making friends and waving at people. You're adventurous, exploring the house as much as we let you, including the (not on) oven.

I wish I was the kind of mom to have written you regular, newsy letters with all of the little things you've learned and done. You'll have to be content with the snuggling, cuddling, reading, laughing mama you have. I love you, my sweet child.

Mama

A budding pianist

He's having so much fun.

Our piano

For the past several years, I've been  watching Craigslist for a piano. Monday, the perfect piano showed up at a great price, and it was delivered today. It's beautiful, and just what I wanted.

Eleven months

Earlier this week, I knew Henry's eleven-month marker was coming, but today came and went without me remembering until after he was in bed. So although I've taken pictures and videos of him this week, I didn't take any today, and the pictures and videos I have taken are on my phone, on my night stand, and I know if I get up to get it, I'll be tired and just want to go to bed without blogging. So tonight's picture is courtesy of the web cam we have in Henry's room, and you can see my darling not-so-little boy at rest.

He's growing so quickly and learning so much, although he still won't perform on command. When he wants to, he can tell you a cow says "mmmmm"; stretch his hands above his head; ask for "ohs", milk, more, or all done; stack the rings on the ring stacker; climb the stairs; open the cupboards and get into nearly every drawer in the house; open doors; and give slobbery, open mouth "kisses."

Tonight, when he heard the garage door open, he turned and crawled to meet Clint. And later, after dinner, watching the two of them wash up melted my heart again.