Decorating the Tree

We had a really good Thanksgiving weekend. We shared a feast with friends, enjoyed every minute of Grandma & Grandpa Ruoss's visit, put up some Christmas decorations, and worked on a gingerbread house project.

While it was all EXTREMELY pleasant, and totally enjoyable, I felt distracted, and not wholly able to focus on each beautiful moment as much as I would have hoped. ((This, I hope will improve as the girls get bigger.))

I didn't take any pictures except for these tree trimming ones.

 It was a magical experience for both Liv and Camila, but especially Liv as she helped unpack and discover each ornament, and then hang it on the tree. (this back corner of the tree ended up with a dozen candy canes hanging in a 1-foot x 1-foot area)

Camila is, of course, in love with the tree and all the lights, and pretty shiny bells in her living room.

First Steps!

Camila has taken her first solo steps!!
Two days ago she took four steps several times!! And yesterday, she did it again.

I have yet to catch it on video but I'll keep trying! 

Letter to Santa

We were at the toy store yesterday, and Liv found a game that she liked. I suggested that she put it in her letter to Santa, and ask for it for Christmas. She looked at me like I was a complete idiot (I suppose I had better get used to that), and told me:
"We don't have to ask Santa; they have it right here at the store!  See?!"

Liv's Art

Livvie got an early Christmas present from Grandma Maryalice. Paints and Brushes! How exciting! 

I let her choose 2 colors to work with. 

Warming up:

Really getting into it! 

Fresh Start

Finishing touches

Liv's also been practicing with scissors. Sometimes mommy even lets her glue. 

She made this terrific green train with 2 pink birds. (I helped a little with coaching like: "would you like to put wheels on your train?") And then I asked if she's like to "sign" it. I fully expected an "O" for Olivia, but not much more. next thing I know she's writing the "L" and the "I" - she asked for help with the "V" and needed help with with rest. But, whoa! I was so surprised and impressed!

here's a "garden" 

- we did rubber stamping, then cut out the flowers, and stuck them on a green sheet.

here's the back of the garden, more flowers and some frogs and butterflies, too.

more cutting and gluing.

and one of my favorites:

"Mama and the Whole World"

Story Time at the Library

We always have a good time at Story Time.

...and we love playing with the rhythm sticks!

Playground Meetup

 Our Friday took a surprise turn that had us home all day. 

Happily, we weren't the only ones and we met up with a bunch of our friends at the park!

 Liv and Klaudia sharing raisins.

(Liv wasn't sure she wanted to at first, but she graciously did, with everyone!)

Pretty mommy & daughter!

Another pretty mommy!

Sweet Lilian

Klaudia exploring with Liv's new magnifying glass

Getting bigger & bigger! 

Our little Camila Luna

Hot, sweaty, and looking a little like one of Dr. Suess's  Whos

... no wonder I'm getting "The Look"

Heads Up

Camila is going to take her first solo steps any minute now...

She can stand up unassisted by props or people and will play standing for extended seconds. She is walking around holding on to furniture (just a little) and from prop to prop (rarely). And walking holding just one of my hands (she prefers two). And I've caught her a few times walking & pushing Liv's baby-doll stroller!!!

I have yet to get any of this on film. But I'm trying to always have the Flip or my camera with me or close by and will hopefully catch her first steps to share with you.

thanks for visiting!
~emily.