Enjoying the Season

We've had a wonderful, busy past few days. Spending the holidays with our family was wonderful and it was truly special to share Andrew's first Christmas. Here are some pictures from the past few days. As you can see, Lily is in love with her American girl doll and Andrew has been touring around in his new, couppe. The last three images are from the most amazing gifts ever. My mother in law, Ann is an artist and I asked for some paintings this Christmas. She gave us three, gorgeous paintings. The first two are of Father Christmas and each child can have one when they grow up and are on their own. The third picture is for Bill and myself to remember these precious holidays when our children are so young. Aren't they beautiful? It is such a special gift!

Merry Christmas!

I hope this post finds everyone well and fully enjoying the holiday season! We've been having a good time in our household. The shopping is finished, presents are wrapped, baking is done, and dishes are prepped for tomorrow's big meal. We are currently enjoying our holiday favorite movies. (The Polar Express for Lily and A Christmas Carol for me)

Lily is beside herself with excitement. Her heart is so set on a curly haired, American Girl doll. She keeps asking me repeatedly if I think Santa will bring it for her and I'm confident he will. Andrew is keeping us busy and entertained. He's getting into that "performer" stage where they realize cute things get you a lot of attention. I'm not sure he'll enjoy the hub-bub of the presents tomorrow, but I know he'll thrive on all the attention he'll be sure to receive.

I find myself busier than ever this holiday season. The reality is that two kids is more than double the work. Yet, I'm also more than doubly gratefull for all the blessings I have in my life. In this economy, I feel that Bill and I are fortunate with our job security. We have such great family and friends in our lives. Of course it goes without saying, we feel so lucky to have our two, amazing, energetic, funny and endearing children. Last year, we had no idea if we were going to get the opportuniy to adopt again. This year, we have the joy of Andrew's first Christmas. I've got so many friends waiting to adopt from China and Taiwan. Many are finding this Christmas to be rough as they face another year without their children. I want them all to know, hang in there. Dreams really do come true.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas from the Cole Elves!

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Countdown to Christmas

Wow! Time is flying by fast and Christmas will be here in a blink of an eye. I'm doing well on my holiday "to-do" list as I have my shopping, decorating and cards done. I'm behind on my wrapping, but I hope I can get caught up this weekend so that I can enjoy the baking and other last minute activities.

Lily and I are wrapping up our school activities and getting ready for our break. Last night, we attended her preschool Christmas progam and it was adorable. Her school is so well run and they had the perfect program. Of course, I loved it when Lily and her class sang a funny Christmas song about "Old St. Nicholas had a tree. Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!" to the tune of Old MacDonald. Lily put some extra gusto into the ho, ho, ho's! It was also great to see her socializing during the snack and craft times. I can't believe that I was so worried about her starting school in September and in about 6 weeks she became this confident, social, interactive little preschooler!

Andrew is doing really well. Amazingly, he's left our Christmas decorations well enough alone. Currently, he's very happy, chatty and mobile! He's also really developing a playfull side that charms his family. He's given us the best Christmas present ever by totally sleeping through the night! He's always been a decent sleeper, but still needed the ocassional comforting/pacifer plug in. Since I went back to work, he's learned the ability to put himself back to sleep. Bill did a great job in teaching him that....apparently, I was Mommying him a bit too much :) Now, he's making it for 11-12 hour stretches at night without a peep and we are loving the uninterupted sleep!

I hope this message finds everyone well and enjoying the holiday season!

Magical visit with Santa!

We had a great time visiting with Santa tonight. Everything went so smoothly. From the great parking spot to the no waiting to see Santa. I couldn't ask for more. I had no expectations for Andrew to sit on Santa's lap. After all, you can't blame a child for not feeling comfortable for sitting on a stranger's lap. It took Lily 2 years to work up her courage. I was thrilled when both kids went happily and took a great photo. This is the same Santa we've visited the past 3 years and he is really good. He's kind, gentle and a good listner. Since there was no crowd, Lily got to spend an extra few minutes describing her American Girl doll of her dreams. It was a really great night and it definitely had some "Christmas Magic" for us all.

O Christmas Tree.............

I'll happily admit I'm a Christmas Tree Fanatic. To me, there's something so magical abut the lights and ornaments. If I could only have two things during the holiday season, I would chose time with my loved ones and my Christmas tree. Throw in some good Christmas music and some yummy treats and I'm in heaven.

Anyway, we had some serious doubts about the compatibility of a Christmas tree and one adorable, mobile and curious baby. Several people advised us to forgo a Christmas tree this year. The thought of a Christmas without a tree was too depressing to me. As a result, I made it my mission to have one, Andrew-proof tree.
My designs include, large non-breakable ornaments, floral wire to firmly attach ornaments and clear fishing line to tie the tree up. I'm pleased to report so far, so good. (Yet I do realize the season is early :) )

Finally, I must include a short video of the kids at the top of the page. True to many children, my kids found great joy in playing with a box. Here are the two having a great time in the Christmas tree box while we decorated the house.