Christmas Sunday

Here are the kids looking as dapper as ever in the Christmas Sunday outfits. Mercedes wore this dress a lot this past month. I think she and Joshua wore these same outfits last year. Lukey made everyone smile as he walked around in his three piece suit showing off his "handsome" face (which is really a very squished up, silly smile).

He's a funny kid. Although quite stubborn, he is very innovative and funny as well. We rearranged the kids bedroom to block the bunk-bed ladder with Luke's crib, because he had been climbing to the top. When he's on the top he doesn't just sit quietly, he jumps as recklessly as can be and very near the edge. He out-smarted me with my other "blocking the ladder" tactic. I had fastened pillows around the rungs and down the sides thinking he wouldn't be able to climb something that was fluffy. I was wrong. Anyway, we moved the crib to block the ladder, but he has discovered ways to get up regardless. I don't know what to do about it anymore. He also is a pro at climbing out of his crib. The kids even told me that one time he had managed to climb to the top of the crib, stand on top and then jump down into the crib again.

Joshua has grown quite a bit. After only a few attempts, he was able to successfully "snowboard" down our neighbors drive-way using his sled. He loves playing in the snow. I wish I shared his enthusiasm. I don't particularly care for the horrible winter weather we've been having. We were spoiled last year. This year, not so much. Joshua continues to be a great big brother, and is a very responsible kid. Sometimes his line of questioning the world around him can be exhausting, but I'm glad he has such a great brain.

Mercedes did such a great job learning how to stop sucking her thumb (for good this time).  We made her wear a glove for just over a month or so, and we bribed her with a toy of her choosing.  She chose a kitchen set.  We were so proud of her, I know it must have been a difficult thing to accomplish, but she had a great attitude about it.  She likes to sit wherever a parent is so she can snuggle while watching TV or reading a book.  She growls when something frustrates her--a talent she received from me.  She is getting better about not crying all the time (she's a sensitive girl).  We have instituted the bean jar.  She earns beans or can have beans taken away if she misbehaves (IE cries).  She and Joshua are earning a trip to Chuck-e-Cheese with their jars.  She makes me smile with her tender ways and vivacious personality.  She can be so sweet.  She can also be a little obstinate.  But, I can always get her to obey without having to count all of the way to three.  She wants to obey, but she also wants you to know that she's not neccessarily happy about doing so.  She's a sweetie and I love her.  Way to go Mer Mer on not sucking your thumb anymore!