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There was enough snow earlier in the month to warrant several sled rides (or sleigh rides as Leah would say). She even got pulled by the neighbour’s dog on her sled.

The weather got quite cold (-10) for a few days so we took some snow inside, put it in a baking pan and added some paint. Leah and Joel both enjoyed watching the colours mix while the snow melted.

Leah and my mom built our family our of snowmen. What adorable snowmen. Leah decided she was the snowman that was the same size as her.

Joel is really getting the hang of saying ‘more’ when he wants more to eat. He puts his hands together very enthusiastically when he is really hungry. He is also starting to copy some sounds such as meh, ba and da. I am nursing him 3-4 times a day.

We went to breakfeast with Santa at my mom’s work and had a lot of fun. Even though we don’t “do” Santa at our house (he doesn’t bring presents and we tell Leah he is just for fun). she was still excited to see him, especially once he arrived with Grandpa as his chauffeur. The secretary lent Leah these cool reindeer antlers.

Leah decorated a gingerbread man cookie before getting her face painted. The face painter was pretty quick with amazing detail and even glitter too.

We did our annual visit to St. Mark’s Anglican Church to experience their outdoor nativity. This year, we had a large group of friends come along which added to the enjoyment. Leah liked going right up to each of the displays.

For the first time as a family, we went caroling with some friends. We had a lot of fun sharing Christmas cheer while spending time with some lovely people. Leah loves to sing (and knock on doors before quickly running to join the group in song). Joel stayed warm snuggled up to me and even joined in with his own babble.

Our family all together. I didn’t have a Christmas dress picked out for Leah nor did I have the time to make one so I asked my mom to sew one. She did a great job making a jumper for Leah. When you ask Leah to smile, this is what you get.

So much excitement (as well as disruption of a nap in favour of church on Christmas eve) resulted in this.

On Christmas morning Leah cut off the last link on her Christmas chain before we opened presents. Leah made me a lovely sandwich with her new felt bread, condiments and toppings.

Joel was getting hungry during present opening to out came the cheerios. (I would love a cheerios dispenser in my kitchen right now). Leah loved to cheer on and assist Joel with his presents. He loves his cars and trucks as does his big sister.

Leah and Joel received a crazy amount of gifts. My mom also made Leah some super cute snowflake pajamas.

Joel with his awesome frog toque. We made a little birthday cake and sang happy birthday to Jesus.

Before Christmas though to new year’s we moved and painted Leah’s room and Morgan’s office. Both room look great and everything is almost in place (no pictures on the walls yet). Leah slept in her new bed in her new room for the first time last night.

Joel is learning so much these days. Last Thursday, Joel learned to clap. He was banging blocks together and then I saw him putting his hands together without blocks. On Friday, I took the opportunity to teach him the sign language for more since he already had the hand motions. Now, he understands what it means at meal time and will do the action when I tell him to say more please. On Saturday he waved for the first time.

Leah has also learned how to write out her name without prompts. She surprised me but looking back I think she learned it from writing out her name (tracing dots) for so many Christmas cards.