Christmas is Coming!

They don't know exactly what it is, but they know it's good and it is happening soon. The older boys keep questioning - "Christmas is coming?" I know they sense the excitement and keep talking about Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, gingerbread and more! Grammy helped us decorate the tree last weekend and they still point out the lights every time we turn it on. Owen's new favorite word is "yite," which he happily screams during our pre-sunrise commute as we pass by homes and businesses with holiday lights. Sam and Charlie have been coloring (they are getting so much better) candy canes and reindeer and pushing all the noise-making ornaments at relatives' homes. We are trying to keep the gift giving to a minimum, since they still get over-stimulated with too much stuff, but no doubt they will be showered with love this holiday season. Everyone is doing great! Sleeping and eating well, and adjusting better than expected to the new daily routine. We made it through my first three weeks back to school, juggling schedules- babysitters, preschool, Grammy, daycare and Daddy's afternoons - as well as chores, driving, shopping, working and, oh yeah, giving each boy the time and attention they crave and deserve! I am a bit sleep-deprived (so is Eric), but other than that happy! I have two weeks school vacation, then back to class. I am having a great time at work; we have a good group this year - curious and mostly kind - I see 85 6th graders for social studies everyday. Eric is busy at work, but building in Maine has slowed down considerably, like everywhere else in the U.S. He spends two afternoons a week at home, starting at noon with the preschool pick-up. Owen has been going to daycare 2-3 days a week and is thriving there. He is socializing well, very physically active (8-10 boys in the program) and is now becoming upset because he doesn't want to leave when I come to pick him up (to be fair, no one can compete with an indoor, elevated sand table). I guess that's all for now, off to bed and can't wait to sleep in! Hopefully...