Gus Gus

We got to babysit my sister in law's puppy for a few days and I couldn't stop taking pictures!! He is so cute and lovey. He's an English Bulldog puppy. Too bad we couldn't keep him because Elliott is so ready for a dog- the perfect age. We learned a couple of things through the process though.... having a baby and a puppy at the same time is insane- I didn't get one thing done! And Ollie might be allergic. So sad for him- maybe he'll grow out of it?

The Lights

I love that in Utah, you can just say, "We're going to see the lights." and people know what you're talking about. I love Temple Square at Christmastime! Last night the weather was nice, the sights were amazing, and the cocoa was hot.

The 16 and ups (and me.)

My favorite red tree. I love to stare at it every year.

The funny thing about babies

Disclaimer: Scent & Smell= a good thing in this post.

As I nursed the baby the other night I started thinking. I love the baby smell (who doesn't?) but it seems like I can only smell him really well for a little while after his bath. That baby lotion, his freshly shampooed hair, after that- it seems to fade. You can find me (and Adam) smelling him a lot after his baths.

Anyway, there I sat in the quiet stillness of the night thinking. As I had lifted Lincoln out of his crib I could smell the scent of my mom, who had put him to bed that night while I went to dinner with adults only. (Man I needed that.) As I rubbed his little back, bum, his little legs (oh those chunky thighs!) and his wispy baby hair I realized that maybe I can't smell him, because I hold him all day and he starts to smell like me. Like his momma. I know the second Adam comes home to scoop him out of my arms, he kisses and talks to him, and by the time I get him back he already smells like his daddy. And I've seen it happen with my sisters and Adam's family too. When it's Lincoln's bath time again, even Ollie tells me- "We've got to wash off all those kisses, huh Mommy?"


Seems like the only time I can think without interruptions is in the quiet of the night feeding Linc. Maybe that's why I can't seem to let him cry it out. And maybe I'm just rationalizing. But those tender feelings are one of my favorite parts of my babies' lives, and soon they won't need me at night anymore. I'm always a little peeved when I'm ripped from my precious sleep with cries, and then picking up that little babe in his fuzzy pajamas- it's like you can't be mad. And you just love. Maybe it's because he eats and goes right back to sleep. They're a funny thing those babies.

Novelty

The other day my Mom came to talk to Elliott's kindergarten class about Christmas in Finland. I should have taken a picture as she showed the map of Finland in relation to where we live and the Finnish textiles and candles. She told about how Santa comes to everyone's house on Christmas Eve and knocks on the door to give everyone their presents. Back in the day, they would hang real candles on the tree, watch them for a while and then blow them out. It was so fun to watch her tell about how she cross-country skied to school in her dress and thick stockings and held up a pair of skis that I used when I was little and now Elliott uses. Elliott sat proudly in front of his class next to Grandma and held up pictures for the kids to see and passed out Finnish candies- Panda licorice and Mariannes (the only thing I could find on short notice.)

Yep- I should have taken a picture of that sweet presentation, but instead I kept Baby Lincoln busy so he wouldn't squeal, and tried to whisper to Ollie that he couldn't have a candy quite yet, when he asked over and over. But before we left for the school, Ollie made us pose for a picture. I laughed so hard when I saw it later. Baby Linc is completely intrigued with my Mom's Christmas sweater. She is the reigning queen of novelty sweaters- no matter what holiday. (And socks.) I don't know anyone else who can pull it off like her. It just fits her. And I bet a few kindergartners zoned into the Christmas shirt as well...

Adventures in Snow

We got dumped on this weekend in our little neighborhood. It always seems to be more snowy here than other places in our state, but it might have something to do with the lack of city plowing and skinny streets.

Mr. Elliott checking out the night's snowfall.

What do parents do to keep their kids busy in the snow? I give mine big bowls and spoons.

Elliott's snowman.

And of course, colored snow.

Nerd Alert

If you're looking for a gift to give that guy who has everything- this is it. Adam is so happy to shovel these days with the "WOVEL" (it's really called that.) "But Sini" he says "It's amazing! You've got to try it. The leverage is great!" But I already know because I've used it a couple of times... So my solution is that everyone (especially on our street) should get one, and then we won't look like a couple of dorks.

P.S. It really does work good.

A Tale of Two Trees (A Photo Essay)

(Cool picture above taken by Elliott)