Chanukah:

You might wonder why we would care about and celebrate the holiday of Chanukah as we're not Jewish. SO here's the short version: The God of the Old Testiment never changed through Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. He is still the creator, sustainer and protector of his children (e.g. Adam and Eve, Noah and the Macabees). We celebrate Chanukah because God (Yahweh) performed a miracle there... just like the rest of the OT miracles we learn about and celebrate. The miracle was when the temple was regained by the Jewish people, cleansed of pagan worship (a very vile desecration) and worship resumed there... the place that Yahweh set aside to come meet His people intimately (that's heavy, man.) There was not enough oil to keep the lamps continually burning but by faith they were lit, and they remained lit as the oil did not run out, thus the lighting of the menorah. The festivities of Chanukah may be traditional but the Feast of Dedication IS mentioned in scripture. (John 10:22) We enjoy celebrating Yahweh all through the year because it is our heritage as well.

This is our first Chanukah:

Aunt Connie's Visit:

We had a delightful time hosting Aunt Connie. She was here for a long weekend that was great. We visited the Zoo, ate, visited the zoo again and ate some more! Levi enjoyed playing and reading books and generally entertaining Connie. Here is a smattering of pictures from our time together! (Unfortunately for me, all the good pictures were on Connie's camera! We'll get them soon I hope.)

Baby #2

All is well, #2 is kicking around in there, having a grand ole' time and we're feeling great! I've had mild heartburn, a few leg cramps. but lots of energy as we entered the third trimester! Countdown here we go! (3 months left!!!)

The profile shot at 24 weeks. (I'm about 25 now...)

ABC's

Frist Hair Cut:

I cried for 5 minutes solid.

Background might help... We have had a love-hate relationship with L.'s beautiful curls for a a while now. Steve and I both just couldn't bear the thought of cutting his gorgeous baby hair. It has such a lovely curl to it, so delicate and innocent.. that is until it started to MATTE up. After bathtime was the best, after nighttime was the worst. Every mother knows the fine baby hair just doesn't want to cooperate. Detangler and a comb could fix the knotted problem but it was wearing on my patience.

Thursday morning before leaving for Thanksgiving lunch, I was in position with a squirmy kiddo, the detangler spray and comb and thought *sigh*, "It sure would be easier to not be dealing with this..." So I mentioned it to Steve. He brought the scissors to me but I just couldn't do it. The mother in me couldn't take away the innocent curls of my firstborn, my baby, my boy! So, Steve did.

In a matter of seconds his lovely lock was gone. And I cried. For a long time. Steve took the lock and glued the end to keep it bound together, and later I placed it lovingly in a keepsake box on my dresser. The significance for me is hard to explain in words. I feel a little better seeing the curl there, next to my lovely pregnancy photo, and L. at 5 months. Stages of life, a very fluid and very fast time. I love every minute of it.

Best of all I can look forward to all the wonderful memories we will make as a family of four, with Baby #2. (If it's a girl, I'll never cut her hair!!)

Nap time Today:

Bushed from all the celebrating lately L. crashed in a very unlikely place. He normally gives a mild to moderate fight when it comes to nap-time. Today he just played, then drifted off.... with blue bear on his head and yellow bear snuggled in his arm. TOO CUTE. (and yes.. we were both still in our p.j.'s...)

3-2-1 Contact!

Yes. Yes he did take a picture of the first poopy in the potty. And then promptly censored it out. (For which I will forever be grateful.) But I am VERY grateful for the actual event! We're making progress!