December 13, 2010

Blaze continues to grow, thrive and make his family laught! He is excited about Christmas, or "Kiss-a-mus" as he says it. There was snow on the ground Sunday morning when he got up. I showed it to him through the window. "What IS it?" he asked. I told him it was snow. "What IS it?" he repeated. I explained that when it's cold outside, instead of getting rain, sometimes we get snow. "What IS it?" he said again. Finally explaining that it meant it was cold outside worked for him. Later when the wind was knocking the Christmas lights against the house, we repeated the same process.

Melissa continues to watch Blaze for us, though she has moved out of our home and into an apartment with her sister, Megan. We moved some of Blaze's toys into her old room to give him a play area and allow us room to put up the Christmas stuff. Blaze saw her apartment before she moved and we were careful to explain to him what was going on during the process. He hasn't been upset by the turn of events, which surprised me a bit. She's lived in our home since before he was born. He's adjusted very nicely to the change. In the morning now when he wakes up, he gets to snuggle with Mom and Dad and watch a cartoon before she arrives. We're all loving this morning time. It's been a nice change to our day. I've always hated mornings, now they're nice. It's amazing what one little guy can do!

Tim had a birthday last week. We had extra fun activities. Blaze got to see his grandparents, eat out at two restaurants in one day, play with another friend at Jump Mania to give the parents time to talk and then this friend loaned him a large Transformer to play with at dinner. Blaze was in "awe". He was so engrossed with the toy, he ate more at dinner! He really enjoyed Daddy's birthday! Grandma and Grandpa brought him a "Christmas outfit" to wear for a picture. He posed very nicely. He really likes his red vest and white turtleneck. He loves to see his grandparents.

Blaze has learned a complicated way to safely climb out of his crib. Bedtime was a challenge for the first time since he was a newborn last night. He would pop out of his room and I would put him back in bed. After several meltdowns and explanations he decided Mommy was serious and "stayed put." I told him I would sit in front of his door all night if I had to, but he was going to go to bed. That's when he finally gave up. He decided he couldn't "reason"with a frustrated mommy. Ha! We're going to have to convert the crib to a toddler bed soon. It's a whole new world for us!

Any of you who know Tim's parents or knew my dad wouldn't be surprised to hear we have another singer in the family. I don't know another 2 year old who can sign "If I had a Hammer", "Free Fallin'", "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest Name I know" and Elmo's version of "One, Two, Three, Four" so easily. It's an odd repertoire. Between my mom, Elmo, Lego Rockband, and Christmas songs, he's learning a variety. It's never dull.

This weekend we developed a new game. Blaze slides in betwnn Tim and whatever Tim is leaning against (couch cushions, bed, etc.) and Tim gently leans back. Blaze shrieks, "No, Daddy! It's me, Blazey!" Tim says, "What? I don't know what's behind me, but it sure is soft and lumpy." Blaze yells, "I'm stuck, help! Help!" in a high-voice. He totally throws his voice in order to yell for help. He is, obviously, not stuck and in no danger whatsoever, but it makes me laugh hysterically when he does it. He is a funny kid.

We, as a family, are very aware of those who are hurting and struggling this Christmas season. It's been hard this year for us to get into the "Christmas Spirit". So many of our friends and church family have had loved ones pass away and the hearts left behind are feeling emptier. Through my work I meet hundreds of people on a weekly basis who are struggling without work or financial support. Ourselves, we are facing mechanical difficulties with our vehicles (yes, AGAIN), Blaze's surgery next year and major changes to our health insurance. There is so much hurting, sadness, and uncertainty, it's made it a bit harder this year. However, I rejoice in this time of year and I'm so thankful for Jesus' birth. We've been given so much, it is wrong not to be thankful for it. I do want to say again, as I often do, that we are incredibly blessed. We have been blessed beyond measure and we strive to remember that every day. We are blessed, too, to have you in our lives. Thanks for the continued prayers. I don't know where we'd be without them!

Merry Christmas!