The first day of the last month of 2009

Happy Dec 1 .  It is Miss Kierstyn's 5 month anniversary of her birth.  It wasn't much warmer 5 months ago.  She has matured so much in the past day.  Like a switch.  She is fighting sleep. She is sitting by herself. Not using her hands to prop herself up. I wouldn't leave her yet because she topples over pretty easily and frequently.  She reaches for her toys, puts them in her mouth and sits back up.  Last night she rolled from her back to her belly for the first time.  She only did it once, couldn't do it again.  That darn arm kept getting in the way.  Tintin was glad to help her though. For the first time when Kit woke up at night she looked around.  In the past its always been nurse and go back to sleep.  Last night she realized there is the "look around and stay awake" option. We've started signing with her.  She stares intently at our hand and you can see her little hand moving.  Its so fascinating to see these connections she is making.

Tintin loves his little sister.  Always kissing & hugging her.  Dancing with her.  Playing with her.  Helping her roll over.  Teaching her how to walk. Everyone loves Kit, but for Tin its extra special because she is the only one in the house that looks up to him.  Last week he was on a "I want to be the baby" kick.  He wasn't going to brush his teeth because he wanted them all to fall out, like a baby.  He wanted to wear diapers, like a baby.  He wanted to drink milk, like a baby ( but not nurse).  This week he's happier being the big brother. I like that better too.

Calli is in the Monroe Theatre Guild's production of The Christmas Carol. She plays a pickpocket and want.  She is having a lot of fun.  Yesterday we received an e-mail telling us t-shirt orders needed to be in.  I asked Calli if she wanted a t-shirt.  She told me it wasn't important and it cost money.  I told her I knew it cost, and asked her if she knew how much.  She said I don't know mom but it really isn't important to me and I don't want you to spend your money on it.  I'm proud of her for prioritizing.  It makes it easier for me to know what she is asking for is important to her.

Unlike Calli, Spencer & Tin want EVERYTHING.  When Colin & Kiki were younger I made the rule that I assumed they wanted everything, so what they needed to do was tell me when they saw something they did not want.  I had to implement that rule with Spencer and Tin.  To Tin's credit when I asked him what does he REALLY want for Christmas he said all of his "old grandmas and grandpas to come to our house."  (Grandmas & Grandpas, remember he's 4, Colin & Kiki are old to him.)  I'm glad he knows what is important too.

Christmas 2005