The Best Christmas Present Ever

It is becoming increasingly difficult to have a chance for a few quiet minutes at the computer to blog. Luke isn't as accommodating as he once was and he is constantly on the go. Even when he's sitting, one body part is moving all of the time, but I suppose that is part of being a nearly two-year-old.

There is so much to blog about, but I must first of all say that I did get the greatest gift of all this Christmas. After months and months of saying "Daddy" and not really calling me something of any regularity, Luke finally says "Mommy." Or at least, it come out very distinctively "Ah-EEE." He just started running up to me and taking my hand and saying it to get my attention. What a wonderful gift!

There are many, many pictures of the last several weeks, which I'll let tell the story. Here, Luke has figured out how to smile for the camera.


He had a bit of stage fright with Santa, trying to keep his head as far away as possible. But, no tears. Next year, we'll work on asking Santa for something.


Luke's new kitchen, where he's doing a great job of imitating Daddy. Although, Luke's versions are decidedly more messy. BTW, this kitchen has special meaning for us, in that it was first loved by the Tieman girls. I look forward to being able to tell Luke about that.


Alas, the box is way fun, too.
In the midst of our holiday, Pinochle had a minor health problem. His anal gland ruptured, but I'll spare the details. Mike became quite good at applying warm compresses, and poor Pinochle had to don a lovely Elizabethan collar (that's what they call it, no lie). He is much better now, and only has a bald spot to show for the whole ordeal.

And then there was snow. I'd like to say that it was due to all of the meteorologists going on Christmas break, but apparently, we had a very rare phenomenon called something scientific (a.k.a. we just missed the forecast). What was supposed to be 1-2 inches turned into 10. But, with no where to go, we could just enjoy it and get Luke's sled out!