Better Than I Planned: Oh Boy!

I am having a lot of fun Christmas shopping this year. I have been working the deals and am pretty pleased with my hard work. I am even closer to being done. I think I have one gift and some stocking stuffers left. I also have a package coming to the house almost every day this week. That’s fun – even if most of the gifts aren't for me.

My sister helped us put up our tree while Evan was at work on Saturday. We waited for him to come home to put the ornaments on though. However, Daniel keeps saying, “Aunt Mamie make Christmas.” There has only been one broken ornament and a piece off another so far. It hasn't been for lack of trying on Daniel’s part though. He loves the tree.

We had the opportunity to meet with Daniel’s birth family again this past weekend. The relationship is pretty easy. We always enjoy our time with them. And, what a difference three months makes. Daniel wouldn't even go near them in August, but he kept smiling at them and even sat on some laps this time. His birth mother just got a new job a couple of hours away, so we’re not sure when the next visit will be. Daniel may not understand adoption yet, but we've already been talking to him about it. I ask him whose tummy he grew in and he gives me the correct answer.

Opening Christmas presents

Our “weekend” continued on Monday after school was done. My mom and sister took the boys to the mall to sit on Santa’s lap. While they were having fun, Evan and I ran some errands. We also priced flooring – it is finally time to think seriously about replacing our kitchen floor. And, finally, I had an eye appointment with an ophthalmologist. I needed to get my eyes checked further for something my regular optometrist spotted in August. It turns out that there is nothing that needs to be done now – or maybe ever. So, that’s something I don’t have to worry about right now.

So, going to the ophthalmologist started our O week. I had grand plans for O week since he's been excited about it, but I dropped the ball yet again. He's got the letter down, so we're good.

On Tuesday, Daniel decorated his O with “O”s. He did save a few for a little snack.

He colored an octopus and we counted its legs.

The next day he told me he wanted to dot paint it.

He also enjoys stacking the lids. He’s pretty good with his colors too and can easily match the lids with the markers.

Daniel also did some gluing. It only takes a few minutes, but it is one of the highlights of his week.

He was supposed to color an owl today, but he didn't really want to do it.

He colored for a minute and said he was done.

Then, Nicholas decided to color it.

And, then, Daniel decided to finish it.

My dad stopped by this week to drop off a few things we forgot at his house on Monday. I think it was also a good excuse for a visit. I guarantee my dad never leaves feeling unloved. These boys were glued to him.

Finally, I've been saying for a while that I was going to work on potty training Daniel in December. We have less activities during the week and I actually had a four-day stretch where we could stay home. So far there have been three accidents. They were on the same day in a forty-five minute window and he did not like it! I've tried taking him every 30-45 minutes, but we've been able to stretch it to an hour at times. He’s also told me quite a few times when he has to go. Unfortunately, this weekend we have some activities that underwear really isn't feasible yet. I’m hoping this doesn't send him mixed messages. When we are home though, he’ll be in underwear. Hopefully, by the end of the month he’ll be ready to be diaper-free (not including naps and bedtime).