less traveled

We made it! I have dreamed of having a family and being able to take them to Door COunty. And, by golly, we squeezed in one more trip to bring the 2 of you to pace that daddy and i love to visit. We used to always go camping up there over the 4th of July, but we went to NY over the 4th, so we managed to steal away over Labor Day. We made it into an anniversary trip. Daddy and I celebrated our 6th with all of us up north. : ) We stayed at a resort called the Alpine Resort. We had scoped this place out long before I was ever pregnant as a place that would be fun to bring our very hoped for family. It felt like a dream to be there with the two of you in tow. We stayed in a little cottage that had you two thinking was your own little play house. You bounced off the walls and didn't want to leave for our daily adventures, but once we got you going, you both loved every minute of it.
One of our adventures had us renting bicycles with a pull behind for both of you on daddy's bike. We did a big loop right through Peninsula State Park. It was touch and go at first, but soon you both sat back and enjoyed the ride. We went all the way up by the look out tower and back again. Another fun first for the 4 of us. Second adventure: We took a tour of the Lighthouse. B you especially loved this and would for weeks after the trip talk about being a lighthouse keeper. At the park you would "turn on" the light and save all of the ships. Nothing gets by you. Third Adventure: We took our first ferry boat trip over to Washington Island. On our many trips to DC we had never made it out to Washington Island, so it was truly a first for all of us. The ferryboat ride was wonderful. M you got a little tired of just sitting and watching the world go by, so we let you run some circles around the ferry for a bit. Once we made to the island we hit an old farm museum. B you really thought all the old equipment was cool and you wanted to what everything did, of course. We did a lot of explaining about how the old equipment worked and what it did. The we went over the the beach. The weather was warm enough to swim, even though Lake Michigan was freezing cold. You both loved it. Marlowe you really started to enjoy being in the water n this trip. A fish was born right before of our eyes-because ever since then you LOVE to swim, even in the tub! The water was crystal clear and the beach was made up of big white smooth round rocks. It was breathtaking. People would comment on how both you two could somehow manage to walk around those small boulders. You never cease to amaze us, you two! We had a little picnic by a cove and then headed back on the ferry. Great trip. Fourth Adventure: Breakfast at the Alpine Resort-seriously!! This place was SLOOOOOOWWW as molasses. Good grief, we ate in because we thought it would be so much faster, but it turned out it could not have been any further from that. There amy have been one other table in the entire place and yet,we could not get our pancakes out to our hungry-mungry kids in any normal time frame. We survived this adventure, but just barely.
Fifth Adventure: We went to Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor. It's been around forever. The ice cream is dreamy and creamy. Unlike 4th of July today the crowds were gone. We still had to take a number and wait but a few minutes, but the ice cream tasted the same, and I actually liked how unbustly is was. ANother must do with the kids checked off the list. Sixth Adventure: Fish Boil, of course. We hit a place we hadn't been to yet, as the others were not having their boils that day. It turned out great. The kids were mesmerized by the boil and talked about it for days. Seventh Adventure:We took a fabulous hike into the woods. You guys were fantastic. Marlowe you found every cool leaf and blade of grass along the way. You especially like the nuts and acorns and the evergreen needled "tickle sticks". Beck you loved to pretend every was some kind of horn playing all of the sticks and branches like musical instruments. Occasionally you would conduct, too. SOmething you have been a lot this year. Any stick becomes a magical musical command.
Eighth Adventure: This was something that just happened to us, but it was magical. We had stopped along the way to pull over and sit by the lake away, tossing sticks and what-nots, when suddenly we heard music. It was a quiet lonely trumpet right out in the middle of nowhere. We followed the sound and to our surprise we came upon an older couple sitting in the woods together. The woman was knitting, while her husband sat in a chair with his music stand playing his trumpet to the captive audience of the forrest. We couldn't believe it. We danced and rocked to his music. Beckett did some conducting, of course. Then the man played a special song just for our ears. Rainbow connection. We spinned and twirled to this together. I think B was surprised I knew the words. What a sweet special gift for us all. Ninth Adventure: The best adventure was saved for last, and we didn't even know it. The kids had fallen asleep in the car, so instead of going back to the cottage for nap time I asked Sean to just keep driving around. Like the old days, I said, let's just explore. So we looked at the map and found a place we hadn't yet been to. When we arrived, the kids had had their nap and we were at a most beautiful and secluded beach. We walked along the shoreline, playing in the sand. It should have been colder than it was, but the big breeze was warm and enveloping. No on for as far as you could see. Just sand, shells, and our imagination. We made castles and decorated them with things we found on the shore, like feathers and rope and seashells. We danced in the rolling waves. We swam in the much warmer water. It was a time that I wanted to freeze and savor. I couldn't believe I was right there in that moment and that this was my family and somehow we had all found each other and made it to this special magical moment. I will cherish it forever. I saved lots of treasures from those hours of hunting and playing that day and put them in a glass jar. I hope I can remember those beautiful moments for may days to come. Cheers to you Door County. We shall return for more adventures!

Our next big adventure this summer was a trip out to NY to visit the family. This year we rented our own cottage on Keuka Lake! We stayed there for one glorious week and then moved over to Pop-pops place for the rest of the time. Our cottage could not have been better. The place was cute as could be with private grounds and and a great wade in beach for he kids and Gracie. Uncle Boo rented a place a stone's throw down the lake and we convinced Abuela to stay with us for a few days. Beckett you went out in the kayak a few times and never wanted to get out of the water. Sweet M you didn't love the water, you wanted to just be with mama the whole time. You would do OK if you couldn't see me, but if you knew I was there you didn't want anyone else but me. You and I got a lot of time together this week! : )Daddy spent much of his time in the water with B. Beck you really became quite a good swimmer this week, learning to kick and float and really gained a lot of confidence in the lake with daddy by your side. We had sun everyday. There was a Harrison family reunion on the other side of the lake that gave us time with family the kids had never met and family we hadn't seen in quite awhile. We had fun in the sun and watched the fireworks together that night. B, you would get all excited and tell people all about those fireworks and put your fingers by your eyes and flash them to explain it anyone who would listen. You weren't too crazy about how loud they were. You definitely don't like things too loud, however your silly "whistle" you do is probably louder than most things you cover your ears for. You have taught Lolo your"whistle" and the 2 of you will "whistle' to find each other all the time. That part is cute. Just like the way you nuzzle each other and hold hands when you go places together. You sure are a doting a great big brother. I try my best to keep her away from your favorite things, but you usually end up sharing anyway. Lolo will try to steal your stuff, but then always brings it back to you with a hug and a kiss. WHen she takes your things if we tell you she is just teasing, you think this is funny, and will always get rid of your grumpies to laugh about her then.
We did run out to see a 4th of July parade in Penn Yan. It was hot, but the tractors really kept your attention. You waved at everyone, so Lo did , too. When the fire engines blew their horns, you wished they were quieter.
The cottage had a bunk room downstairs where the beds were. You slept away from me for the first time here. You almost made it through the night, or should I say, I almost made it through the night without you.
It was a great trip. My first really relaxing trip with you two. I can't wait for next year.

One day while B and I were having lunch I was getting close to your face and rubbing noses in between bites. You, my dear sweet boy, gently grabbed my face in your hands and said to me, "Mamma, you are the only one for me." These moments bowl me over. I love you, B!

My little ones. You have changed the meaning of joy for me. Joy is now chock full of an unimaginable love. I thank you for all of it.

We have been so busy. I don't even know how to recap the last 6 months. We had our first camping trip to Wisconsin that I mentioned in the last post. What a great experience that was! Daddy and I had wanted to find a park somewhere close to a train so that we could all take a ride, but the only ones we could find were just too far for a long weekend. SO we headed up to Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, WI. On our way into the campgrounds we saw a big sign that said TRAIN 6 miles. What luck!! We set up our camp and had a fire and cooked dinner and the next day it was a little cloudy. After we cooked up some breakfast we headed to the train. IT was raining by the time we got there. They had a train museum that we wandered through while we waited for our train to arrive and while we waited the rain stopped and the sun came out. We hopped on and took our first diesel train ride together. What fun! We had to get off and watch the engineer couple up the engine to the passenger cars to go the other way and B- you LOVED IT! You soaked up all the hand commands and still are using them today to get things to move. "Come on back, come on back." You;ll say while you move your hands in circles and gesture slowly. You are funny. Marlowe, you loved looking out the window-actually you loved sticking your hands out the window, which made us nervous, as you usually do! ALways climbing and jumping and touching things that are way too dangerous for you!
We found a large cat museum that was filled with lions and tigers, but now bears. We went to the beach and swam in the lake, saw a little 4th of July parade go through town after eating at a small quaint little breakfast restaurant. THe best part, I think, was a long hike we took along the lake. Marlowe you rode in the backpack on Daddy's back, and B you were amazing! You rode your no pedals bike the whole way out and back. I kept waiting for you to tire out, but nope, you just kept on going until the end.
One day we drove over to THe Dells and we rode on a duck boat. This made a big impression on Beckett, too. Still to this day you pretend while we are driving in the car that we are in a dick boat. You surprise and remember the name of the Duck boat driver, Dustin, and make jokes like he did and we pretend to splash into the water. The whole time on the boat you were os quiet, but when we were done you talked all about it. M you were a little mover on the ride, wanting to get down and run around the whole time. You don't stop moving for very long! It was a great first camping trip and i look forward to going many, many more with you two!

TIme keeps flying right on by us. It's June already and it feels like I just sat down the other the and wrote that last entry--it's been 4 months!

You tow keep us moving. Lolo, my little one, you will be turning one on Sunday. I can't believe it. You are now walking and running and talking since my last post. You took your fist steps in you r9th month, just like your brother. You are a real climber-even more so than B. You LOVE to climb inside anything, a box, a basket, a drawer. You love to make monkey sounds and eat bananas. Finally you are eating. Youwere such a slow starter with this and then you never seemed to cre for the baby food stuff, but you would gag, so I was terrified to feed you anything with substance, but then one day it was obvious you were ready and off you went. You want to try anything, but right now love love squash, avacados, anything made of bread(toast, pancakes, noodles),blueberries,, and as I mentioned bananas. I'm still trying to find new things for you to try. You are a super snuggly girl. You are always attacking daddy and I with hugs around our legs, and if I'm sitting down you just climb right in my lap and hug me tightly. You put your head on my shoulder and go MMmm and really squeeze. What a sweet girl you are. You put up with all of your brother's hugs, and pushes really well. You are a tough little girl.

Beckett, you are a talker! My oh my!! I can't believe the things you say and the stories you tell. You seem like a 4 or 5 year old most days. It's hard to remember you are only 2..not even 2.5 yet, but almost. I LOVE that you can communicate so well, because I get to know lal the things you love and are afraid of or find exciting and fun. You really are a charmer. You still are really attached to me and there are moments when I'm tired, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I know at any minute you could le that attachment to me go an dI will be so sad and miss it when its gone, so for now I will enjoy every time you ask for me, or cry out for me, and I will be ther eto hold you tight, my little bubsy. You are my little miracle in so many ways.

I'm glad you tow hav eeach other. I love to watch you dance and play togother and you are doing more and more of that. Chasing wach other around the table--it makes us very happy to see you tow happy together.

I'll be better and write more about our latest adventures--like our first camping trip!!

More soon.

So much love!
Mommy

WHat a wonderful time of life, watching you two becoming friends right before my eyes. Beckett you are so dear with your sister. You bring her toys and grab her hands and swing her arms like you are dancing together. You kiss and hug on M all of the time. It's so sweet to watch.

M you started really crawling fast on Friday. Our world changed in that instant. We must watch all of the time now as you take off lickety-split to get into the kitchen. I never know if you are going for the dog dish or for the music on the refrigerator that you have learned oh so quickly plays songs if you hit the buttons. You do so and then bounce on your haunches to dance. You are pleased with yourself, as you should be. Now you are already moving on to pulling yourself up. You seem more content than last week before you could scoot around. You were becoming frustrated with your inability to get somewhere fast or to stand. Now you try to pull up all of the time anywhere you can. BEck will help you, but has a tendency to then let you go. You seem to get over the thumps and bangs pretty quickly, especially if he starts babbling at you to make you laugh. Last night you grabbed my hands and pulled up to a standing position and while I sat in front of you, you took 4 steps across the floor to me. Remember when I said you were determined?? Nothing has changed, except that maybe you are more so now, if that's possible. I love to watch you as you hit new accomplishments. You are nothing short of spectacular.

Last night Beck we were cuddling with your milk before we went upstairs for bed and you I kissed you ear. You said, "You hungry, Momma?" No, I said, we just ate dinner. But you said it again, obviously wanting a different answer. "You hungry, Momma?" ANd then I got it. You wanted me to nibble on your ear. "Oh, yes, I am, " I said. I nibbled you and told you you were delicious. "I'm mashed batatoes. " You make me smile all of the time, my mashed batatoes.

Beckett you went skiing for the first time on Saturday! You seriously impressed your dad and I!! We were planning on ice skating, which we did do. daddy brought a shovel and made a rink for you on the lake again. You did SOOOO much better. You said you wanted to "do it all by myself". I was a little nervous for you, but away you went. Daddy and I took turns following behind, just in case. You waddled around all by yourself, though. What fun! Then after ahile you were done skating and I had some skiis that a freind from work gave me fo ryou in the back of my car, and with the warm weather fast approaching I decided we should try it. daddy thought I was crazy. So he didn't help me strap in your boot to the skis, and then drop you into your boots. But he did watch in amazement as you skied away!! You were the real deal!! I gave you the poles and off we went on a grand adventure across the entire lake and back!! And not in a direct path, either. You skied for about 1.5 hours. And never once whined or complained. Nope, not you. You were a trooper! BEck, you are something else, babe! All the snow has melted now, and I can actually say for the first time in any February of my life I am actually excited for the next winter!

I don't know how it happened. I held you in my arms right after you were born, you were warm and wet and squishy, a day or two passes you crawl, you walk, you run, you sing songs and now you are two. It's a whirlwind my boy. It's so fast. I write this every time I am here. Too fast, slow down. You squeeze your muscles at me and shake and say, See mama, I'm growing up. Yes, you are, everyday, everyday, everyday (as you would say). We had a lovely family day together on you birthday. We started out with me asking what you wanted for breakfast. You could have anything you wanted. You told me you'd like presthents! (presents) I said you can't eat presents for breakfast. "Oh, then I want birthday cake!" Smarty pants. But we talked a bit about our options and then you yelled PANCAKES! So we settled on pancakes shaped like Frosty the Snowman. Decorated with blueberries, one of your favorites. You were tickled to see Frosty on your plate. We played like crazy as the snow outside blanked you special day with glorious birthday snow. It was warm, about 34 degrees(a far cry from the coldest day ever 2 years ago at 30 below zero!), so the snow was wet and packable. PErfect for snowman making. We haven;t had such a day yet. You dad came home early during your nap and we decorated the house for you with streamers and hats, and blow-thingys. I made a cake for you and put special candles on it. When you woke up we all went outside for sledding and made your first snowman. M went sledding for the first time. IT was a perfect little party for us. We went inside and opened presents. YOu got your first bicycle- a balance bike that doesn't have pedals or a chain, but teaches you balance. You received a few puzzles that you love, a recorder that you make beautiful music on already. You ask the rest of us to play different instruments and accompany you. You blew out your candles several times. It was a good day. I just don't know how we got here so fast. I look back at the pics from last year and you have grown so much. My baby is gone and there is no denying I have a true toddler on my hands. Truth be told, I have for awhile, but I am just starting to accept this now.

The night before you big day we broke down and gave you your toddler ice skates. We went down to the lake and Daddy shoveled off the snow and away we went. M took a few spins in the stroller on the ice, but mainly it was you, me, and daddy. You would skate and then ask to sit and watch daddy and I. We would skate around (in our shoes, mind you)acting like we were some Olympic pair medalists, spinning holding hands and swirling about. I think you were quite impressed by us. : )

THe day after you birthday we had your 2 year check-up. You weighed in at 28.5 lbs. That puts you in the 60th percentile for weight, and for height you are in the 75th percentile.

You are so good with your little sister. You can make her smile at the drop of a hat. You can sit on her pull her tickle her, kiss her: it just doesn't matter what you do to her. She adores you and always smiles and laughs at you. When we are driving and she cries you sing to her or babble at her. When she's fussy in a seat on the floor somewhere and I can't get to her, you run and grab her some toys to play with. You are such a care giver. It really warms my heart to see the connection you two have.

I love you, Beckett, and can't imagine what this next year will bring for you. I love watching you grow up, I just wish it would go a little slower.

I love you through and through, right, Lovey? smooches.

love,
Mommy.

marlowe you are one determined little girl. Last week, i think it was thursday you started rocking back and forth on your hands and knees. i couldn't believe you were up and ready to go. and once you did it, that is ALL you wanted to do. i was trying to pack things up for our trip into des moines, i had you on a blanket in the family room. i came back into check on you and you were gone--you had scooted your way back a few feet and were under the christmas tree. i'm in trouble now. anyday now i know you will be crawling fast as you can across the floor then it will be no time until you are running full steam daring b to catch you. you, my dear, are no longer that itty bitty baby. you are such a happy little girl and bring so much joy to our lives. you have this incredible infectious smile that lights up a room in an instant. your big brown eyes with long lashes has everyone oogling over you. you are a sweet one.

we have been trying to get you started on solids, but you seem like maybe you'd rather wait. either that or you just want something besides rice cereal. I can't seem to remember how I introduced everything to B, at least not the time line of it all. I know I watied til he was about 6.5 months. Maybe you'll be ready in another week. I keep trying though.

You take really short cat naps because your big brother is a bit loud for your sleep habits, but when he's down for his afternoon naps you are starting to take advantage of the quiet and are getting a few zzz's. Come 8:00 though, you are done for the day. I could almost set my watch by it. You go down very easy. WHen it's time to go to bed you prefer to sleep right next to me. I can't out you in th co-sleeper anymore, haven't for about 2 months now, maybe 3. You are funny, if I set you down on this super soft blanket I put in there for you, you cry, but the minute I place you on the cold sheet in bed beside me you fall right to sleep. I'm getting more comfortable with you there and can sleep now, so I enjoy that closeness with you.

Slow down kiddo, you can take your time conquering this big world, I know you will do just that one day. You are driven and determined, but sweet as pie. A great combination. Love you, little one.

This morning Beckett saw Sean bring Marlowe down dressed in a very bright yellowy-orange 2 piece outfit with a cap and he said Marlowe is sunshine! I want to be sunshine, too. Sean grabbed Beckett's orange knit hat and placed it on his head and, There you go. You can be the moon if you want, or the sunshine. Beckett is obsessed with the moon. He really liked that idea. He jumped around saying I'm the moon. Marlowe is sunshine!

What a universe!

When S and I were married, he wanted our dance to be Fields of Gold by Sting. I had burned all the music for our reception on several CDs, but when we arrived at Heron Hill WInery I couldn't find them anywhere. The special music of my grandpa's band for my father-daughter dance, the music for Sean and I all back at the cottage, a good 30 minute drive away. Luckily, my mom's companion, Jon, volunteered to go back and get those CDs. He managed to find a few of them. I did get to dance to grandpas czech band music with Dad, and I shall hold that in my heart every day, but Jon couldn't find the song with the Sting song. Whenever I hear that song, I fall into it and listen to words and picture Sean and I dancing on our wedding day. Today I heard it on the radio while I drove home over lunch to feed Marlowe and see Beck and Mom. My eyes brimmed up with tears, the music warmed me all the way up and I had to call Sean and tell him how much a I love him.

This morning while I was running around I noticed Sean digging through some CDs. I figured he was picking some good music out for Beckett, like he often does, but suddenly I hear the familiar song and Fields of Gold filled our kitchen. He grabbed me in my pajamas and held me close dancing around our cluttered floor. We slid in between the bouncer and the highchair and stepped on Gracie's toy pheasant. And as I peeked over my husband's shoulder, I saw B standing on the sidelines soaking it all in. He was witnessing the strong love that created him. He stood there with his arms wrapped around him mimicking his daddy and studying our steps. I winked at him him several times while I soaked up some of that same love he was watching.

When the song was over, dear Sean, replayed it and picked up B and handed to me and said, now it's your turn to dance with mommy. Beck carefully put his head on my shoulder like we had done. He tucked his left arm between our bodies where daddy's hand had been holding mine and he put his other arm around my shoulders. We danced the whole song together just like that. daddy went and grabbed Marlowe and the four of us danced. At one point we were a jumble of baby, boy, mommy, and daddy. Marlowe laughed at her brother and stroked his hair. B said Marlowe likes Beckett. We added, Yes she LOVES you too. BEcket nuzzled her and then put his arms around his daddy's neck and hugged him and then wrapped the other arm around me and squeezed all of us tightly together.

Seriously, how did I get so lucky??

I really need to be writing everything down you say and do these days, because it is all so sweet and funny. You are the dearest boy my love.

Every night when we go to bed, you have milk on the couch and then daddy carries you up and I lay down with you until you fall asleep. These moments are like pure gold to me, Beckett. The things you say in this finite window before sleep takes you for the night are magical.

Last night, you were quiet for a bit and then you said, I'm Rudolph, mommy. No, You be Rudolph, I'm Dasher. Truly I'm thinking there is no way you could mean that you are Santa's reindeer Dasher. How could you know that. You watched the Rudolph special when it was on tv but only part of it and you only saw it that once. We didn't talk about all the other reindeers, how could you know about dasher?? But sure enough that is exactly who you were talking about and you wanted to be him an dyou wanted me to be Rudolph. Ok , I said. You be Rudolph, Mama, with a red nose, a red shiny nose like this EEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeee. You made the sound his nose makes in the special with your lips all pursed out and then you smiled. Ok I said and we both did the sound together about 4 times, laughing and giggling about it. The you said LEt's pull Santa's sleigh, K? So I started pretending to be a reindeer and moved the best I could while laying next to you in bed and act like I was flying and pulling Santa's sleigh. What you doing, Mama? I'm pulling Santa's sleigh. Oh! YEs, let's pull Santa's sleigh. SO there we both were flopping around like fish in the sand pretending to fly through the sky and land on rooftops. I kept thinking to myself I'm breaking all my ni-night rules, and we will porbably never fall asleep, but I can't not fly with B through this January night. I may never get the chance again. FInally I said, Rudolph is tired. I need to go to sleep, Dasher. You held your pointer finger up and said slowly and deliberately One More TIme. One More Time. Ok, one more... and off we went pulling Santa's slleigh together, until at last we came to our final rooftop. I nestled into the pillows and nuzzled your cheek and said, "Ni-night, Dasher". And you sweetly answered, "Ni-night, Rudolph." You are amazing , my boy.

what an incredible month. the first christmas with all of us together. beckett, you have been so fun to watch as christmas came to life for you--and because of you--for me again, too.

It started with getting our tree, which was so much fun. We went to Handley's tree farm in solon. they have a big wooden train you can sit in and have pictures taken if you sit still long enough to grab a shot--which you didn't b. they also have a small toddler train that goes around a small set of train tracks. b you were so excited to ride it, as we ride the one in city park all summer. you straight in the front, but when the engineer,an older, hard looking man, got out to bang on the engine to get it running, you watched with your wrinkled brow, and decided against the ride. smart boy, i say. so we watched from the side lines. marlowe you took your first ride in our hiking backpack, and as it was for b in the beginning, it was way too big for you. you peeked out over the top and smiled a lot until you fell asleep.

we listened to christmas songs everywhere we were--in the car, at home, i'd sing to you while falling asleep. we had carolers come to the house and b you loved it. you of course talked about it for days. daddy and i stood outside in december's cold winter air listening to our neighbors sing Hallelujigh and i held you and cried. it was beautiful. ifelt so blessed to have all of you there with me--daddy, too.

there were the christmas specials! In particular frosty the snowman. You loved him I found a second hand video and you would ask to watch him everyday beck. You started singing the song in short order. I am amazed at your vocabulary and ability to sing full songs at this early age. One day we were walking outside and went past Jan Browns house and you found this really old yellow brromstick. You marched all the way home with it and had to bring it in. You did several trips around the kitchen table with that thing until we finally got it back to jans house.
we made sugar cookies that b wanted to eat every chance he could. sorry m, you are still too little. we made a gingerbread train that b decorated and somehow didn't fall over. we made santas out of cotton balls and construction paper and reindeers out of your cut out handprints (for the antlers).

We decorated our perfect little canaan tree. we decided we wanted to start a tradition of getting you each a special ornament each year like i did as a child, so we went to the czech village. b you knew exactly what you wanted. i kept showing you the trumpet, because you love trumpets. there was a spell this fall when i would ask you what you dreamed about you would say...trumpets mommy. I showed you the snowman thinking you'd like him too because of your frosty addiction. but when the store owner came around the corner you telled out in your sweet little voice "haveny trains?!!?" It took me a minute before I realized you were really asking her for train ornaments. You act like such a big boy. Sure enough they had a long train and once daddy realized that you could drape it from branch to branch he thought we should buy it for you. You marveled at that train ornament when it hung on the tree. You decorated the bottom half all by yourself and wanted desperately to hold your train, but you listened and were so gentle with all of the ornaments. We didn't lose a single one. M you just loved the twinkly lights. We picked out the sweetest best santa ornament we could find for you. the minute I saw it I knew it was the perfect one. It sat up high on a shelf away from all the other ornaments. It was perfect. I hope you love your first special ornament we chose for you.

I'll finish the rest of our holidays story...