Christmas girl

A sampling of Christmas card outtakes.

Love love love this silly girl.

A good sampling of the 'Caris faces' we receive in multitude around here.....

Dashing through the snow (rain).

In a one horse open sleigh

Over the hills we go.

Laughing all the way

Ha Ha Ha.

Bells on bobtails ring.

Making Spirits bright

What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight.

Oh, Jingle Bells.

...A fitting little tribute to Caris' favorite Christmas song. To hear the rest, check out last week's post

We've had a holiday season full of bright spirits, dashing, riding, singing, laughing, jingle-belling and haha-ing with our sweet girl and loving families.

Wishing you all a Happiest New Year and hope your Christmas was magical, wonderful, and merry

Jingle Bells

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Twenty - Twenty

And here she is. My twenty month old little C. And on this 20th marker, we are in complete toddler-land. Closer to the two-year mark than the one and immersed in a classroom full of older toddlers, Caris is leaving behind the markers of babyhood and in their place embracing all things 'big-girl'. I have definitely had a few of 'those moments' recently, when upon catching a glimpse of my girl in action, I realize just how true that is. Not typically one for nostalgia, I have loved each stage for the changes and growth it brought. However, nostalgia has found me comparing photos of my baby to this big girl.

(photo from October)

Toddler walking has given way to attempted running and jumping. The baby swing has been replaced by a 'real swing' at school, where my girl can be found every afternoon happily holding on and kicking her legs 'myselff'.

Vocabulary has really exploded in the past month. Caris names anything and everything in sight. This is been amazing to watch and admittedly my favorite development thus far. Two-word phrases have morphed into complete sentences; logical, silly, and appropriate (at times). Recent and early favorites have included:
'I found a rock! I found a rock!'
'This is my purrrshe, mommy. My purrshe.'
And just last night, she requested a phone call be placed to her working 'Poppa' and on her own accord left this sweet voicemail:
'Hi Daddy. I love you. Have dun workn. Nigh nigh.'
Seriously, no prompting. Just left a sweet little message for her daddy.

A current Caris favorite is a love for singing. Often I will hear a sweet little voice pipe up in nonsensical sing-song and look over to find my sweet lil C happily working away, carrying on with a little song. She loves singing along to 'Jingle Bells' and makes a passable attempt at most sections; although excels at the 'Hey!' and 'Hahaha'. One night, rocking a sleepy Caris who I assumed to be in almost-slumber, I hear a cute little voice excitedly burst out 'Enny Pider' and look down to see the hands in action. Loves her some songs.

Caris' current favorite things list includes her babies and her purses. We can't leave the house without one or more baby and purse. We love love love all things baby and all things purse.

Our current favorite game is the 'name your body part game'. Caris loves to learn new parts and it is any easy stuck-in-traffic distraction. With the Houston traffic, we are down to the nitty-gritty, We love our elbow, and back, and wrist, and fingers, and love to find fingernails, lips, chin, and eyes. A great source of entertainment.

Our Thanksgiving adventure has really made a chef wanna-be. Caris loves to measure and pour and sort. And to remove all the spices from the spice rack.....She recently located our large measuring cup, walked purposefully to the bar, looked at me with determination and said 'Cooouk. Mommy, wan Cooouk'. Which I finally figured out meant that the girl wanted to cook. (I think Santa got wind of this and Caris may be a happy little chef come Christmas morning)

I want to capture the subtlety in change that has crept in and transformed my girl out of baby-stage. But by definition, it is hard to capture. Little things, like Caris pouring her own water, walking proudly beside me, sitting in a booster seat, and eating a meal with silverware with fairly little mess, hit me all of the sudden and I see this girl, at 20 months, so big.

Caris, at 20 months, you are a true joy. I am constantly amazed at this blessing. How in the midst of bad moods and stress, you look at me with a crazy Caris look and it all fades away. You are dynamic in personality and this is expressed in distinct and expressive looks. Quite determined and at times a bit ornery, you make up your mind and know what you want. You love well and are quite emotional when it comes to family goodbyes or leaving your favorites. You adapt to any situation and are a relaxed and easy traveler. You love to organize and are so helpful wanting to put everything in it's place. You are silly. And curious.And quip in humor, much like your daddy. And love to study. My hope and prayer is that we embrace your unique traits and foster them to the best they can offer. They make you, Caris. And we are so lucky to have had you for these past 20 months.

Fall has fallen

Oh, Fall was two months ago? Oh, okay. Well, regardless, here you go. A Fall-back...(bad pun intended). The reason for the delay? Several failed attempts at picture uploads. So for now, iPhone remnants tell the story...


Amidst the eighty degree weather, there were sprinklings of fall. The leaves still fall in Houston, despite the lack of brilliant color. Nature walks collected the evidence; acorns, leaves, and other sorts. We convinced our home that it was indeed Fall. Displaying our collection amongst the pumpkins of orange and white proudly picked by an excited Caris.


Fall came. And with the hint of chill in the air, we welcomed its activities. There is something about that slight crisp in the air that beckons to the outdoors and makes Fall celebrations some of my favorites. Birthdays are celebrated, Halloween brings festivities, and Thanksgiving creates an inner sense of cozy.


We've been particularly Fallish this season. With Caris of toddling age, she is fully excited and able to participate in all seasonal activities. And we took full advantage.



Our little red head was the perfect Pebbles Flinstone for Halloween this year. I couldn't resist, the hair was too perfect. After three (humorous) costume attempts by both grandmas and mommy, Pebbles was out-fitted to the max (coincidentally, so was our Max-puppy). But really, all she needed was the hair-do.

We introduced our Pebbles to the joy of trick-or-treat. She loved, loved, loved it. I had my doubts, but she totally got it. Carefully picking out her desired treat and carefully placing in her bag. (I may or may not have influenced some of her choices to my own benefit). She even got down a resemblance to the saying 'Trckk-a-Trtt', which also apparently included an accompanying movement. We attended Halloween celebrations at school, neighborhood parades, and good ole' neighborhood trick-or-treating with friends.


We pumpkin patched and pumpkin picked and pumpkin photo-ed. We pumpkin baked and pumpkin ate.


And with the arrival of Thanksgiving, we gave great thanks.


We began our week of thanks with a girls trip to big D, celebrating the weekend prior the upcoming arrival of my niece. Girls-weekend = salon and shopping. Caris had her first haircut. She loved it and was so so good. Her mommy, not so much. I made a mommy snafu and somehow in the midst of luggage, shopping, and shower planning, misplaced the evidence. And subsequently cried. I am, most definitely, one of those mommies whose baby book is unfinished and mementos are misplaced.

Thanksgiving week brought a multitude of celebrations. With Garrett working the majority of the week, we made do. The Blundell crew graciously brought and prepared a Thanksgiving meal to our home Wednesday before they headed up to the rest of the family so we were able to have a traditional family meal. What a treat.


Thanksgiving day, we cozy-ed up and settled in for a tiny Thanksgiving with just the three of us. Caris was a remarkably helpful sous chef and loved helping mommy make the pumpkin pie and stuffing. We cooked and baked and made the obligatory three 'forgot-something-trips' to the grocery. And I managed to pull off a homemade Thanksgiving meal for three. Football was watched, thanks was given, and cozy hearts were indeed a-plenty.



Caris and I, with three days off and G working, decided to make a road trip to celebrate the traditional day-after-Thanksgiving-Herrmann-Christmas with my mother's family in Fredricksburg. Fun road trips, tons of family, cold air, and shopping made for a full 36 hour trip.


And then, Fall gave way to Winter. And we are again busy making preparations for a beautiful Holiday season with a joyful girl.

A Thursday Duel

The Duel.

Cast of characters:
Caris - As the emotional damsel, torn between two friends
Max - As the furry antagonist
George - As the curious stuffed object of lil C's affection, coveted by the furry friend Max

Setting:
Every morning, every evening, every room of the house.

Synopsis:
Caris, an emotionally attached toddler, discovers a love for a certain monkey: the one and only, Curious George. On an outing following the movie introduction of her affection, Caris and her mommy discover George in the stuffed epitome of his movie star role. An instant bond forms and George leaves the store in the arms of his new friend. The pair unknowingly faces an intruder on their newly formed bond.....

ACT 1: The meeting
Upon her return home, Caris unwittingly shares her new stuffed friend with her beloved furry friend, Max the dog. What seems to be an introduction in lil C's mind is an invitation in that of the dog. Max, much like his human friend, finds an instant affection for the stuffed little George and does what any good dog would do: whisks George away in his mouth, shaking, 'playing', running through the house.

ACT 2: The theft
Seeing the seemingly treacherous fate of her 'Goooerdge', Caris becomes distraught and frozen in her emotions.
"Goooordge!!!' she cries. 'Mommy!!! Goooerdge!!!"
A complete emotional breakdown ensues.
Max, in complete joy over his new found toy, prances victoriously through the house. Unaware of the emotional distress his victory has caused the damsel.

ACT 3: The rescue
A busy mommy does not immediately discover the source of the damsel's distress. When typical comfort methods prove unsuccessful, detective work ensues. Between tears, we uncover their source.
Rescue efforts follow.
And prove successful.

ACT 4: They reunite
Unfortunately, George is left a little worse for the wear (i.e. he stinks). Miss Caris is not deterred and insists, 'My Goooerdge' be placed back within her grasp immediately. Mommy, however, convinces Caris to help give George a bath prior. The delay proves to be agonizing. However, the much anticipated reunion is met with love and hugs.

Epilouge:
Max - Our furry friend continues to be on high alert for any opportunity to seize 'The One That Gets (Taken) Away'. He often succeeds.

George - He is strategically placed within the house. Efforts are being made to protect Mr. Curious from his furry antagonist. He continues to remain a coveted friend and often accompanies Miss Caris on car rides and trips. Sometimes he appears in stores and confuses us all.

Caris - Our damsel remains an emotional toddler. However, she loves both her 'Maxs' and her 'Gooordge' with equal fervor. Bestowing hugs, kisses, smiles and fist bumps freely. She still unwittingly subjects George to potential threats.

The Duel continues.

Thursdays return

With a 'fist bump'.

Caris' latest obsession comes in the forms of knuckles out, thumb up, and fist bump offered. A skill procured by her Poppa G and lovingly imparted with great excitement to those who inquire.

Caris is all about fair and equal when it comes to sharing actions of endearment. Fist bump, high fives, cutie shrugs, and kisses must be provided to all those in proximity.

On a recent dinner outing, the end-of-dinner-sat-too-long-squirmy-Caris called for entertainment. So fist bumps were offered up by her table guests. Excitedly, Caris stuck her little fist out to everyone seated at the table. Methodically going around, ensuring each person participated in the bump.

Simultaneously, an unknowing neighboring party began to exit their dining experience. Their exit path crossed in close proximity to our table. Caris, my ever-observant little one, sees her newest guests enter the fist bump circle.

She excitedly reaches out to the strangers passing by and offers a fist bump to each one. They weren't really given an option, so they happily participated. And clearly made some new friends.

And likewise, when the first 'fist bumping' round began at home with a newest friend included, Curious George was offered and assisted with a fist bump by his adoring little C.

No one gets left out round here :)

p.s. Plenty of Fallish Festivities have been underway! Hence by lack of blogging. I have great intentions of recording and posting of our Fallishness because it was been a happy busy time. much different than our previous busy fall, riddled with pneumonia, flu, and an exhausted new working momma. And since Fall is officially over and winter Holiday preparations are underway, I need to get in gear!!

Perfomer

(After yesterday's success at video-posting, I decided to test fate and attempt to post a video I've attempted to post for months. Advice: turn off the music at the bottom of the blog and listen to the music on the video. Caris loved listening to this song and on her own initiative, added her own little 'sniff' at just the right moment. Did this EVERY time. I think this is one of my favorite lil C videos to date. I found it hilarious that she got this little insert right on beat, every time. Let's hope it does actually work....

p.s. I think this is from July, she looks so little!)

Dancing with the stars

So, we've established that music + dancing = love for Caris. So much so that she's earned a reputation at school for her dancing commitment. And with this in mind, dancing shows have become a favored indulgence (and a necessary distraction in that critical fussy hour post school, pre-dinner). Enter: 'Dancing with the Stars' and our new DVR capabilities. I turn on the dances for Caris in that 30 minute period when she really just wants to be held, but I really need to put together some semblance of dinner.

So the stage is set. Quite literally, I believe, in lil' C's mind. And she watches intently, smile plastered on her face, dance moves ready to be engaged.

But on this night, she had another agenda. Off she goes, with purpose, to her room. And returns with 'Emily' (her doll) in tow. Clearly she realized that her lack of a 'star partner' was a disadvantage. Emily was up to the task.

(Here's hoping this video works...)

And so they dance. And even perform some lifts. But mainly lots of twirls.

Shortly after this moment, Caris went back to her room and insisted on adorning a pretty twirling dress. Really, I should have known better. You can't really twirl without the proper attire.

p.s. I scored her a 10.

Thursdays with Caris: the Birthday Episode

Thursday mornings with Caris look a little like this:

Caris: (in a sing-song voice) 'Moooommmyy, mommy mommy mommy, momyyyyy, Moommy' My daughter sings me a song. Music to my morning ears.
Then the inquisitive: 'Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?'
And if I wait too long, on to the demanding: 'MOMMMY! MOMMY!'

It was a Monday, the day that Caris made me a mom. And my Monday's and Thursdays and every day in between have never been the same. Caris, you gave me a mother's heart. And it changed me forever. It gave me a purpose I never knew existed and filled my life with a depth I didn't know to pursue. A mother's heart knows a form of love that changes the definition of what love is.

That day was one and a half years ago yesterday. (18 months old she is!!) And 29 years ago today, I became my mother's daugther. Daughter to a mother (and father) who have supported me in all ways iaginable and made this all possible.

I am forever thankful that I will spend the rest of my birthdays with a mother's heart. And I am forever grateful for 29 years of wonderful birthday memories that my family has created for me And forever lucky that 8 years ago I began celebrating birthdays with someone who changed my heart in another way and has walked beside me to create a life we love.

Caris, thank you for the best gift I could have ever received.

As I enter this last year of the decade of my twenties, I am so thankful for where these past 29 years have brought me.

And so this Thursday with Caris, we celebrate.

Country Living

So clearly, life in the heart of Houston is pretty far from 'Country Living'. In fact, quite the opposite. And we truly love so much about living in the hearbeat of such a dynamic place. But we were both raised with simplicity that comes from small-town, country living. And we love this. And treasure the times when we are able to spend time in the places we know as comfort. We are so lucky to have ties to such places and access when we need a little 'soul refresher' that can only come in the smell of mesquite trees, dusted from the dirt roads, and the easy living of an afternoon on a porch swing. Garrett's 'place' is Gonzales, TX; where both his grandparents raised their children and still have a home base. We have been lucky enough to live in close proximity to his 'place' through dental school and now residency/med school; allowing us to retreat for respite when hectic, is well, just a little too hectic. And we have loved introducing Caris to the beauty in nature and the comfort of her family in a place that has been near and dear to generations of Garrett's family.

Caris' first visit to Garrett's parents land. Loving country walks in the Bjorn. And the splendor of a country sunset.

Back-porch swinging is a must when visiting Grandma Blundell's. Caris has joined the tradition of loving time after dinner spent swinging away. Lil' C learns to fish! She was a natural. Figured out how to reel that little rod after one attempt. And caught two little fishies.

The Blundell crew. Also evidence of where Caris gets her 95% in height.
And it's not a trip to the country without grillin' up some hot dogs and resting in the adirondacks.
Holidays are always a double bonus as we get both sides of the family and usually extra aunties and cousins to spoil us. Caris spent her first Christmas and Easter in Gonzales. We loved hunting for eggs in the Boysen's famous backyard! A haven for grandkids :)
And there is just nothing like a good ole' nap in the country. And we take full advantage of both nap times and babysitters.
Ahh, country walks. THE BEST. Dirt roads, cows, sunshines, family. Caris literally walked miles on her new found walking legs on the most recent trip. Girl LOVED trips to the barn. Thank goodness there was plenty of family to take their turn walking!
Back porch. Country. Swings. = Perfect afternoon.
Center of attention? No, not Caris. Always plenty of people to love on us and lil' C!

We are lucky to have been able to spend so much time here in the midst of a busy season of life and look forward to being able to create many for family memories in the future. New Years Eve fireworks, festivals and parades, hunting trips, long walks, and tank fishing are all in lil' C's future. And the beauty is, they are all from her poppa G's past.