A Visit with Santa

We took the girls to see Santa the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Typically, there aren't any lines and the girls get some more face time this way. It has been a yearly tradition for Savannah to make Santa a gift and this was no exception. Luckily, there was no line, Santa listened to all the requests, and paid extra attention to Savannah's gift.

The lists went something like this:

Savannah - A new bike, Lincoln Log roof and window pieces, and a purple Ramone.
Adeline - Thomas, Thomas and more Thomas trains
Lila Grace - A red train and a Hello Kitty Purse.

I was surprised when the twins were having to be held back from darting into Santa's lap while the children in front of us (the only ones thank goodness) were telling of their requests. Even more surprising was The Belle. She was the first one to reach Santa and was more than happy to hop up on his lap. The beard was a bit much and you could tell when it caught her cheek but she powered through for the big man. Lila Grace was the first to voice her request as you can hear her saying, "I want a Hello Kitty purse." It should be noted that she was quiet miffed to find out that Santa didn't have her Hello Kitty purse right then and there. I guess she didn't get the Christmas day component and thought that she would get her gift while sitting on his lap. She had to be pulled away from Santa yelling, "Hello Kitty purse, Hello Kitty purse." The candy cane helped quite her down.

Savannah's gift was as sweet as ever. This year I had nothing to do with it. I found it adorable that she made Santa a "Flippy, Flappy, Book." The book even included humor as one flap was labeled dog while underneath hid a bear. Her text on the page provides more evidence that my girl has escaped the shell! I should also note that Savannah wrapped some glow sticks up for Rudolph and dropped them with Santa during our visit. She figured it would give his nose a break.

Here are some pictures and a video clip. The quality is low and it misses some of the precious conversation but it is beautiful to see all THREE of my girls walking up to Santa with anticipation - I never thought I would see the day!!

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving is a time that one feels compelled to list all of the things that they are thankful for. Children are asked to do it at school while adults often pause to reflect around the holiday. That being said, I am MOST thankful that today isn't significantly different than most other days. I feel that I am thankful for my family each and everyday. I feel their blessings in my life on a regular basis. There are just too many moments in my day that force me to recognize what a wonderful family I have. I feel fortunate knowing that my children feel the same. November isn't the only month that I hear how lucky Savannah feels to have her sisters and it isn't the only time that I lay in bed with my girls telling them how beautiful they are (especially deep down.) Today we were surrounded with loved ones and I am proud to say that today was just one of the many that I gave thanks for each and everyone of them!

Now for the details:

After a very relaxed morning, filled with sleeping in, the girls and I spent some time in the kitchen making apple crisp and pumpkin pie. This activity, which can go poorly with all three girls participating, went exceptionally well. There was great turn taking, patience, and joy. I had to stop and take a picture because I have waited so long to bake with all three of my girls without have to police every move.

Shortly after, we headed Mr. Byron and Miss Melissa's house. They, again, graciously shared their home and families with us. I feared that my girls would be antsy with abbreviated naps, and some unfamiliar faces, but they were fantastic. I do believe that this Thanksgiving marks the first holiday that I have not had children glued to me. There were plenty of snuggles followed by "go play" time which gave both Alex and I a time to enjoy ourselves. That we did. The girls looked so grown up considering where the three of them (Charlotte included) were three years ago. While this is Charlotte and Lila's fourth Thanksgiving, I only mark it as Adeline's third. Her first Thanksgiving was spent in the NICU and marked her hardest fight for life during her four month stay.

Today, I celebrated my girls. They used their manners, were social, and even became a little more open to dogs. Thanks to Charlotte's Uncle Justin, all three of my girls were walking Bailey by the night's end. I closed the day with some rocking with Adeline, she almost fell asleep in my arms after saying without prompting, "I love you too Mommy." After laying her down, I climbed in bed with Lila Grace and experience her falling asleep by my side for the first time in her big girl bed.


Savannah isn't in bed yet but did something quite noteworthy this morning. She brought the entire family downstairs for a gift. I had no idea she had this stored away because she had worked on these projects ages ago and sporadically. Come to find out, she had made a Talking Stick that we used to pass around while telling each other what we are thankful for. Savannah also illustrated a Thanksgiving story which was very cute. Included was a card that she had made independently, paint and all. She really touches my heart.



There is much to appreciate on this day but, as I said before, I am most thankful that we celebrate one another each and everyday.

Grandparent's Day at WCFS

Today was Grandparent's Day at West Chester Friends School. Initially, I thought this day would come and go since Savannah's Grandparents are 3,000 miles away. Thankfully, that was not the case. Savannah was given the choice to invite a special adult in lieu of a Grandparent. I didn't know if she would take to the idea and I only put it out there in conversation with no real opinion. Savannah was thrilled to hear of the option and almost immediately asked to take her beloved Miss Neely. Miss Neely and I have been raising kids side by side for years now and I am over joyed to see that it has not only impacted my life but the lives of our children.

Off Miss Neely went with Savannah to school while I stayed home with her girls and the twins. Savannah was dressed up in her uniform for the very first time and very excited. (The school only wears uniforms for special occasions. I have to say after seeing it on her, I am a big fan of uniforms!!) Grandparent's Day is quite and event at WCFS. It lasts three hours! Neely was able to see Savannah in her classroom, attend Meeting for Worship with Savannah, and watch Savannah perform with her class. There were many special touches along the way. The school contacted the out of town Grandparents and had them send cards to their grandchild. I thought it was an extremely generous effort. Savannah was very surprised when she received her card. Neely bought Savannah books at the book fair for both Savannah and to donate to the library in Savannah's name. Savannah can't wait to go to the library and see her name in the book. Miss Neely thinks of everything when it comes to touching my little girl's heart.

After debriefing about the day, I was surprised to learn that Savannah was chosen to play an important role in her classroom. One of the first events of the day was to have the students explain different classroom routines to the grandparents. T. Michelle had chosen Savannah to go first. She bravely stood up and told the students and grandparents about the Morning News. Each day the class does Morning News which involves the date and a piece of new from one student. After her explanation, Savannah had to write the following sentence on the board (She chose the sentence). "I went to Dutch Wonderland last Sunday Night." I guess she did a pretty good job with the hard words. I couldn't believe she would choose a sentence with words she didn't know how to spell. Savannah is thoughtful enough to choose a sentence that she could ace if she wanted to. I asked Savannah how she felt getting up in front of everyone and this is what she said. "I felt a little shy but I tried not to show it." Wow, I am overjoyed. Is this the same girl that used to follow me around the house because she was too nervous to be in a different room or floor than me? Is this the same girl who had to be told to speak louder and look at people's eyes when saying hello? According to Miss Neely, WCFS has cracked her shell and helped Savannah emerge. I couldn't be more proud. Having been a teacher, I know the type of student I would choose to represent the class first, especially when asking them to perform a tough writing task. I just can't believe that that child is my daughter. It just goes to show that children never cease to amaze.

On this Thanksgiving Eve, I am immensely thankful for my oldest. She is sweet, loving and thoughtful. She thanked Miss Neely for spending the day with her time and time again . Savannah reminds me to stop and appreciate all that we have and are.

I am also thankful for my sister in motherhood, Miss Neely. She continues to fill my children with love each and everyday. It really does take a village. . .

Their First Sleepover

Lila Grace is the typical youngest sister, always wanting to do what the oldest does. Last night it was sleeping in Savannah's bed. Since these last two weeks have been simply exhausting, I was too tired to fight it. I left them with, "No giggling, no noises or Lila goes back into her own bed." This is what I found hours later. They slept together the entire night.

I love how these two love each other. Just today, Savannah's teacher pulled me aside and commented that Savannah's love for her sisters is remarkable. I guess she talks about them frequently and it apparently is very different from that of other Kindergarteners when talking about their younger siblings. I have always wanted my girls to love deeply. They are off to a great start with their love for each other. For that, I am thankful.

Buying for Others

We adopted two children from a shelter this year, both of which have developmental delays. Of course, that hits close to our hearts.

The twins went shopping for a boy who loves lights, sounds, and toys that move. He is also autistic. The girls did a pretty good job finding toys with lights. It was mentioned that the boy liked cars so the girls helped point out exciting cars on the shelves. Funny how Adeline scaled the shelves in order to reach Lightening McQueen and toss it in to the cart, over and over again! I finally ripped it out of her hands at the check stand. I think it is safe to say that she doesn't understand buying for others. Especially those that she doesn't know. Lila on the other hand seemed to understand that we weren't shopping for her. She had Ernie clinched in her fingers during the whole trip but put him back when we went to check out. I think there is some understanding now that we are home because both girls have left the toys alone and not incessantly asked to remove them from their boxes.

Savannah has adopted a 5.5 year old girl named Tamara. We had a wonderful afternoon looking for toys that fit her. Tamara likes baby dolls. Savannah never asked to take home a toy and was willing to spend some of her own money on a writing journal for Tamara. "Mommy, a diary will help her learn to write her letters since she needs extra practice like Adeline." Yes, I explained that even though Tamara was Savannah's age, she wasn't as adept to doing fine motor crafts etc. as Savannah is. I likened it to the differences in Adeline and Lila and Savannah ran with it. She wanted to buy all sorts of "therapy toys." Because I don't know Tamara's developmental needs, we bought her a baby doll with lots of accessories. I was proud of Savannah when she exclaimed, "Now Tamara will have an exciting Christmas." Savannah came up with the idea of getting her stocking and stuffing it. I thought it was clever.

After explaining that these children live in shelters and what a shelter is I was bombarded with questions and comments. Here are a few from the oldest:

Tamara has probably had some pretty sad Holidays

Maybe I should invite her to my birthday so she can have fun at a party. Maybe she can get some of the gifts.

Why don't her parents have money? (I explained that they may not have jobs or, if they do, they may not be good ones)

Why don't you send a note to Tamara's Mommy and tell her to work at Pottery Barn with you. I know there are lots of jobs there.

We should buy these decorations for her yard. Oh, right, she probably doesn't have a yard.

Can we buy her gifts for her birthday?

Why doesn't she get Christmas gifts? Doesn't Santa bring her some?

After explaining that we were spending money that was initially set aside for our family's gifts, Savannah responded with, "That makes me a little disappointed but happy for Tamara."

X-Mas Card Shoot 2009

How did my girls grow up? Their dresses with crinoline, black patent leather shoes, and bows in the hair made them appear just that much older to me. I remember dreaming of the day when I could get them all to pose (using the word loosely) for pictures in pretty dresses. I just adore these sweet faces - even if they are growing up way too FAST!

We took them down to the Brandywine River to try and sneak in some holiday card pictures. After dressing them and doing hair, I was already exhausted but off we went. The excursion proved to fun while providing some quality family time.

Upon arriving, we found the bridge and surrounding area were being turned into an X-Mas tree stand. There was a lot of noise and movement which initially put Adeline at odds with the place. She eventually warmed up. Lila was in heaven because there were rocks everywhere. It is a good thing that her palms don't show in the pictures! She was filthy yet again. Savannah found the tranquil river appealing but enjoyed tossing rocks around with Lila too.

And yes, we got some pictures too. You will have to wait for the card to see my favorites but below are some less perfect but sweet pictures.

The Things They Love Part III

Miss Grace! I know just where to start. . .

Lila is my biggest binki/bunny and now blanket girl. Her Bunny is in worse condition than Savannah's which is very hard to believe. Possibly the most unique and humorous aspect of Lila's Bunny love is where she likes to rub it. I bet you wouldn't have guessed on her toes. Each morning while riding in the car for 1.5 hours, Lila takes off her shoes and socks, hikes her pant legs up, and gives her toes a good Bunny rub. Rubbing Bunny's ribbon on the inside of her nostril seems to be a favoirte as well. We have limited the binki to the car and bed but she still loves it immensely. She only likes certain ones - never pink or purple to be exact. The blanket, well the blanket has been with her from the beginning. It draped over her isolette serving as "room darkening shades." Now it snuggles with her under her sheets to keep her warm.


Coming in at a strong second is Savannah. Lila Grace adores Savannah and their relationship. Their monkey see, monkey do interactions are priceless. Lila Grace puts up with a lot because much of Savannah's pretend play remains above Lila's head. The two of them would rather play with each other, running, screaming and chasing, than playing with a toy any day. An example of their sister games is playing tag. One must tag the other and then say, "I love you." Savannah came up with it on her own.


There aren't many material items that rank high on Lila's list. In fact there are just a few and Ernie has climbed his way to the top. Lila fell in love with Ernie when she turned two and now can spot him an mile away. She recognizes his voice in songs, used to only want Ernie diapers, and is the first to tell a stranger, "I like Ernie."

Another material item that Lila will spend her time on is a puzzle. She isn't independent with 24 piece jigsaw style puzzles but she is getting closer each day. She is a pro at this wooden three pieces to a picture puzzle which is pretty tough. Lila carefully searches through all of the puzzle pieces looking for just the right one. It is nice to see her methodical when most of the time she flies by the seat of her pants.
Dancing, dancing and more dancing. Spinning, singing and dancing. This is what Lila does for fun. She has a favorite song and it must be blaring loud. She won't dance in shoes or socks and we just recently won the clothing battle. For the past six months, she has danced in just her undies.

Does filth count as something one can love? Anything that is wet and has the ability for Lila to drag her feet through it calls her name. She strips off her shoes and socks immediately when she sees a puddle. Luckily, she is getting old enough to know that I DON'T like it which makes her hesitate and ask - sometimes. Most of the time her hands are muddy and her feet are wet.
Along this same line of thinking are rocks. Lila loves a good rock. When she was younger, she would pick one up off a parking lot and carry with her until we got home. I would have to pry it out her hands in order to avoid living in a rock pile. Now, she picks them up and looks for places to throw them. Give her a stream lined with rocks and the child is occupied for hours.

Finally, I must include the color red. Lila Grace feels entitled to anything red because, "I like red mommy." Every picture she brings home from school is colored solidly with red. She used to insist on wearing red socks with everything. Today it was the red bow that had to be in her hair. It seems that red is factor in each day of Lila's life. The funny thing is, Savannah was the same way!!