The Polar Express

The playgroup had a fun evening event. A member invited everyone over to read The Polar Express and then watch the movie. The kids were each given their own bell which has significance to the story. It was a really neat play date and everyone had a nice time. Interestingly, the kids received a Polar Express gift set for the holidays! Now we can watch the movie any time our hearts desire.

Cookie Exchange

For the third year in a row, the playgroup has had a holiday party with a cookie exchange. I was unable to attend the first one but I have enjoyed the past two. I took cookies but didn't participate in the cookie exchange due to our GFCF diet in our home. I didn't want to torture Andrew and Gabriel with treats that they can't consume. I've also realized that I am no longer a good cookie baker. My cookies turn out gross!
The party is a lot of fun. We have a White Elephant exchange, play lots of games, eat food that is bad for us, and chat without kids or spouses. I got a Nutcracker this year - I LOVE it! I'm grateful for my "Mommy" friends.

Blizzardy Weekend

The original forecast stated that 0-2 inches of snow were on the way this weekend. It didn't seem too bad until I woke up to two of our windows blown open due to a blizzard! Ack!

We spent Saturday at home. We made GFCF brownies and hot cocoa from scratch. I have to admit both recipes were pretty darn good! We read a lot of books and the kids played well.

The kids also watched Santa Claus is Coming to Town. It was fun to watch them curled up on the couch with Andrew.

Later in the evening, I held Gabriel and looked into his beautiful blue eyes. I told him how we prayed and wished for him for three years. He was well worth the wait. He then told me that we can snuggle until he becomes a daddy, then it will be weird. I will keep that in mind but the thought of the day when he is too old to snuggle crushes my heart.

We went to city hall to see Santa on Sunday. Despite all of the preparations, Gabriel threw a fit as we walked in the building. He then sat on Santa's lap without a problem. Alexander stood next to him but never got closer while Lane screamed the entire time. I wonder if we will ever have a photo with all three of them sitting happily. I think not.

Days in early December

Andrew's father took us out to dinner on December 1. I always enjoy the moments we have with him when he is here. He is engaged and interested in the children during these visits and it's nice to see the relationships he is creating with his grandchildren. He tried to understand Gabriel's disability as well.
Gabriel had a rough transition when we sat down at the table. He wanted to sit upstairs rather than at the round table on the first floor. Other parents with typical 6 year olds would be able to get through this moment rather easily. Maybe they would have to deal with a whiney child or a small fit. This is not the case with us. We had to talk to Gabriel about it for twenty minutes. He bumped into one of the waiters on our way to the table and the waiter made an exaggerated movement and stared at us. I had to hold in my "mama bear" looks and comments. It's a never ending process with Gabriel but we get through it and hope to help him every day through every situation.
Lane's first word was "mama" but her first two word utterance was, "Hi Daddy." Andrew melted!
Alexander had an appt on Thursday with a social worker. I thought we were meeting with a psychologist so I was disappointed to hear that her job was to refer us on or let us know everything is okay. We were referred to an agency that will further evaluate him.
Today was a nice Friday. I took Laney to a playdate at Maggie's house. The older children made a snowman craft. She interacted with several people which was fun to watch. We met Andrew for a sushi lunch and later went to Gabriel's first holiday program. He stood on the risers the entire time and did some of the hand movements. He was THRILLED to see us afterward. We walked to Alexander's school and participated in the last part of his Gingerbread Man activity.
Our weekend will include a visit to Belmond, IA, for a benefit for our friend Kate. We look forward to spending time with her and her family this weekend. I'm sure they will be busy with everyone there but it is always nice to spend time with them.