To the memory of a hill

This is the still-existing snowy winter view behind our house.

(I cannot show you what the view used to look like. There used to be a dense forest all the way up that hill. It was the home of lots of deer, squirrels, and opossums. You might notice that now there's an ugly black tarp stretching halfway up the hill, and behind it... no forest. The mean people killed our forest this past fall and destroyed our hill. Next winter, this view will be even more ruined, for they're planning to build on top of that hill. In the summer, there's still a jungle between us and them, but sadly, the lovely winter view will be lost forever.)

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

The first day of Kindermusik was sadly cancelled today - but happily, the reason was snow! You all know how I just LOVE SNOW! So although Caleb and I (well, I) have been impatiently looking forward to our musical class finally starting back up (it was delayed a week already from the initially announced start date), the reason was a good one (not a legitimate one, cause you know we live in the South and they cancel everything when there's a mere dusting of snow on the ground; with this kind of approach, the North would have to shut down for the entire winter season; however, it was good that if Kindermusik had to be cancelled, AT LEAST WE GOT SNOW INSTEAD!).

So this is the first real snowfall of the winter and this time, it's more than a dusting. About 2-3 inches have fallen so far, I'd say. We're taking advantage of it, for sure. I'm pulling out the snowsuit and boots we've received so generously from my friend's kids, and gearing up the stroller (with attached winter covering) for a wintry stroll through the white neighborhood. If it hasn't melted, we will frolic and play in the powdery stuff. (Powdery stuff, please don't melt until then).

Caleb has already been out in the snow early in the dark morning and he stares out the deck door every time he passes it, pointing and inquisitively watching what this white stuff is falling from the sky and beginning to lay a white cover over everything. (Yes Cakes, snow is quite magical, even to an adult. Except for when you have to drive in it, or shovel it, or clean it off your bushes, or so I've heard some adults say. But I must say, your Mama never minded any of the above. Besides, none of those things will happen to you for another 10 years or so and until then, there's only sledding and skiing and skating and snowshoeing (this one, soon!) and snowmen making and snowball fights. And wintry stroller rides through a white neighborhood. So enjoy!)

I will surely thrill everyone with some snowy pictures later in the day (if the snow cooperates and my batteries sufficiently recharge by then). Let it snow!

And later...

Mama's Sick, Baby's Sad

Yesterday, I was sick with a bad food poisoning (rare this is, for I haven't had one in over 10 years!). There was lots of throwing up and whatnot. I will spare you the gory details. The only reason I think this is worth mentioning is to note Caleb's reaction to it.

The poor child. He didn't know what was wrong with Mama, only that I was not my usual jolly self. I was laying down all day and barely paying attention to him. Thankfully, Daddy was around to take care of him, yet he was obviously disturbed by my absence. (I tried to be in the same room, so I was present in person, but very absent in spirit.) It was remarkable, how this affected Caleb. He was so cranky all day, wailing loudly at the littlest things. All he wanted was his mommy. At times, I tried to lay down on the floor next to him, to comfort him, and he would scoot himself all the way up to me, trying to get close to me, to comfort me. He knew that something was wrong with me, and not only did he miss me, but it made him sad.

We slept a 12-hour dead men's sleep last night. This morning, all is well. Mama and thus Caleb are back to their cheerful selves. I was feeding him this morning and he kept hugging me, then patting me, as if to say, "Good, you're back!" What a sweet child.

Letter from Caleb

Hi Everyone! This is Caleb! Mama's hard at work on a project right now, so I decided to write myself! (Someone needs to keep this Blog going!)

I wanted to tell everyone what a great Christmas I had! This was in reality the 2nd Christmas of my young life, but since the 1st one was spent at the Hospital, I am not counting it. Besides, I am pretty sure that I slept right through that one, cause I DON'T REMEMBER A THING!

I have learnt a thing or two about Christmas this year. I now know that you have to travel long hours to get there. While you are traveling to Christmas, you listen to Christmas carols in the car. Loudly. And if you know the words, you can sing along. (Though Mama pays no heed to that rule. If she doesn't know the words, she just makes them up!)

When you arrive at Christmas, everyone will kiss you, hug you, and generally be very glad to see you. You will wonder what you did to get all this attention.

When you go inside, you marvel at the sight: a Christmas tree in every room! You now realize that all that traveling was surely worth it, for Christmas sure is beautiful! There are lights and decorations as far as the eye can see. Snowmen, Santas, carolers, and elves are tucked in every corner. And wait till you see the shiny gifts under the tree! (Later you find out that they are so much fun to shake and bang while everyone is gathered for a Christmas Eve party!)

Christmas Eve is also my birthday. I am one of the few people, whose birthday EVERYONE celebrates!
When Christmas Eve is also your birthday, you get to stay up really late to make the day as long as possible. I managed it until about 11! Can you believe it? When I began bursting into tears at the slightest things (like plopping on my butt), Mama said: "It's time."

When you wake up in the morning, Christmas is still there. Or should I say, the real fun is just beginning - for now you get to OPEN and PLAY with all the toys under the tree! And Christmas dinner is VERY YUMMY!! (How did Grandmom know that I love steak? And potatoes, and carrots, and peas too?) After dinner you get a birthday cake and a Happy Song is sung - just for you! And then, there are more presents! You feel like it's the 12 days of Christmas! All wrapped up into one day!

So, this is Christmas

Thank you everyone for making this Christmas a Christmas to remember!