Getting Going

Merry Christmas and Happy Christmastide from Gasperini-Ville!!

I awoke this morning with a feeling of freshness that comes with the start of a new year.  Yes, I know, 2009 is not quite here, but it is close!!  Last night GG and I sat down to "housekeep" at the computer, adjust the budget, and get on the same playing field as far as the weeks to come.  What a blessing it was!!  I recommend it for all married couples, especially those with children!  We will do this from week to week, but last night showed me we would benefit from doing it more often...

The holidays have been a whirlwind and it was time for us to get back to business and work through the kinks of our children's behavior of late.  Namely, our precious T has been continuing to give us grief around bedtime.  We took away his binky two months ago and with it all self-certainty and comfort.  Poor guy!!  Since then, dear GG has become his soother and the only thing he wants at bedtime.  Not even Mommy's love can help!  

Therefore, we are setting out with a new plan--to remove Daddy completely from the bedtime equation.  Tonight Daddy will bathe and dress the boys and Mommy will take over for stories and prayers.  Daddy will conveniently "leave the house" (and hideout in the study), which will *hopefully* bring about less sadness and quicker sleep for the little T.  What a dear, that one!!  But what a pistol! :)  Best thing to note of late, though, is how MUCH of a helper our T is.  He really enjoys pitching in and making things happen--and Mom responds with LOTS of love and encouragement!  I'll do whatever it takes to keep it coming!

Sweet J is also beginning to show his baby tiger stripes, getting up-in-arms in the middle of nursing for any and all lulls!  He has also started to awaken again a couple times a night due to hunger.  Growth spurt anyone?!  You betcha!!  We are starting cereal on his 5 mos. birthday (Jan. 5th) and the day couldn't come any sooner!!  Just last week the little guy enjoyably tried to eat a pickle at lunchtime and was so thrilled with himself.  I'd say he's primed and ready for food! :)

M has been a good boy (with occasional brotherly hitting sprees!) and delights in pleasing Mom and Dad.  Can I get an "amen"?  Hallelujah!  He is surely encouraged by our praises and loves to do anything for accolades!  Surprise, surprise with GG and I as parents!  Most dear is watching his love for his brothers emerge.  He is practically up in J's space ALL the time--kissing, squeezing cheeks.  He also fetches toys and makes the baby giggle.  J lights up when M is around--too cute!  And just last night, GG and I heard him trying to soothe a crying bedtime T saying, "It's okay T.  I know you miss Daddy, but he's downstairs.  You need to stop crying so you won't wake the baby."  We just about melted outside the door hearing such words...  Yes, yes, our big boy is growing up, indeed.  

And how much we dearly love all of them!

Hope you have started off your Monday with a bang!!

Prayers yours is a good one...