Deck the Halls

As heard this morning in our living room when I attempted to trim a Christmas tree assisted only by a one year old and a cat:
"Please be gentle with the ornaments."
"Please set that down... carefully."
"Carefully."
"Haley, those branches won't hold you!"
"What was wrong with that one?"
"Why is your father in the basement?"
"Can you hand that to Mommy?"
"Haley, don't eat the tree."
"Henry, don't eat the tree."
"Where are you going? We're not done."
"Well, yes, OK, you have a point. Technically, the ornament is shaped like a ball."
"I think the tree looks great with just the six ornaments - don't you?"
"I know it is before noon but it is the holiday season and eggnog isn't that potent anyway."
"Haley, don't give me that look."


(Editor's note: This post was originally composed on December 21, 2009.)

Father's Day

The mug that Henry painted at daycare for Mike's first Father's Day. The two little figures holding hands are made from H's fingerprints. Even though it is just a "show mug" as the infant teacher was quick to remind me, Mike loves it, and I admit, I want a show mug, too.

Valentine's Day.

Despite the constant hacking and coughing fits in our household, it was still Henry's first Valentine's Day. Or, rather, I should say that it was our first Valentine's Day with a baby. Mike gave me some lovely roses, and we ordered Chinese take-out. Here is Henry with his Valentine's cards.