Goings on

My thoughts are with the Kirkland family who are in Arizona today for funeral services.  My parents drove out last night to join them.  I pray they will find comfort in each other and that they all have save travels back home. 

We are definitely in count down to Christmas mode around here.  Our 'count down Santa' mysteriously keeps changing in the days til Christmas:0)  Katya is not real good with her numbers and likes to change the blocks.  The other day I found it said 80 days til Christmas!  I am struggling on getting Christmas cards out but have pictures ordered so I will be getting them out, though they might be late.  I am really glad most my shopping is done.  I have wrapped most of the gifts for the kids on our list and hope to hit the Post Office today to mail some packages. 

Katya slept her first night in underwear last night!  Such a big girl!  She has been keeping her diapers dry consistently (as long as we make her go right before bed) lately, and getting up herself and going to the bathroom in the morning (7-7:30).  So I asked her if she wanted to try underwear to bed.  She was very excited and proud this morning when she did it. 

Reagan is 20 months old now.  It is hard to imagine that in a few weeks Reagan will be the age that Katya was when R was born.  Reagan is such an easy going kid.  It amazes me how well she entertains herself.  We have been staying inside a lot lately with the bad weather we have been having (tons of rain).  Though she loves going outside, she never puts up a fuss about having to stay in and contents herself with one thing or another.  She is really enjoying singing lately which is so cute.  She does get upset occasionally when something doesn't go her way and she lays on her belly and cries.  But it doesn't last long.  Katya and her have a blast playing together and chasing each other around the house.  There are always moments of tears, like when Katya knocks Reagan over accidentally, but they still have fun.  It is so fun to watch them interact and I love that they are so close in age.   

This month brings a lot of banquets at the Gausthus (being it the holidays).  It sucks to have Craig working more than usual though it is nice to help pay for Christmas.  He continues to be optimistic about future raises/promotions at Dow.  He has more and more responsibilities there and they are keeping him very busy, which is great.  He is looking forward to the 3 day weekend at Christmas and again for New Years.  Though it is hard to think about the Exilixis days when he got the whole week off! 

I hope everyones Christmas preparations are going well, stress free and fun!  I just love the magic of this time of year!