Find Your Happiness

Nathaniel, barely turned seven years old, flew for the first time by himself  yesterday. We weren't able to come home for the holidays this year and he has been missing everyone in Indianapolis. So both sets of grandparents generously offered to pay for his ticket as his Christmas present! Since Nathaniel is under eight years old, he had to fly from Raleigh-Durham International airport--the closest direct flight hub to Indianapolis. We went ahead and made a day of it in Raleigh especially since his flight wasn't until later in the evening. In fact, there ended up being a two hour delay due to mechanical issues. Nathaniel was supposed to depart at 8:15pm but instead left at 9:52pm! Hubs was able to stay with Nathaniel the entire time and even wait at the gate until his plane was airborne. The girls and I stayed at the check in area, which thankfully wasn't busy at all since it was late. I was very anxious about this whole ordeal but ...

Eleanor received a bouncer from her first visit from Santa! He must have heard how she loves to kick her legs and bounce on the one same one her older Kuya and Ate used.

For the past couple weeks, Eleanor has begun to pay attention to food and people eating. It is so awesome to witness these babies try to make sense of the world around them. And since she is now six months old, we will be introducing solids pretty soon. I really enjoy exclusively breastfeeding so I try to push it as later as possible. But like Hubs says, it is time.

Our first year as family of five! Blessed indeed.

I cannot believe Eleanor is already half a year old! She brings all of us so much joy and we are so blessed to have her be a part of our family.

It is a Christmas miracle! I cannot believe there were no tears this year. I expected Eleanor to cry because we had to wake her up from her nap when it was our turn. She also doesn't like anyone else holding her except for Mama. As for Amelia, she did so much better this year. In fact, she couldn't wait to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas (Hello Kitty). And Nathaniel had a long, serious talk with Santa about how to get off the naughty list. Lately, Nathaniel is having trouble listening and being grateful for what he already has. Here's hoping he can turn his attitude around and move his name to the nice list in time for Christmas!

We were so excited to see Gunny Claus at Daddy's battalion holiday party yesterday. It is our third year of visiting with him. And I guess third time really is the charm because Amelia didn't shed a tear at all this year! And as always, Gunny Claus had a lovely ornament for us and presents for the little ones.