It's a Whole New Year

The dust has just about settled from the holiday whirlwind and our family rhythm is back to "normal" (whatever that means with two 2 year olds in the mix). Christmas with Molly and Aidan was magical. To see the delight in their eyes and hear the wonder in their voices was amazing. Presents were opened with enthusiasm. It was several days before everything was opened and not because there was so much but because each toy became an instant favorite and had to be played with right away. Thomas the Tank Engine, Dora the Explorer and Disney Princesses are currently at the top Aidan and Molly's list. We did a lot of visiting over the holidays which reeked havoc with "the schedule" but we all really enjoyed ourselves and the kids did very well. Our friends the Meusers received a special gift this Christmas. They accepted a referral for a beautiful baby girl from Guatemala. Her name is Grace Elizabeth and they hope to have her home this summer.

The big news around our house is Molly and Aidan are in their own rooms. Last Saturday Pat took Molly's crib apart and moved it into her new room just across the hall (Aidan walked in as Pat was reassembling the crib and exclaimed "Oh, no! Molly's crib upside down! He was relieved when the crib was returned to its upright position.) We had intended to separate them a while ago and had already begun to get Molly's room together (hang pink velvet curtains with daisy curtain rods, assemble a storage rack with pastel bins and a book case). On move in day the kids helped carry books and toys from Aidan's room into Molly's. We moved over the lamp that matches her bedding and installed a switch plate from the same grouping. We also rearranged Aidan's bedroom. He was still sleeping in the pack-n-play and we intended to keep him there until the kids were comfortable being in their own rooms. Everything was ready by nap time. After lunch we were ready for the moment of truth. We walked the kids upstairs, told them to give each other a kiss and took them to their rooms. Molly went contentedly into her crib and layed down without a peep. Aidan walked into his room and said "Aidan sleep here" and hopped into his bed. This is not what we were expecting at all. We were prepared for crying and unhappiness and were pleasantly surprised by the opposite. Who knew?? They have been in their own rooms for week and seem quite content. Nighttime is met with some resistance but not more than usual. They don't like us to leave for the night and try various ploys to get us to stay...there are requests for one more book, rub my hiney, kiss Aidan/Molly or kiss mommy/daddy (whoever is in the other room). Aidan's newest request is to cry for a tissue after we leave his room. We let him go for a few minutes and when we go in his room we find him standing under the wall shelf were the tissue box is located with his blanket and stuffed race car in hand. After a few nights of this my sister Barb (who is here visiting for the week) suggested we put the box of tissues next to his bed. That did the trick last night. Tonight...we shall see.