Finally...

After living here for 2 1/2 years, we finally made it into New York to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree. We left our house at 8 a.m. (a miracle for our family) and drove into the city for church. We visited a Presbyterian church near the tree, but I can't say that it was a good experience. The service was painfully dead. The joy of Christ's birth was no where to be found in the worship service. In fact, I hardly saw anyone smile. Even when the associate pastor brought a newly baptized baby down the aisle, no one cracked a smile or laughed at the sweet little boy. It was very sad, indeed.

After the service, we walked down to Rockefeller and enjoyed the excitement of the crowds, tree and ice skating. New York truly is a magical place during the holidays. We watched the ice skaters (Santa included), showed Cambria where "mommy's show" (The Today Show) is taped, saw Dora & a host of other characters, waved to another Santa, shared a NY pretzel (yummy) and headed somewhere special for lunch.

Ever since our first fall here I have wanted to bring Cambria to the Peanut Butter Co. (http://www.ilovepeanutbutter.com/) in Greenwich Village. Since my daughter is the biggest fan of peanut butter that ever lived, then I felt it important to take her there. Cambria and Avery shared a peanut butter with Marshmallow spread sandwich, while Jeff & I split a Jerry Seinfeld special (peanut butter bagel with honey & cinnamon). It was delicious and very filling! We didn't even have room for dessert which is very sad since they have peanut butter pie (one of Jeff's favs).

All in all, it was a fun-filled family day!

A Family Picture

Jeff & Cambria had a great time watching the ice skaters, especially Santa.

Me & the girls in Rockefeller Plaza.

Christmas Program

Last night was the preschool's Christmas program. For weeks, Cambria has been singing the songs and performing the hand motions. The program was all she could think about day and night.

We arrived at the seminary, found Cambria's classmates, and helped into her cat ears and tail. We gave her a hug and said we would see her inside the auditorium. As we past the crying 1-2 year olds, I commented to our friend, "Isn't it nice to have children who don't cry when we leave."

I immediately knew something was up when Cambria walked into the program. Her eyes were red and I could see that she was holding back tears. One look at me and the tears began to flow. She ran across the stage into my arms. I asked her what was wrong and she answered, "I thought we were going to eat." That was all the explanation I ever got from her.

She sat out a couple of songs before I talked her into singing "Joy to the World" with her class. She bravely sang a verse before melting into tears again and finishing the program in my arms, once again.

Having young kids is tough and a lot of work, but there are moments that are totally precious. For some reason, last night was one of those times for me. I am glad that Cambria is growing up but I also greatly appreciate that she still wants me around when life disappoints her. That will not always be the case, though I hope it will be more than not.

Pre-program smiles. 

Trying to be brave and sing with her classmates. 

Tears abound. 

What is this stuff made of? 

Avery wore this tutu for over an hour. She wants to dress up just like Cambria. 

Thanksgiving

We had a very nice Thanksgiving. On Wednesday we drove from NJ to Annapolis, MD for our nephew Wills' Red Egg party (a Chinese tradition). We had a nice lunch with Jeff's family to celebrate Wills.

We then drove over 3 hours (usually an hour and a half) to my parents' house in VA. Our Thanksgiving with my family was relaxing and fun. Every night we played cards or dominos until late...it was exhausting, but so much fun! Jeff stayed through Sunday and then drove to NJ with my brother. The girls and I stayed another week until Saturday, December 2nd.

During our stay, Avery developed a fever of 104. Before the fever appeared we thought she was teething. Obviously a fever of 104 does not mean teething. I took her to the ER...I was suspicious of an ear infection. Well, she had a double one. Within a day and a half she began to nap and sleep well at night again (thank goodness).

Avery has not been a good sleeper during her first year of life. This could be due to a few things -- light sleeper; sharing a room with Cambria; or, we haven't allowed her to cry much in this apartment. So, after getting over the ear infection, we began to crack down on her nightwaking. She's only waking up once a night, so we've had her cry it out. It seems to be working. She's gone back to sleep the last two nights within 20 minutes and she's sleeping later in the mornings. We are in heaven right now!!!!! Let's hope it lasts.

More as Christmas approaches.
Laurie

The Jacks' family together for Greg's 30th birthday. 

The only time Avery sat down at my parents' house was when she was sitting in this chair. She's a very active little girl.  

Mommy & Cambria on a carriage ride at the Vienna Christmas Walk - Nov 29th 

Cambria LOVES to swing -- actually it borders on an obsession. :-) 

At the park with Grandma and Mommy 

Cambria is hanging out with Uncle Andrew 

Wills' Red Egg Party - Nov 22nd 

At Aunt Heather & Uncle Will's house - November 22nd 

More news

A cute Cambria story:
We were driving back from Belmar Beach today when Cambria saw a warning sign for deer. She told Jeff to watch out for deer because she saw the "deer sign." A little later she said, "Mommy, I saw the deer sign but I haven't seen any deer."

Playing with shells in the sand at Belmar Beach, NJ. 

Avery on the Belmar Beach playground. 

At Belmar Beach today (Saturday). 

Sweet sisters. 

Avery's new blackeye -- she hit the rocker ( I think she was pushed by her sister since Cambria said, "Sorry" as soon as it happened). 

Zerberts from Granddad. 

The girls with Yen-Yen 

Baptism for both girls -- Sunday, November 5th 

Avery turns 1 on November 8th!

Today we had a big family celebration for Avery's 1st birthday. It was a fun day with Grandma, Granddad, Yen-Yen, Yea-Yea, Aunt Taryn, Aunt Heather, Uncle Will, cousin Wills and our neighbors Keith & Julie. Avery received some very special presents and enjoyed playing with them immediately. She is a big girl now -- she's been walking for 2 months and can almost run after Cambria when they are playing chase; she points to everything; she loves to dance to music; she can mimick tunes we sing (she seems to have received the musical gene); she says mama, dada, yaya (Cambria), bapa (backpack -- from Dora), map (also Dora), ank ou (thank you); she's throwing her first toddler fits; she no longer eats any baby food, but she is already picky about eating -- especially veggies (which she used to love in jar form). We love Avery very much and can't imagine our lives without her.

Tune in for more blog info -- the girls' baptism is tomorrow!

A big 1 year old girl!

Avery's bday cake! 

Special delivery :-)