I just took a look at my last post and it was apparently cold at the beginning of December - not so much now. This weather has actually been beautiful -nice enough now to take Thomas out in his new sled. He loves going for rides in it! He sits and talks to the ground, sky, trees and whoever is walking by. Now that he's walking it's also so much fun. Well, he gets into more things, but he's so cute toddling around on his short little legs. Lately he knows to clap his hands and stomp his feet when we sing the song "If You're Happy and You Know it." His comprehension of what we're saying is also growing by leaps and bounds. The other day I was showing him cars driving by the window. Then, later on, when I asked him where the cars were, he looked at the window and proceeded to walk over to it. Wow! I was completely shocked. I'm pretty sure he knows more than he lets on. He's also really loving a blue hammer that goes with a hammer truck Chris and I gave him for Christmas. He walks around and hammers anything interesting to him. Our cat doesn't really like this! I've already started to think about what we're going to do for his birthday. I can't believe it's coming up so soon. My little baby is now a little boy!

I'm also in the process of updating my resume for going back to work. Yup, it's that time again. I'm just subbing for now, but hopefully will get a position in the fall. We'll see where God leads! Well, I'm going to go and grab a cup of tea while Thomas naps.

Well, the weather outside is frightful! Unfortunately we don't have a fire to stay warm beside. I can't believe how quickly the weather turned cold. But, that's Manitoba for you! The thermometer said it was -30 out today - yuck! The last few weeks have been busy with Christmas shopping, sending out Christmas cards and Christmas baking. Since I have time this year, I managed to bake 5 batches of Christmas goodies! Now they're in my freezer, though, calling my name....! Only 2 more weeks and we head out to BC for Christmas with my family and skiing! I'm looking forward to this so much, though Thomas doesn't adjust well with sleeping, so I might be tired. I've been thinking about work lately - can't believe I'm almost at that time to go back. I have mixed feelings, but time will work it out. Must go and make myself some coffee to escape the cold:) I've added some pictures of Thomas I took recently. He's so cute! I love his picture with Santa. We were in the mall and it was a spur of the moment decision. He didn't cry at all, just stared at the strange man with the beard!]

Well, I haven't written in a long time...but life is good. I can't believe it's December 1 already. Snow is falling outside my window for the first time, so it really is beginning to feel like Christmas. I love Christmas and am looking forward to spending it with Thomas this year! Last year I thought, I'll have a 9 month old baby next year...and I do! We've been busy getting together with friends, shopping, going to doctor's appointments and more. We were able as a family to get up to the Whiteshell for a couple days at the beginning of December, and that was really nice. Life with Thomas just gets more and more fun. He's getting such a personality! He loves to play with anybody who pays interest in him and has such a cute giggle. He also has 2 more top teeth and is moving around furniture so well. I don't think he'll be walking by Christmas, but you never know... Lots of talking - "mama," "dada," and "tata" these days and of course yelling. He really is our little miracle!

Thomas is crawling on his hands and knees now and his fourth tooth finally came through. He learned how to crawl in 1 day! It's amazing how quickly babies learn new things. We just got back from a great trip to BC to visit my mom and dad. It was so nice to see them, and nice that they got to see Thomas before Christmas. We'll be heading back out west in 2 months again to do some skiing and visiting with family. Thomas was awesome on the plane. I was so worried, but he was such a trooper. On the way to BC there was this man sitting in our row who really liked Thomas and at one point held him and put him to sleep! Another new thing in our lives is that we just bought a new car - upgrading to a van. The car just is too small for us and our growing family We're picking it up today! Family is coming over on Sunday for Thomas' s dedication, so that will be nice. I've got a lot of cooking and cleaning to do today, though. Life with Chris and Thomas just gets better every day. We're loving our little baby so much!

Thomas has another tooth on the top! It came in a week and a half ago...the other should follow soon. Lately sleep for us has been horrible. Thomas is waking up at 4:45-5:00 every morning - yucky! I cut back his napping yesterday and he slept until 6:45!!!:) We'll try it again today and see if less napping is the key. The weather has also turned colder. Fall is finally here. I'm looking forward to cozy nights inside. I just wish there weren't so many of these nights, but that's what you get for living in Winnipeg. I'll be heading to BC on Wednesday for Thanksgiving, which I'm super excited about. I'm a little bit nervous about the plane flight with Thomas, but let's hope for the best. He was awesome the last time I went. That's pretty much it in our life here. Work is going well for Chris, and Thomas is eating more and more food every day. He finally seems to like it!