Hold on to this moment!

So often when I am with my children I think I want to capture this moment and remember it forever. But it is hard to hang on to the nuances of the memory. You lose the details even as you capture the big picture. Flash frozen a child is eating their first birthday cake, or discovering the magic of Santa. Today I had one of those moments. Cassie was watching Ben for me in the living room while I peeled apples for pie. I could hear him giggling as she tickled him and it was the sweetest thing ever. I wish I could have videotaped it, but the audio memory will have to do. The sound of Ben laughing and Cassie laughing back was so heartwarming. My children are all healthy,still living under my roof, we have food and a roof over our head, a nice warm house, trees decorated, cookies and other delights ready for the big day. I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Not the least is the sound of my baby's laughter. I am so grateful!

Well it's been awhile. Ben is now 8 months and still sweet as sugar. He started saying Mama on Saturday, first one of my kids to say that before dada. No teeth yet but he's getting mobile by rolling around. He won't stay on his tummy long enough to figure out the crawling but he can sit by himself. He is eating banana, applesauce, pears, sweet potato and yogurt now.

We are all ready for Christmas. Trees up and stockings hung and the kids are looking forward to a visit from their aunt and new cousin. My SIL is getting married a few days before Christmas and decided to pop down to see us for a quick visit. I am so happy for her and so excited to see her. Last time I was so wrapped up in school and NICU visits that I barely got to visit. I can't wait to meet her new husband and stepson as well.