Christian's birthday

Add five more fingers, Madeline ... we celebrated Christian's seventh birthday with a pool party Saturday at the Y. He's goggle-eyed with excitement (sorry). Behind Christian is his friend and our neighbor, Liam; to the right, Andrew. His other two friends were out of town, but that turned out to be OK ... three not-so-little boys plus Cameron were more than enough for Jim and me! Chocolate cake and frosting, fun & craziness with disposable cameras and presents followed, at home. Grandpa Dan and Grandma Marilyn came for dinner on the official birthday, Sunday.

It finally snowed!

The kids had to wait a long time to make the first snowman of the year, but here he is. I'm glad we got this picture, because not long afterward the wind blew his hat and scarf off ... then when somebody tried to replace his carrot nose, they pushed too hard ... his head fell off and they never did put it back on. So, the back yard features the headless snowman, surrounded by Tonka trucks.

Christmas and a new toy

Fun shot of Cameron with Slinky in motion during Christmas at Grandpa & Nana's.

Starting the year off right. With yummy soy.

What is soy, anyway? Were people meant to consume this stuff? It's a point of debate, but while others discuss the history of soybeans, I'm drinking them. The texture is as close to cow's milk as I can get right now, after going dairy-free. I am currently allergic to dairy products, according to Aberdeen's allergy & immunology doctor (that's right, there's just one.) I saw him for tests after being swamped with a bevy of unpleasant symptoms, including brain fog -- sure, blame it on milk -- breathing difficulty, really bad heartburn, and gastrointestinal activities I won't go into detail about. Giving up milk wasn't too bad at first, but now I'd consider committing crimes if I could just have some chocolate again. (I've heard there's a really expensive French dark chocolate that's dairy-free and actually good-tasting. If I really get desperate, maybe I'll order some online.) I do feel more clearheaded without my five-times-a-day dairy panacea -- lattes, cereal and chai -- but several of the other symptoms haven't gone away. I'll see Dr. Luzier again tomorrow. I have a list of discussion points ready, and among them the question: Will I be able to have dairy again? Ever? Stay tuned ...

Giddy Christmas Kids

Here's the scene Christmas Eve at the Scarletts. We had a hurried dinner of nice juicy ham with orange-molasses glaze and a whole bunch of other good stuff, then went to church (packed, the only seats left were in the front right behind the pastors) for the kids' first candlelight service. Christian was rapt, Madeline was nervous and Cameron walked right up to the pastor for a light, in front of the whole church. :) Jim had to retrieve him, but Cameron didn't throw a tantrum. Maybe he thought Santa was watching.