thanks joshie

... for being so patient with Joseph.

and a merry Christmas evening, too

Three wise men, and later and enjoying a bowl of Christmas peas

with Grandma Kantor

and some gift-giving chaos.

Twas a delightful day. Merry Christmas everybody!

merry christmas day... so far

Santa brought me cookies! Joseph and I had one for breakfast.

Joseph started getting the hang of peeking into his stocking... but by then there was nothing left in it. So then we started on prezzies.

Thanks for the barn, Grammie and Papa!! And this is me feeling the effects of the earlier cookie.

Thanks for the headband, Lily and Jonah!

And this is us... a team picture under the tree. Now onto napping and then supper at Nanny and Grandpa's.

from our house to yours

with a hug...

just five more sleeps

... but the Baby Jesus has arrived early in Fisher Price Bethlehem.

party

We celebrated Ava's birthday today! Here is picture of Joseph more interested in a train set than the birthday girl.

(Sorry, Ava... he's just shy? Anyway, we thought you looked beautiful and hope you have fun being one!!)

birthday aftermath

We had a great day with Joseph, doing all of his favourite things. We had visitors, answered birthday calls, went to Rhyme Time, picked Dad up from work, went out for supper, and had a birthday-cake-free-for-all. Thank you for all your well wishes and making today such a happy, happy day.

Now onto Year 2.

one

Dear Joseph -

Happy Birthday! You've already had a lot of parties but this is the special day we really celebrate. Just one year ago today, at this very minute, you were born. You were so little and red and squishy and you only opened one eye at a time. You squeaked and confused us with your eating and sleeping schedule. But you fit just right in the crook of our arms.

And now you are so big. You can walk and talk and we have the most excellent conversations about twinkly Christmas lights and what doggies say. You are not necessarily the best napper, but that means we have more hours in the day to love and cuddle you. And you are funny and can really make mommy and daddy laugh, even when you are tossing your food over the side of your highchair (yes, we still notice, even though you are being funny).

We love you, Jojo. You fit just right into our whole hearts.

Happy Birthday Bubba.

Love,

Da-eee and Mum-mum-mum

-

Dear Jesus -

Thank you, endlessly, for choosing us to be Joseph's parents. Thank you for blessing us with this child and teaching us how to be and what to do, even at 3 o'clock in the morning. This is the greatest of gifts... a child. We are forever grateful, forever glad, that you would give to us a son.

Lord, bless Joseph as he grows. He is adventurous, curious, determined, funny, smart, happy, strong, charming, and busy... all what you have made him to be. May he be kept safe in your love all through his lifetime, learning to make good decisions and be true to his faith, his beliefs, your love. We pray Joseph grows up to be... all of those things that he is now.

We cannot say it enough, Lord. Thank you for our son.

Amen.

merry christmas kantors

It's that time of year again... time to gather all the Kantors together to eat and laugh and chase kids around. And this year - we had a kid to chase! So we fit in nicely.

Merry Christmas, all you Kantors! Especially Grandma, the gracious hostess.

snow day

o christmas tree

Joseph was a (surprisingly) big help... selecting the decorations he wanted for the tree and handing them to mommy. Let's all say a special prayer that the reverence continues tomorrow.

and birthday party number 2 of 3

Today all the Kantors came over for birthday-ing and cake. And while Joseph did a super job of sharing the birthday spotlight with Nanny and Auntie Julie, he kept his cake to himself (which is not selfish but necessary).

Negotiations were tough. But still no sharing.

Thank you for coming, everyone. Joseph really loved his gifts (and, according to the picture above, the attention).

rider pride

Jojo got all suited up to watch the Grey Cup.

Good thing he fell asleep and missed the ending. He's too young to have his heart broken like that.

birthday party, part 1 of 3

Grammie and Papa are back, so there's no better time to get the party started... so here we go! Happy birthday Jojo, Lily, and Auntie Andrea!

We're still two weeks away from Joe's big day, but we're happy to spread out the festivities. Jojo has brought a lot of joy to our lives and he's worth a lot of parties (plus... he likes cake. a lot).

Thanks, family, for the great gifts for Jojo. Now he can look like a monkey, act like one too, learn about the farm, and play at the zoo. All while riding in his wagon. Perfect. We couldn't have asked for anything more.