**2*0*0*9**

Remember that little grin as 2007 turned to 2008?

2008 was quite a year! From Will's first everything...crawling, steps, birthday, teeth, etc. to new cousins and friends and a big trip back east, 2008 was a lot of fun! Oh, and it was pretty nice to have Dad home for a WHOLE year! 2009 is sure to bring even more milestones for Will. It's also bringing Dad's 3rd deployment, so we look forward to making as many memories as possible before June. Thanks to everyone who checks in on us from time to time! Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Dad didn't want us to make a big deal out of his birthday this year because he thinks he's Soooo old. (he thinks this every year) Well...Joey did guess that he was 36 yesterday when we got together with the other California Plateniks and celebrated Christmas and Dad's birthday, but, he's not THAT old...yet. Happy Birthday, Dad!

A Holly Jolly Christmas

Merry Christmas, everyone! Our quiet, rainy Christmas is going well so far. Turkey in the oven, boy napping, Christmas tree glowing...sounds like a Hallmark card, right? Santa came after Will went to bed last night, and, although he didn't eat the rather unwelcoming cookies (can you blame him?), he left quite a sight under the once gated and forbiddened tree. Will was delighted to see that the tree was fair game this morning, in addition to all the neat things covered in paper...oooohhhh...paper to rip! We began by checking out the stockings:

Yes, that's right folks, Santa only brings useful things in stockings around here: A&D Ointment for diapered bums. Oooohhhh AAhhhhhh.....

Did you notice the new chair? Will sure did! He climbed right up into his chair to open some presents and read some books to Snuggles.

And, thanks to Aunt Leah, Uncle Bob and cousin Zack for the brand new Will-sized toilet! He gave it a test drive this afternoon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE! We love and miss you all.

T'was the Night Before Christmas

Before bedtime and bathtime tonight, Will made cookies for Santa.

And then he bit the heads off every sugar cookie man that got near him.

And then Dad added details to the injuries. Boys see things differently, I'm told. So do Dads.

Rest in Peace, merry men.

and little boys.

Peace, Love, and Joy

Wishing you Peace, Love, and Joy as 2009 approaches!

Busy Little Elf

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas! Will was a busy little elf this weekend, baking bread and finishing some Christmas errands. Most of you will remember this little video from last year. Wow! Where did that baby boy go? Will was obviously MUCH more helpful this year with the making and baking of the bread. Well...maybe it depends on how you define helpful. Nevertheless, Will did help make bread by patting it, rolling it (hey, we know that rhyme!), and putting raisins and almonds on it. Stay tuned for this year's video...coming soon to a blog near you.

And...since it's raining AGAIN. Supposedly all this rain turns to snow when it gets across country...your choice: wet Christmas or white Christmas...we'd rather have a white one, but ours is looking soggy. ANYWAY....Will and Jackson spent the morning at open gym at the Ecke Family YMCA since Stroller Strides was cancelled again. The boys actually jumped into the foam pit this time..after Megan did it, of course. Please excuse the drool marks, those pesky molars are tough to grow.

Ah, and for those of you keeping track, yesterday Will was 16 months old! New habits and talents include: walking backwards everywhere, babbling a lot more, making various animal sounds upon request, dancing (of course), climbing, running away from the parents, and going down the twisty slide alone with very little grace or finesse. Who needs grace or finesse, anyway?

Rainy Day Fun

....Seems it never rains in southern California

Seems I've often heard that kind of talk before

It never rains in California, but girl don't they warn ya

It pours, man it pours....

Indeed. It POURED Monday and Wednesday this week and our boy, who normally spends the majority of his day outside playing, was cooped up inside. It was fun to finally get some real weather, and Mom and Will spent time building couch forts, baking cookies, packing up Christmas boxes to mail (sorry grandparents, Will stayed here!), and watching the rain drops sheets fall out the windows. Despite repeat attempts to climb in the stroller, put his own shoes on, jiggle the doorknob, and scream at his bike through the sliding door, Will found ways to pass the time during the rain.

A couch fort is never complete without a boy's best friend, a snack, a drink, a good book and a flashlight. All of which he shoved/dragged/tossed in there himself.

Lil' Sarge

Normally, Daddy leaves his uniform at work and changes into it when he gets to work and then changes back into regular Dad clothes before coming home at night. Yesterday, though, Dad came home in his uniform. Will was absolutely fascinated with Dad's hat, and continued to put it on and take it off. When Dad was in the shower, Will discovered the rest of the uniform and patiently waited for Dad to come back and help him get the whole experience.

You Better Watch Out...

Will has been hearing all about this "Santa" guy all month now. In fact, almost every sentence from a Mom at the park is either, "Santa's watching you..." or, "Do I have to call Santa?" It seems this guy is EVERYWHERE! Will got to visit him at his very own house today...in the middle of the outlet stores! Who knew he lived there? Funny how Will pretty much had the same reaction this year as last. He's kind of like, "Well, I'll sit here but I'm not sure why you make me do this, Mom and Dad."

Christmas Prep

We finally got our Christmas tree today!

No, wait, THAT'S not the tree we picked out...but it IS a nice looking tree, don't you agree?

Since Josh worked all last weekend and late almost every night this week, we hadn't found time to get our tree yet, but, luckily, Daddy came home rather early today and we were able to set out on our search for the perfect tree. Will was pretty surprised by the giant lot of trees to explore, and he sure didn't like it when the trees "walked" toward him. (as in, Dad was looking at it from behind the tree). Will made sure to smell the pine needles to ensure proper freshness...and once one was picked out, Daddy tied it to the car and away we went! Are you wondering where Californians buy their Christmas trees? If you weren't...now you are, right? Well, let's just say it's a little different here in palm tree land.

When we got home, Daddy strung the lights and hung the stockings with care by the fireplace hallway. Will was VERY interested in the use of the tools, so, Daddy let him help hang the stockings.

Then... it was time to put the angel on the tree! After several tries, Will shoved that pretty lady onto the tree-toddler style. Luckily, she's a forgiving angel. Her dainty song-book holding ams doubled as tree top huggers when Will was done with her.

Soft and Squishy Time

This evening, before bath time, Will and Dad were having fun on the couch. Will pulled all the blankets down onto the couch and proceeded to arrange and rearrange them over and over...and over again. It was kind of nice to have him surrounded by soft, squishy items since lately he causes Mom to catch her breath and feel her heart skip a beat just about every hour all day. You see, he has learned to run. Well...his body and his mind have learned to run but his feet don't always get the message in time. He has also started to climb things. With NO FEAR. On Wednesday at the park, he tried to go down the very tall twisty slide by himself. Today, he climbed on top of his mini picnic table and danced. Now, where did he learn that one? He does his best to keep up with the 3 and 4 year old boys at Stroller Strides, and, luckily, they are very patient and helpful to their mini shadow. Thank goodness he still finds time to enjoy a good book surrounded by soft blankets and cushy pillows...with Dad spotting near by on the floor.