Charlie Kicks the Crud

We spent the afternoon at the Pediatrician's office yesterday afternoon.  Charlie's cold went south and we were worried about his crackly, wheezy cough.  It was obvious that he was in a state of respitory distress.  Turns out that the poor kiddo has a viral lung infection.  So the doctor sent us home with a big dose of antibiotics and a nebulizer machine to administer Albuterol.  Today, he is breathing easier and coughing less.  His pink color is back and he is sporting his new Chicago Bears outfit - a Christmas gift from Uncle Joel.  He's still not feeling great, but at least he's still smiling. 

Winter Sports

Everyone is still trying to kick the last little bits of our cruddy cold and cough.  But we're not letting that stop us from getting out and enjoying the cool December sunshine here in Dallas.  The day after Christmas, Jack, Pa John, the boy and I hopped a train for a little window shopping and a pub lunch. 

And yesterday, Walker and Pa John went outside to try out his new paddle ball set - a gift from Dad's neighbors in Scotland, Helen and Dave.  Walker has a wicked forehand.

Charlie has been going through some big changes in regards to his sleep schedule.  The Phenobarbital is starting to wear off and Charlie is learning to crow, holler, screech, bellow and protest.  He's been staying up later and later every night.  Dad has been soothing him with a little song here and there.  Charlie loves the music and we love the peace and quiet.

Click the arrow to hear Pa John singing to Charlie:

Charlie's First Christmas!

Hope you all had a merry merry Christmas.  We spent the morning and afternoon at home as a family.  It was a magical holiday for us because this is the first year that Walker really "gets" Christmas.  Here are some shots of Christmas morning and Mr. W enjoying a few new toys:

Charlie was sleeping the day away!

And a video of Walker seeing the tree and gifts 

for the first time on Christmas morning:

Christmas Eve!

Tomorrow is the big day!  Walker was bursting at the seems all day, excited that we are only one day away from Christmas morning.  We spent most of the day at home, but ventured out in the afternoon rain and fog to visit the Power Family for a little holiday party.  Alison and Aubrey baked up some beautiful gingerbread houses for the kids to decorate!  Walker did a great job:

Here is a quick shot of Jack, Pa John and Walker reading "The Polar Express" before bed.  Sweet dreams, Walker.  Tomorrow will be a big day!

Clues of Christmas

We've been telling Walker about the "clues of Christmas".  He's very concerned about "when".  "When will Christmas be here?"  Its a valid concern for a three year old.  Some of the clues he's been looking for are stockings over the hearth and more recently, presents under the tree.  Here are some photos of our living room as of last night.  We spend lots of time here speculating about Santa's entrance through the fireplace and the possible contents of the packages.  Walker is pretty sure that every box is a train.  "But one," he points out, "is a caboose." 

And Pa John is here!  The clues of Christmas continue!

This year, my favorite Christmas sound is not sleigh bells or carols but Charlies magical laugh. Click below to hear the spectacular sounds of Christmas at the Greenman house:

Happy Solstice!

This morning marked the first time since the 1600's that a lunar eclipse fell on the Winter Solstice.  How auspicious! In honor of this very old holiday, we've made Yule tree cookies!  Long live the Pagans!  And yesterday, we pulled out all of the presents that have been accumulating in the guest room closet and placed them lovingly under our tree.  We have been waiting to put them out so that a certain three-year-old wouldn't spend weeks of torture circumnavigating the packages.  Now that they're out, he's very excited for Christmas to come come come! 

Walker still has a bit of a cold, but is certainly on the upswing.  Charlie is also on the mend from his bout of sniffles and coughs.  Here is a video of Walker decorating a cookie for Santa. 

After our cookie fest, we headed out doors because Dallas is having a warm snap to the tune of 79 degrees.  I wish this town would make its mind up about the weather situation.  Sheesh. 

And here's Mr. C. Baird sitting up with help from Mama!

Hope your Solstice is merry and bright!