Natalie Checks Her E-Mail

Natalie is a very technologically-savvy pug, although she doesn't like people to know it.  She tries to maintain this image of a sweet girl who may not be the brightest but whose heart is always in the right place.  In reality, she is indeed very sweet, but she's actually somewhat of a pug prodigy.  She loves computers and technology.  As evidence of this, while she was unaware that I was around, I managed to get this picture of her checking her e-mail. She later admitted that she checks her e-mail regularly but that no one really sends her any e-mail at her e-mail address, nataliethepug@gmail.com.  Regardless, she indicated that it gives her satisfaction to know she's the smartest pug, as Terrence is still confused as to where the "Any" key is. 

An Offer We Couldn't Refuse

Meghan and I hadn't been out on a date night since we got Clara, but tonight my mom volunteered to come over and watch Joshua and Clara so we could go out.  We went to Jazz, which is one of our favorite restaurants.  She also offered to stay over and take care of Clara through the night and then get up with Joshua in the morning, which was an amazingly generous offer that we couldn't turn down, as that meant for the first time in a long time, we will be able to sleep through the night, and perhaps more importantly, not have to get up early.  We're really looking forward to it.  But first, we're off to enjoy some delicious Cajun food. 

Merry Christmas!

Today most people in our house woke up early. Not Jason since he normally stays up with Clara so I can go to bed early and get up with Joshua. Both Terrence and Joshua were a little bit impatient with him, but Terrence more so than Joshua. We'll see if next year is the year someone in our house is more excited about presents than Terrence.

After Jason woke up, we had a great Christmas morning of unwrapping and playing followed by a Christmas dinner of Sauerbraten.

Merry Christmas Eve, Happy One Month Birthday

Today we had a nice and relaxing Christmas Eve. During the day we just hung out at home. Today is Clara's one month birthday. Last week at the doctor she was 6 lbs, 4 oz, which is a full pound heavier than she was when she was born.



This evening we had our traditional Christmas Eve meal of Shrimp Bisque (Joshua doesn't eat soup and doesn't like shrimp so he had the less traditional baked ziti) and, at 11pm, we went to Christmas Eve service at Church of the Resurrection. We go every year and debated going to an earlier service this year, but we like going late. Both kids did pretty well. Joshua did have a brief tantrum over not being allowed to crawl under the seats, but he and Jason were able to come back into the service later and participate in the candelight part. Here is our family with our candles at the end of the service.

Looking at Lights

 

Meghan and I want one of our family traditions to be a drive around town in the days leading up to Christmas to look at Christmas lights.  Tonight we started that tradition.  It'll be better when Joshua and Clara are older and can better appreciate it, but we still had fun tonight.

Lunch with Donna and Lexi

Today Joshua and Clara and I went to lunch with Donna and Lexi. Donna hadn't yet met Clara, though unfortunately Clara slept the entire time (or maybe it's fortunately since I am glad she didn't cry) so they didn't really get to interact much. It was great to catch up.

Full of Pride

Joshua is getting bigger all the time. He recently realized that he could move a throw pillow to the base of our chair and climb up in it. He thinks this is the best thing he has done in awhile and is really proud every time.