couple of pictures

[hedgehog]

I just wanted to share this. Our thanksgiving table was actually our table this year. Last year we ate in the hospital's cafeteria. Very different experience and really the first time we sat down on Thanksgiving as a family since Konstantin. Much to be thankful for, but still rather bittersweet. But I just love this picture, it shows their typical interaction (and you can just see that they enjoy each other) and K's bear is in it as well. It sort of was one of those "accidental" shots that is just perfect.

And since I am posting pictures, here is the one that I am using for our Xmas card this year. I have the "twas the night before Xmas" written out inside up to the line about the kids being snug in their beds. We thought it turned out rather cute. I also think that I am going to try to include Konstantin as well... maybe with a little sign in the signature... It just feels wrong to exclude him, but I know the family will not understand. I guess just trying to keep up appearances that "all is well", but my head is just not into the holidays at all.

[StaceyTX]

Too cute!!!!! Love the card idea!

[TessToo]

Oh my goodness!
What a pair of cutie pies! And oh what a little imp your youngest is! They are both just precious.
The card is a wonderful idea! I love it!

We always include Jillian in our Christmas cards and pretty much any greeting card that's signed as a family. I've used punches, stickers, stamps, all sorts of signatures for her. One year I just wrote out her name and dared anyone to say a word to me about it...surprisingly no one did. Now I'm too lazy to go find the butterfly stickers, so I usually just sketch one quickly by hand.
We always include her little butterfly on the card somewhere.

No else may ever understand why. They probably don't even notice the little butterfly there or what it means. But I know it's there and that helps a little.

Holidays are so, so hard. Just be gentle with yourself. When you can, don't force yourself to do things that you don't feel up to. I know that's easier said than done, but when you can let something go, try. Take care of yourself and your kiddos and just let the holidays be what they will.

((HUGS))
I'm so sorry Konstantin isn't at your Thanksgiving table getting his hair pulled, too.

[herbie1]

They get cuter and cuter! They are such a fun looking pair!

I'm thinking about our Christmas cards too. We are getting Syd and Alex's pics taken together and I was thinking about including a set of footprints somewhere on the card for Adam.

Many hugs as you face the holidays. Then January after that... as always, you are in my thoughts, my friend!

[hedgehog]

Thank you all... I think it's just last holidays were so screwy that everything is hitting me even harder this year.

I have been practicing the signature, but nothing seems to flow easy, I guess I am not an artist LOL... I LOVE the stamp/sticker idea, though... I think I might go that route (and may be DH will help then? a miracle in itself!)

[AnnMarie]

Your children are just gorgeous and I love that K's bear was in the shot. I just love that!

I love your card! I have been thinking the same thing about incorporating Rocco and am not sure how.

(((Hugs)))) for the holidays and how they should be.

[hedgehog]

So we put the tree up yesterday. I am happy it is done. But I have decided that I hate the holidays. I am a wreck and cried myself to sleep last night and today is not any better. K's ornaments and DS's sweet comments about them just about did me in. Can it be February already, maybe I can fall asleep for a while? As usual, I do not have a point... just venting and getting this off my chest

[Carrots]

What a beautiful picture! I love the expressions on their faces. And with K's bear in the back... well, you captured the moment perfectly.

[bigdipper]

What a great moment to capture, and to have K's bear sneak into the shot, well it's just perfect. Such beautiful kids you have Natasha.