To Remember...

One of many highlights at PSU was meeting Carina and Rachel as freshmen women and walking life with them the next three years.  I hope I still walk with them through their lives.  I was so touched when Carina posted this on facebook the day we left:

"When I arrived at Penn State freshman year one of the first people I met was a barely pregnant Caroline. Three years, two kids, and many meetings at Panera and Starbucks later, I could not have asked for a better mentor and friend. Thanks for putting up with me for so long! State College is losing an awesome family and Amherst is gaining one. I love you guys! — with Nate Daman and Caroline Peirce Daman."

I am sure it will forever be on facebook, but I am not sure how I will find it so I wanted to document it here as well.  Thanks Carina!!!

Isaac 10 Months

Yes!  He is really ten months and though he does not officially walk- he is oh so close!  At his 9 month check up he was 29 inches long and 21 pounds, 7 ounces.  12 month clothes are a little small, but 18 months are a little big.  He has a voice and he is not afraid to use it- sometimes it sounds like he is really saying "mama" or "dada."  He loves his big sister.  He has 7 teeth and counting, 4 on top, 3 on bottom.  Wants to eat whatever he can get, and lately he really wants to feed himself- i.e. nothing from a spoon, only what he can pick up.  So eating can be a messy time for us these days.  Still not sleeping great.  Likes nursing, but is easily distracted.  And anytime I leave him somewhere, people comment on what a happy kid he is.  I agree!!!!

Riding his new motorcycle on Christmas Day from Aunt Liz

And these are from today- 10 months old!

Jesus' Birthday

Today is the first day back to school for some children, though college students are still on break.  So Olivia, Isaac and I headed to the Amherst Family Center for some fun this morning.  We went often earlier this fall and then life seemed to get busy and so we had not been in over a month.  A wonderful woman named Erica runs the center and remembered us- I don't know how she remembers so many children!  The family center is in the basement of a local church but is run by UMASS and other grants I believe.   Its an open playroom center with a snack and story time and lots of toys.  Basically a good place to connect with other parents- especially when its too cold to be outside much.

So as we were eating snack and chatting- Olivia asked Erica "Did you celebrate Jesus Birthday?"

Inside for a split second I wondered what I should say to explain or smooth things over.  But without missing a beat, Erica said, "Yes I did."  Followed by, "That was the first time a two year old has ever asked me that."

My heart soars a little bit that Olivia can and will share so openly and honestly   We talked over Christmas about how we were celebrating Jesus' Birthday.  (We also visited Santa at the mall:) And this reminds me about the time Olivia requested "Amazing Grace" during story time at the library and we sang it!

But this was quickly challenged by the reality of the culture we live in when Erica told Olivia that she also celebrates Winter Solstice.  We asked her more about what it is and how its celebrated- a big bonfire at the Audubon center telling native american stories.

It is great to learn about new things, but also a good reminder to figure out how to help Olivia and Isaac know and love God as well as navigate other beliefs as well.  I pray they will be shining lights to others for Jesus!