Edward was practicing for Christmas last week, "helping" John with his birthday presents. We think he's ready, but expect he'll be a lot more excited about the contents of his own packages. Books without pictures and wool sweaters are not the stuff of toddler glee.

We're not sure if it was the cold he's fighting or the approaching terrible two's (probably some combination), but Edward had quite an ornery weekend with lots of deliberate defiance and resulting time-outs. Maybe he was mad because he figured out he was missing his Gram and PopPop time as they had to cancel plans to visit when they woke up to an ice-encrusted Chicagoland on Sunday morning. He even got to the point where he was about to do something naughty (like throwing a puzzle board or opening the stereo cabinet) and he'd look at us and say "No time out." It's hard to be the bad guy, but we know it's necessary in the long run. This was a moment of levity however, as the dry air enhanced some horseplay on the couch.

In any event, none of us is at the top of our game right now with colds all around and another ice storm expected tonight. Edward and I stayed home sick today after a poor night's sleep. It's possible tomorrow will be a repeat, but this time due to ice. Could be a real test of my toddler entertainment abilities. My mom, usually the queen of the worst case scenario, said we should cheer the bad weather this month in hopes that it will mean a dry January for safe and frequent travel from Evanston to Iowa City.

Today's doctor appointment gave continuing reason to believe we'll actually make it to January. All good reports--my blood pressure was nice and low, Baby Kenyon is the master of the non-stress test, and an ultrasound showed proper development and an estimated weight of 4 lbs. 15 oz. That's quite amazing to me given that this is at 32 weeks and Edward, born at 35, weighed 5 lbs. 7 oz. The ultrasound also showed BK in a transverse position, with the head on my right. This is a change from just last week when the nurse and midwife examined us and declared the baby head down. Since I'm having a c-section regardless, it's not a concern and actually a welcome relief from the pressure I'd been feeling over the weekend.

With John's birthday behind us, we've been doing some Christmas decorating. Our outdoor lights are now shining each night (having been on the bushes unlit since the last 60 degree day in November) and Will's memory tree is decorated and lit in the living room. Edward is learning about the tradition this year as you can see in this short video. It's a little dark, but we think the sound is clear. If you can't tell what he's saying, email me and I'll translate.