MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! I think we blinked...is it really Christmas 2012? Tasman is three, Josie is one...What happened? It has been year to remember. When we named our boat "Balancing Act", we didn't really realize how true it would be.

Tasman was busy this year marching and digging. With "76 Trombones" in the background, we all marched around the house, inside, outside, up and down the street. It was a time to remember! We also spent time this year visiting building sites, as Tasman took in diggers, dumpers, backhoes, excavators, front-wheel loaders...and much more. This winter, he loves to build roads with his diggers and dumpers.

Josie is joyously discovering how her legs work, playing and giggling as she learns to walk and run. She loves to tell us what she wants or needs by pointing, signing (just a few signs so far), or communicating in any way she can.

Tasman and Josie can get each other to giggle like no one else. What fun it is to have siblings!

Cory and I are working to balance family, work, responsibilities, just like many of you are. What a balancing act that is! As a child, you begin life living in the moment, taking pleasure (or being distressed) by what is happening in the moment. Soon, you learn to look ahead, whether for Christmas, summer, or just the end of the day. Sometimes, it is so difficult to let go and just be in the "now". In this part of our lives, we are relearning from our children how to appreciate the moment, letting go of the pressures of the outside world and just accepting and appreciating what is. We want to wish each and every one of you a peaceful holiday season, and a wonderful New Year. While our daily lives don't always allow us to see or talk to most of you, we think of you and wish you well. Drop by or drop us a line! We would love to catch up on your lives!

Welcome, Josephine!

Josephine, aka "Josie", and "Bay-Bee" to Tasman, was born in the wee hours of December 7th. Everyone (but Tas, of course) is tired, but healthy and happy. Tas is a terrific older brother, trying to help out where he can, like bringing us blankets and diapers.

3 Pumpkins

A very pregnant Nancy, Tas in his Halloween costume, and Tas's Pumpkin.

Since our last post over a year ago, we have sold our "hip" home and moved to the other side of town where I am in coffee shop withdrawal, Tas changed from a baby to a little boy, and we are expecting a baby girl in a month or so.

11 Months

Tasman hasn't even turned one yet and he's driving the boat. He's so good he doesn't even have to face forwards!

6 fabulous months? Really?!?

The first 6 weeks with Tas were wonderful, but seemed to last forever. Where did the last 4 1/2 months go?

Each day we spend with Tas is an exploration. We love watching Tas learn and grow, and helping him to explore the world. This weekend, after trying to sit up since the day he was born, Tas finally is sitting up on his own. (OK, he does topple over after a little while - it's adorable!) Tas really doesn't care too much about getting places yet, but seeing them from an upright position, yes that seems to be critical!

Being a new mom has been a growing experience. I know that I've stressed about things that more experienced mom's don't worry about. (Yes, he will someday sleep through the night...I probably don't need to spend all my time reading sleeping books for tips.)

But now let's get to the important part...pictures!

Tasman wakes up!

The past two months have flown. Tasman is no longer the cute sleepy little lump, but has put on three pounds, grown about 5 inches, and is a wiggly bundle of energy. He loves to play with daddy and hang out with mommy. Cory has come up with all sorts of creative games to get Tas moving and laughing. We are finding our stride and looking forward to springtime when we can all get outside and have some fun.

We had fun visiting great-grandpa and grandma at Christmas. Tas decided to give mom and dad a break and sleep through dinner.

We get a lot of hugs in every day - there can never be too many of those!

Merry Christmas!

We're hoping he'll still fit in his Christmas outfit at Christmas. He's growing like a weed... long and skinny.