dealing crack?

I just couldn't resist...
While Maya was putting together a fun little craft project from Carolina, I noticed that she needs a belt.

Christmas with the family

We had a peaceful Christmas, spending time between three homes. After being stranded at Newark airport overnight, Dad finally made it home from Japan. As usual, he and Chris were practically adopted into the Qualter family as they joined us at Nana and Pops' house for dinner a few times.

Every night we read Christmas in the Manger and sang "Away in a Manger." We spent our days hanging with grandparents, making marmalade, cookies and bread, and even doing a little last-minute shopping. There was the usual present exchange but Mayumi seemed to enjoy being around her family more than anything. We didn't see nearly as many people as we wanted to - we kept it pretty private and quiet. No parties, no big traveling, nothing too crazy.
On our drive home we swung by West Virginia for a night and Sithoo, who has joined us on the ride, was delighted to spend time with all three of her grandchildren at once.
We made it back to DC to find that all the snow that had fallen before we left had melted. There may have been a little disappointment, but what mattered is that we were home, sweet home.
Hope you all had a special, peaceful Christmas with your loved ones, too!

over the hills and through the woods...

We took a chance and left Sunday morning after the snowstorm. Skies were clear and bright. There was a foot and a half of snow on the ground. The sidestreets weren't plowed. But we could see pavement in front of our house, so we packed up the car and jumped on the highway. Miraculously, they weren't so bad and once we were north of Baltimore, they were fine. There were hardly any other cars on the road, so we actually made good time. But it still took us a good 9 hours of driving to get to Boston. The night before: Mike and Maya enjoying some popcorn and a movie!Thank goodness for books, music, and portable DVD players

Cookies with Cora

Nothing like a little bff time during the holidays!

On a particularly busy day a few weeks ago I dropped Mayumi off at Katie's house while I took our Hyundai to the dealership to get some work done on it (ouch!). When I got back Maya had on an apron that matched Cora and they had just finished decorating sugar cookies. She was blissed out.

Thanks Katie. You are so dear!

oh the weather outside is frightful...

I wonder how many other DC blogs are going to have a post that begins with that phrase?

Our plans to drive up to Boston this morning were curtailed when this lovely site greeted us this morning:

A good seven inches by 9 am. Of course Mayumi wanted to go out and play in the white stuff, but we were faced with a dilemma - we don't own a sled. But our inner MacGyver encouraged us to look around the house to see what we had that could be used instead. At first we considered a piece of cardboard but then I was inspired to pull off the lid to one of our giant plastic storage bins. Mike drilled a couple holes, attached the rope, and voila! And we didn't even need duct tape!

By afternoon we had some more accumulation. They're predicting up to 20 inches. And the snow is still falling.

a little Christmas cheer to you!

Two-Year Check-In

We finally made it to see Dr. Lundgren for Mayumi's two-year check-up. The Doc was very pleased with Maya's health and development. Her stats:

Head Circumference: 19 inches (68th percentile)
Height: 34 inches (up 1.5 inches from last visit - 50th percentile)
Weight: 26 lbs (up 4 lbs-37th percentile)

We've been flummoxed by the entire vaccine debate, but went ahead anyhow with her H1N1, seasonal flu and Hep A shots - three in total. Maya wasn't happy but she was pretty brave. She usually screams throughout the entire appointment, starting from when they measure her noggin until the shots (though the latter is understandable). But she was well-prepared this time thanks to a helpful Dora the Explorer Visits the Doctor book and a clever veterinary set she got for Christmas from the Weavers. In addition, we made some cookies for Dr.Lundgren which Maya was thrilled to give to her. Overall, a successful visit.

On the downside, the next morning Maya's nose started running. I'm sure she caught something at the doctor's office. It has been a never ending cycle of colds these past few months. Here we go again!

trains...

After dropping in on Dad this afternoon we took a detour on the way home to see the trains at the Botanical Garden. A mini fantasy land!

a handmade christmas

My (crazy?) goal is to handmake as many Christmas gifts as possible. The sewing machine has been whirring, the knitting needles have been clicking, the Kitchenaid has been humming... it is an orchestra of creativity. At times it has been stressful, but mostly it is sooo satisfying. I got together with a few friends the other day for a little sewing project; the only thing more fun than crafting on one's own is crafting with one's friends!

Mayumi also loves creative time, especially when it means she can play with her sweet friends.

a sample of things to come...

snowed in!

Mark and Erin's home sits on top of a mountain overlooking Charlestown WV. It is lovely, especially when it snows! Our one-night stay turned into two nights when we couldn't safely make it down the mountain in our Hyundai. Light the fire, pull out the knitting needles, let the kids watch cartoons - we were snowed in!

raise your hand if you like candy!

Poor little Peyton got a bit sick, so Maya benefited from the popsicle extravaganza.

But after 24hours she seemed back to her normal, dancin' self!

a sweet moment between sisters.

After the snow stopped, we headed back to DC on Sunday afternoon. Barely a dusting of snow on our front lawn...

it begins...

Tree is trimmed, lights are glowing, carols are playing... we are getting ready!