Evangeline's First Haircut

Naturally, it was bound to have to happen. Evangeline's hair had to be cut. Her ever growing hair and curling locks needed a healthy trim. And this is how it played out.

1st. Correct Eva that her hair was going to be cut and not her herself.
2nd. Set up the stool, scissors and mirror, and put on the tv.
3rd. Lure Evangeline to the stool with a white chocolate lollipop.
4th. Cut away.

5th. Celebrate the hair cut with praise, let her look in the mirror as long as she'd like, and take cute pictures!

Before

After

In exchange for a meal at our house some very generous friends have passed down boots and skis for Rowan. What a jackpot! Taking on even the bunny hill at West Mountain would be a big leap for a newbie 4 year old skiier in training. Thankfully my mom shared a moment of wisdom and pointed out the sloped front and backyard as potential hills for practice runs. It works! The first day on skis was spent in the fireplace room learning the 'lingo' and getting a feel for the boots. The next day Rowan and Alan hit the slopes (read backyard). Now, all we need is snow for a few more practice runs and then to the official bunny hill we go!

"You're mommy",..."Aunt Ditty?", says Evangeline. Then, "Lolly's your mommy. You're my mommy." It is so sweet to watch Evangeline try and put all the pieces together. She knows I'm her mother but is also now learning that other people call me by different names. Yes, it must look quite complicated. I turn at Christine, Chrissy, Chris, and of course anytime anyone says Mom. I answer to Mrs. Rudnick but only after looking to see if Phyllis Rudnick is in the room. Also, some of my nephews and niece call me Aunt Ditty. Aunt Ditty seems only natural after Jill called me Ditty for quite some time growing up. Evangeline watches me as a wife to her daddy, a mother to her brother, and sister and daughter (also add in-law to both of those) to her family members that go by other names. It's so sweet to watch our little one's mind work. Evangeline is truly finding her place in our beautiful puzzle.

It's the New Year and we are anticipating Epiphany this weekend. Christmas decorations and our Christmas tree are still up and continue to remind us of the joy of the Christ's birth. And in this spirit here we have some moments from Christmastide.

Christmas Eve, Rowan and Evangeline at church

(edited in picnik: effect boost)

Christmas morning, Evangeline in the sanctuary

(edited in picnik: effect 1960's)

Christmas day, Alan and Rowan opening gifts
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Christmas in New Jersey, Evangeline and Jenna modelling new tutus!
(edited in picnik: effect cross process)

Jenna and Jill, By Christmas lights and firelight
(edited in picnik: effect soften)