What happened to November?

So time continues to fly by this year. I can't believe that it is December tomorrow. Malia is just so excited for Christmas that Halloween and Thanksgiving just passed by quickly.




Here is the quick Halloween recap. We went to the Park Reserve for trick or treating but Malia had the most fun with the petting farm. She was a bride for this event (OK, it was an used Flower Girl dress). The next event was at dance class where she was Alice. Then there was the Halloween parade at pre-school. She was Cinderella for this. She didn't like this at all last year but I was hopeful this year. She was laughing and smiling as she first passed me but when she came back the other direction she was in tears. I think she got worried when she lost sight of me. Finally it was time for Halloween night. We decided to keep it more simple this year. We went up to my parents house. It was weird to trick or treat with my daughter in my old neighborhood. She had a nice time. She even tried to walk into the neighbor's house when they open the door. Her favorite questions were "What is your name?" and "Do you have a dog?". The night ended with a Frosty the Snowman parade (tradition to play Christmas music after the last trick or treater).












Next I guess I should catch up on November. I took some time off work so Malia and I could spend some quality time together. We have enjoyed this special time. I have been talking with her so she would know that we are together forever (good or bad). She has been still working though some feelings. Most of the time she is doing well but then all of the sudden she gets caught into a weird place. We have been talking a lot. Malia has been loving swimming and dance classes. In addition, she has been attending Sunday school. She had a school program and she was a pilgrim. It was so cute and she repeated the play and song all weekend.






For Thanksgiving we went to my aunts house and Malia had a wonderful time with the family. She also loved that Uncle Mike had a gum ball machine (which she can't use until she is 4) and a sucker tree in the stair landing.




The best moment lately has been that Malia is so excited for Christmas and she has been watching a Mickey Christmas show. In the show Mickey 'wacks' down his Christmas tree outside and Malia was sure that we were going to do the same. I love a real tree but I usually buy one that is pre-cut. The rest of my extended family always go to a tree farm the Saturday after Thanksgiving to cut down fresh trees. We have never gone with but I decided with the warm weather and Malia's wish that we would go with this year. We headed in the car caravan to Wisconsin and found a wonderful tree. Malia helped me (and grandpa) saw down the tree and she was so incredibly happy. It was a great moment.




Today I took the day off and we decorate the tree and the house. She was amazed by the decorations and loved helping with everything. The house is all ready for Christmas and we even did the outdoor decorations last week when the weather was warmer. I think this will be a special Christmas for both of us. I just keep thinking how incredible it is that she has not even been with me a year yet. I can't believe she is turning 4 soon but she is an wonderful, special little girl. I am so fortunate that I get to be her mom. My heart and prayers this Christmas go out to those that are still waiting for their forever families.