He's the only one I'll ever have and he's all mine, so I'm allowed to think he's the greatest thing going.
I'm not quite sure which is cuter ...
Trace kicking it in his new flannel, bucking bronco pajamas Santa delivered
Trace pushing around his little bulldozer, also compliments of Santa.The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their regular season today against the Ravens, and the Steeler crew in our house saw them through to the end.
Four of the five were sporting their new Steeler gear and the little Pixie, yes, she experiences the terrible twos from time to time, refused to be a part of the season wrap-up photo.
On the other hand, kudos to the Pixie for overcoming her fear of our inflatable touchdown Steeler man. At the start of the season she would walk in a four-foot circle to avoid him, and today she gave him hugs.
Great Uncle Doug has a knack for picking out just what little kids like. There has been a little china tea set for Alivia's birthday that she loved, Halloween snow globes and those liquid filled "worms" that mom and dad remember from the 80s.
Christmas proved to be another success for Uncle Doug in the gift buying arena when he produced an electronic keyboard that brings our children running (and crawling) like little moths to a flame. Granted, our neighbors will most likely log a complaint call to the local police department for the noise disturbance the four manage to create with it, but they love it!
Finally, here's the Christmas report everyone (well, at least one person) has been waiting for ... Santa delivered on the fancy guitar and Taylor Swift dress requested by Alena, and she was more than pleased with his efforts.
Jason and I had taken bets as to whether she'd go straight for the tall box standing toward the back of her haul or not. The first gift she opened was a Candyland game. Definitely not a fancy guitar, and she made no bones about it. Dad encouraged her to open another gift and see what else Santa might have brought. Looking at her stack, she eyed the tall box in the box and said, "maybe that's it."
After we had dug it out, she opened it and immediately exclaimed, "He did it. He did it." I suppose she had had her doubts as to how close Santa would come to the coveted Taylor Swift guitar, and perhaps, more importantly, if she had been good enough to deserve her top wish. Several boxes later and she stumbled upon one which produced the black dress, a surprise black headband and gloves, also just like the ones Taylor Swift wears.
And maybe even funnier than her "he did it, he did it" response to the guitar was her reaction after opening a pair of black cowboy boots that she "didn't order." It took her a minute or two to grasp the concept that they were hers even though she hadn't included them in her list of what her dad has dubbed the Taylor Swift starter stalker kit.
She eventually made her way through all of her gifts, but the guitar and black dress are definitely her favorites. I suppose she knows a little too well what she wants.
Alivia approached her pile of loot in the complete opposite fashion than Alena's whirlwind tearing frenzy, you would have thought each was her last. Little Liv would open one, then proceed to play with or check it out, then survey what everyone around her had opened. She needed a bit of prodding to continue on with the unwrapping, or we might still be watching her.
In the Pixie's world, whatever she wants to play with is "hers" at that given point in time, so she spent the Christmas season as interested in what each of her siblings had received as she was in her own gifts.
Alysse wasn't quite sure what to make of the flying paper and ripping boxes. She moved throughout the mess just trying to figure it all out. If she managed to come upon something of interest that wasn't immediately taken out of her sight, she'd spend a little time checking it out. 
Trace on the other hand was the Grinch when Christmas morning arrived. Having woken up too early and not feeling well, he wanted nothing to do with any of it. And after much crying by him and cuddling by mom, he conked out before half the gifts were opened.
All in all, everyone was pleased with Santa's visit. We've got toys, games and books galore to keep us busy for the next several months as we wait for warm weather and outdoor fun.
So finally, after much deliberation, Mr. Claus, I've got my list together. While I realize you can't grant each and every wish on my list, if you could sweet talk the elves into helping deliver just a couple, I'll be a happy girl.
First, I'd like health for our little ones during the coming year. After all, isn't that at the top of each mom's list? Yeah, I'll deal with a puker here and there, or an ear infection from time to time, but if you could wrap up no major illnesses or incidents, I'd really appreciate it.
Next, four little smiles. They each have a beautiful one, if you could just find a gift bag to hold more smiles than frowns, the world will be a better place. One smiling solo lights up a room, get them all doing it simultaneously, and you'll be able to find our house without Rudolph's help.
I'd also like the strength, patience and endurance to teach my own little elves life's true priorities. That a dad that works hard to take care of them is worth his weight in gold. That family and friends who love, support and care for them is priceless. And that memories of reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" before naptime trumps a trip to see the Disney princesses skate any day.
Laughter. Alena and Alivia have giggles that I wouldn't trade for a winning lottery ticket. Alysse laughs like a machine gun which in turn makes you laugh, and Trace has a belly laugh so hearty you'd swear it wouldn't fit in his tiny body. Please, just let me have a listen of each one every day and I'll owe you.
And finally, I'm asking for kisses, or rather the chance to plant them. Kisses to start and end each day. Kisses on banged knees, pinched fingers and stubbed toes. Kisses when they're sad or when they've done something wonderful. Kisses just because.
In return, just let me know if there's anything I can do for you. I'd be willing to sacrifice nearly anything for any one of these gifts granted. With any luck you'll make your rounds successfully this Christmas Eve and enjoy all that's to come from giving.
Yvette
P.S. While Trace and Alysse have been sporting shirts that say all I want for Christmas is a silent night, I really wouldn't know what to do with one if you gave it to me, so please just stick with the list outlined above.
