the naughty list

With Christmas right around the corner, you'd think that Malcolm would be all about behaving like a perfect, little angel ...

It turns out he didn't get the memo!

Onesie: Baby Gap (thrifted for $1.00)
Corduroy overalls: Osh-Kosh (thrifted for $2.00)
Socks: Old Navy (gift)
Shoes: Faded Glory ($6.00)

Either that, or his very "boyish" skull and crossbone socks have sparked a little rebellious streak!

night light

This weekend, I made it a point to spend a lot of time just enjoying the dimly lit atmosphere of the living room.

Even with toys all over the floor, there's just something about a glowing Christmas tree that puts you in a peaceful state of mind.


It's definitely one of my favorite things about the season!

the fuzzy pillow

My mother-in-law made Malcolm this pillow for his first birthday.


Little did she know it would be the prop for countless adorable photo opportunities!

window watcher

Some days, Malcolm is just GO GO GO ... Tearing through toys, wandering the house, and generally making mischief in whatever way he can.

Other days, he is content to take it a little bit easier and quietly read a book or snuggle on the couch for a while.

One of his favorite things to do on a "slow" day is to stand by the window. With the Cleveland days being darker and more dreary this time of year, and the daylight disappearing faster, there usually isn't much to see. But, just recently, the sun was out and there was more room in front of the windows than usual ... We had made space for the Christmas tree, but hadn't brought it into the house yet.

Malcolm loved standing guard, watching the cars slowly moving down the street and the sun falling behind the trees.


"Where's Daddy?" I would ask whenever he'd step away from his post. "Is he coming home soon?"

And he'd go right back to his spot.

Tee-shirt: Old Navy ($2.00)
Long-sleeved onesie: Old Navy ($1.50)
Fleece pants: Athletic Works (thrifted for $0.50)
Socks: Walmart (pack of ten for $6.00)

I couldn't imagine a nicer greeting, a more perfect homecoming, than seeing this little face waiting in the window!


It's almost enough to entice me into taking another job!

one of those kids

Last year, Malcolm was all about Santa.

He snuggled right up, looking quite innocent and adorable, and gurgled lots of gift ideas into his ear ...


This year, Malcolm wasn't so sure about the Jolly Old Elf.

Standing on his own, and taking it all in from a safe distance, he was all smiles until it was his turn to meet the man in red.

"Let's go see Santa," I said cheerfully, taking his hand to guide him ... But he wouldn't budge.

Instead, he clutched my leg and wouldn't let go.

After being carried over and gently placed on Santa's lap, his face took on a fearful gaze. He clutched at my shirt and squirmed toward me.

Who is this person?! His eyes screamed.

Not wanting a tearful photo, I joined him next to Santa ...


What else could I do?

I guess I'm going to have one of those kids on my hands.

The kind that likes to look from faraway, but doesn't want to get any closer ...

Maybe this will save us from the ridiculous mall lines if all Malcolm wants is to look from beyond the crowd of people.