50/52

Ellery: revelling in the Christmas lights near Nana's place

Aubrey: my packing assistant

The big fellow: Last year you melted when Santa crossed your path and offered you a toy. This year, after pondering the idea for a while, you approached the big guy for a lolly bag.

The littlest fellow: two teeth, arm-flapping dance moves, music lover, pointing, clapping, standing, the backwards caterpillar shuffle, snuggles forever.

Note to self: use camera. These phone shots are just woeful ... but still, a record for this time-poor mama.

49/52

Ellery: waking up (with a smile!) despite being sick

Aubrey: post-bath sleepyhead

The one where I mention just how grumpy this kid can be upon waking. Not enough of this gorgeous smile in my life. And look at that face! He is really becoming his Dad.

The littlest feller is pudging up. Must be all that yummy food!

48/52

Ellery: head in a book

Aubrey: head in the clouds

My wild child is seizing moments of stillness amidst piles of books. It makes me ridiculously happy.

And my little charmer is finding his swagger, gaining momentum to get moving. He's a late starter, just like his brother. It's just a matter of confidence. And days, I suspect.

47/52

Ellery: lots of couch time for this sick poppet

Aubrey: twilight watching

Confession. The photo of Ellery was from a week later. I have a handful of photos of him from this week, all unflattering shots in the nude. In my pre-kid daydreams of life with kids, I imagined little garden sprites running naked. Now my daydreams involve him clothed! It would certainly make the rare feat of getting a portrait-worthy photo that much easier.