Change, change, change!

Ethan is growing like a weed! The last month has been a whirlwind of travel between Connecticut and Ohio for Thanksgiving and an early Urban Christmas. Despite the travel and busyness, we have had a wonderful time connecting with our families. We are grateful for everyone's willingness to host us!

It was such fun watching Ethan interact with his cousins now that he can move well on his own power. In Connecticut, this was playing with the Hotwheels cars/garage and chasing after his cousins. In Ohio, it was taking rides in his new Cozy Coupe car (he can only go in reverse by himself), playing with the musical instruments at Owen and Maggie's house and going swimming.


He remains a happy and content little boy--a daily delight for us as parents. We are amazed by his ever-changing vocabulary and ability to comprehend information. He loves to help Mommy (literally) by putting away his shoes or retrieving single items by request. His new words/sounds include: up, help, baa, meow, neigh, Noah (see below) and na-na (binki).


Additionally, he consistently uses signs to communicate what he wants. He loves reading books and, when quiet, can often be found turning the pages of his books by himself. He is amazingly dexterous--he can stack up to 5 wooden blocks and is beginning to be able to use his fork independently. He loves to bring the spoon to his mouth once you've loaded it. He continues to be an adventurous eater and just enjoyed his first Turkish meal prepared by friends of ours--let's hope that continues through the toddler years! Motorically, he can now crawl down the steps--though it is a bit of a controlled fall--thanks Aunt Laurie and Uncle Eric for the practice! Just after Thanksgiving, I was working on the computer in the kitchen, and heard the always concerning "quiet." When I went to check on Ethan, he was beaming from ear to ear, having climbed up into our leather chair for the first time! This is now a favorite past time, though we are still learning that "chairs are for sitting." And perhaps, most importantly, he can take 3-8 steps by himself! He is gaining confidence daily, and we are betting he'll be on his own by Christmas. There are cons I realize, but as my belly grows, it is increasingly difficult to carry him. So, I am thrilled about these developments!

Our family is enjoying discovering our own Advent traditions in preparation of the birth of Christ. Ethan's favorites include the lights of the Christmas tree, (he has done amazingly well at not touching it) watching a music box of Noah and the arc with moving animals, opening and reading his Advent calender (thanks MaMaw Urban!) and picking puffs, cheerios, or goldfish from his treat tree. Mommy and Daddy have enjoyed decorating the tree, making cookies together (thanks for the recipe Janet!), and having some impromptu "date nights" in the kitchen. We'll celebrate Christmas Eve with our Terra Nova family, then head to Connecticut on Christmas day for the remainder of the weekend. Eric is looking forward to an extended vacation between Christmas and New Years.

Eric researched and purchased a new DSLR camera for our family just after Thanksgiving and we are enjoying it tremendously. Hopefully, you'll reap the benefits too! (Ask him to take pictures of you.) You can check out the Urban family Christmas photos on our Shutterfly site taken with the new camera!

Last, but not least, we are entering our 25th week of pregnancy this Wednesday. Mac, as we now call Ethan's little brother, is an active little guy. We've been feeling him kick for just over 6 weeks now. I am generally feeling pretty good, though my back has been giving me some difficulty, mostly from carrying Ethan while pregnant. We can't wait to meet him in person and have begun the difficult task of agreeing on names--just like last time, our final choice won't be revealed until after Baby Mac arrives! (Mac is only the in-utero name coined by Grandpa Urban after Macadamia nut, since Ethan was called peanut!) March 30th, the due date, will be here before you know it!

Considering Advent has been something new for me this year. I've enjoyed reflecting on the hope, peace, joy, and love offered by the birth of Christ. As Christmas approaches, we pray that that you would consider for yourself the meaning of Advent and the claims of Jesus to be the Son of God, sent in love to restore us to the relationship we were designed for. Our choice to follow Him has made all the difference in our lives, and it can for you too!

We love you all and are grateful for your involvement in the lives of our family! Merry Christmas!