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Tre is on winter break, and the other boys and I are similarly breaking, and you would think that would make things calmer around here, wouldn't you? If so, you haven't been paying attention.

Having my full compliment of children around again is surprisingly chaotic - but fun! It's like a party inside of a tornado. That on top of the normal Christmas chaos is, um, a lot. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one here who is stretched a bit thin though, am I right?

So in the interest of all our busy schedules, here are a few brief updates:

 
Tre made the Dean's List. His first semester in public school was, I think, a success, with a 3.95 GPA. I am  disgustingly proud of the boy. I would even put one of those odious "My child is on the Dean's List" bumper stickers on my car if I was offered one. It's sort of sad.

Fortunately, he helps to temper my flights of pride by falling down the stairs frequently, and nearly concussing himself trying to walk through doorways. I don't know what happened to all the grace and lightfootedness he had as a child, I really don't. Whenever he manages a particularly spectacular fall, Max intones drily, "Ah yes. Yay for the honors student."

 
Speaking of Max, he's growing his hair out again so he can donate it to Locks of Love. And yes, this is a fine thing to do, but it's gotten to a length that makes it like a living creature. His hair is crazy thick and wavy and wild and GOD FORGIVE ME, but I want to CUT IT OFF.

Four more inches to go. Grow, Max, grow!

 
Raphael went and lost his first molar (this is him, showing you the gap. Thank me for not posting the picture of him showing you the gap and the wad of bloody gauze). I can't believe how fast he's growing up. I can't believe that after all these years the tooth fairy still can't manage to collect a tooth on the same night it's left under the pillow. What a slacker fairy.

 
Sophia has become somewhat obsessed with wearing other people's shoes. She has pretty good taste, too, because her favorites of mine are the red, patent leather, peep-toed pumps. They're total baby-trippers, but she is determined to figure out how to walk in them.

She's also learned to smile for the camera, and this is the result. So I don't think we'll be pursuing modelling.

 
And I just had to show you this picture, because is it just me, or is she totally rocking a retro 70's vibe here? And yes, Mir, I will cut her hair soon. Soon-ish. Eventually.

Last but not least, sweet Jennie is going to have her baby ANY DAY. I don't have a picture of her, because although she looks beautiful and glowy, I don't think she'd appreciate that RIGHT NOW.

It turns out that waiting for your daughter to give birth isn't any easier than waiting for your wife to give birth. Clay is as jumpy as a cat.

That's the news from here. I hope all your Christmas plans are going apace, and everyone finds a spot of peace in the season.