Another 2 teeth have bitten the dust. Gavin had to have his top 2 removed because they weren't coming out fast enough. The one tooth had been wiggly for nearly 3 months, but it just wasn't coming out! The dentist said it could create an infection in the gums so it had to go. Gavin wasn't as sad about these two as he was about the first tooth. I guess since he was reassured that they always grow back bigger and better than ever, it's worth the sacrifice.

The best part about his new grin is the whistling "S" noises he makes now, just like in the Christmas song "Two Front Teeth." Plus - he really learned to whistle! He only has about three notes he can hit with this newly acquired ability, but it's a refreshing addition to the usual hums and buzzes he makes when stimming around the house.

Of course, he would never ask Santa for something like his two front teeth. Who would waste a request on that? He's spent the entire year being good - well, actually just the last couple weeks really bearing down and trying to be good. So he wouldn't squander a Santa wish on something as useless as the front teeth, would he? Of course not. When we took them in to see Santa, Mr. Claus took one look at Gavin and said "I bet you just want to get those 2 front teeth back, don't you?"
Gavin's reply was priceless, "Actually, I know that they will grow back. I need a metal detector so I can find pirate treasure." Well said, my man!

This photo didn't come easily. Then again, is there a family with 3 little hooligans like these anywhere in the world who can get it done in a  traditional manner? You know what I mean, each little clean smiling face posed docilely in front of the fireplace; calm, composed, meek, traditional, lamblike. If you have a method to achieve those results, please e-mail me. I'd take any advice that doesn't involve use of sedatives or physical restraints.

Check out our Christmas card from last year December '09. You might think, "Well, you seem to have already mastered the art of conventional Christmas card photography." Au contraire, mon fraire. Maybe you didn't realize that my wife is a master of photoshop. A true Jedi with the weapons of mouse and Mac. That card is purely a result of her photoshop proficiency. Sure, the kids and the Christmas tree are real, but one or more of those children was a cut and paste job, even I can't tell the difference. That photoshoot was as challenging as it gets. With those striped pajamas on, as Papa Geno put it, it was "like trying to shoot a can full of worms."

This year's card was no different. I carefully laid the boys out in a beautiful starburst pattern, heads converging in the center, a true display of innocence and Christmas joy. Sara climbed a stepladder to get the perfect perspective. The flawless layout lasted all of 2.5 seconds. Gavin's obsession with his brothers' ears is what started the systematic breakdown of our Christmas card vision. Gav loves to touch ears, and Garrett can tolerate that for about 1 nanosecond, then he has to defend his lobes before the touching becomes pulling. He swats Gavin's hands away, meanwhile Bodie is just plain not in the mood for this nonsense. He wants to flip over onto his tummy. Anything besides looking up at the camera. Even my "Brer Rabbit" like reverse psychology wasn't working: "Please, boys! Don't smile at the camera! Whatever you do, don't hold still and look at the camera!!" They actually listened, for once.

Needless to say, we took over 100 shots, knowing it would probably come down to another photoshop doctoring. The magic trick I employed to finally get their hands off each other and smiles on their faces was pretty simple. "Tickle yourselves!" I said. It worked for a few shots, and in the end, we decided just to use one of those without doctoring it. As we reviewed the myriad of photos and crazy expressions, it became clear that our boys are just as cute in their natural chaotic state. Why deny it? Peace comes in many forms. Our peace comes in the form of pandemonium.

Hoping that all of our dear customers have a joyous holiday season with their families. Thank you so much for your support.