Has there ever been a cuter, fatter baby?

And one so completely enamored by his big sis?

Laura and Mary were allowed to take Ma’s thimble and made pretty patterns of circles in the frost on the glass. (Little House in the Big Woods)

Edith, this morning: “Mom, I wish you had a thimble.”

Snow came this weekend and there is something so perfect about soft, white, heavy snowfall with the Christmas tree lit up in the living room and fresh coffee in the pot. We made a brief excursion into the wonderland. It was precluded by about twenty minutes of struggling with gloves and boots and hats. In preparation for the storm, I stopped by the consignment shop yesterday for some gear. The only boots I found for JH are the ugliest Spiderman boots that light up when you walk—perhaps the highlight of the morning. My only complaint about snow before the semester ends? The shoveling falls to me.