Cormac came and told me one of his implants wasn't working and he couldn't hear yesterday. This is a huge step. Normally, he is wearing two so he doesn't tell us he can't hear. He will get there eventually but is still quite young. But he was only wearing one implant and he came and told me he couldn't hear the TV. YIPPEE for him.

He is also talking so much lately and not just statements. (may I have milk vs I want milk) He is asking questions and conversing more. He asked Duke the other morning, "how are you doing today, Dukie boy?". So cute. Today at the mall on our second attempt to see Santa I gave them some candy. Yep, bad mommmy bribes them in the mall with candy. You can report me anytime you like. But I always try and compare what it's like to shop with three two year olds. My best analogy? Next time you go somewhere take along an octopus or two and let me know how it works for you! I have gotten very skilled at maneuvering our stroller out of arms length from anything. I have gotten off track. The boys were eating candy and I gave Cormac the bag to hold. He leans forward and say "Colin, Ciaran, you want some candy?" I just love hearing them talk. The answer to this question was of course a yes. And Colin says "thank you Cormac" Cormac turns to me and says "I shared with Colin".

On to Santa.... Ok. The local Santa has a southern accent. I mean a REALLY southern accent. I asked him if he was from the South Pole instead of the North Pole. I guess if I lived in the South this wouldn't seem strange but when Santa tells your children "you better mind your mamma, I'll be watching" I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone! He was super nice and the kids loved fleecing him for every candy cane he had in his possession but strange none the less. I had to be in the picture and was none to happy. They were not afraid of him. They just didn't watt to sit. Well, Colin didn't want to sit without me. He can be a real pain in the you know what when he wants to be.

Anyway, we did get a picture. They looked handsome as ever. As we wheeled through the mall they intermittently shouted out Merry Christmas to passing shoppers. They were truly in the spirit!

I have yet to finish my Christmas shopping. Well, the boys are done but I still have everyone else. I have no idea when I will find the time. I am just not productive when I go with all the kids. I wind up spending money on them and NOT on what I am supposed to be buying. Yes, we came home today from the Disney store with three new firetrucks. I think I will hide them from Frank because if he sees one more toy in this house he will flip!