M and I are feeling kind of bleh today, and I knew he wasn't going to make it to midnight- so we celebrated early. I made fun mocktails and he made lots of noise with noisemakers.
Please excuse the mess- I'm really under the weather but didn't want to miss cute pics because the house was a mess.
I have been hearing about the awesome tree at the Galleria, and I wanted to check it out. Every 2 hours it does a light show. I figured it would be just a short little thing, but it went on for almost 15 minutes. It was pretty cool. And walking around the mall with all the people shopping really puts you in the Christmas spirit.
We had a great Christmas, and to top it off- it snowed! M was a little sick and Nana was really sick but other than that it was pretty near perfect.
Every year we decorate cookies for Santa on December 23rd. We started when Kesney was little and she's almost 20 now!
I thought M would be too young, but he surprised me. He really seemed to enjoy it and didn't even get upset that he couldn't eat them all. :-)
B was helping me get M's crib out of our room. M wanted to help so he ran and got his little plastic screwdriver and helped <3
A few weeks ago, we took M to get his picture made with Santa, but at the time I don't think he knew what the big deal was. We have been reading Christmas books, watching Christmas movies and seeing fun Christmas stuff everywhere. So this time he was excited when he saw Santa. He screamed "TA" when he came in and wasn't too afraid when the Santa came up to him and talked. He ate his little lunch, colored a picture and then Santa read "The Night Before Christmas" - which we have read over and over so he knew the story. M thought it was cool that Santa had the same book we did. :)
When we were waiting in line, wrme talked about what he wanted Santa to bring and of course M said ball. But when the time came to sit in his lap he got nervous but he never screamed or cried like most of the other kids. I'm sure we will see Santa somewhere else before Christmas and hopefully by then he will be warmed up to the idea. :)
After he decorated a cookie and got a goodie bag. The city of Allen does an Easter bunny lunch and we will probably do that too.
Some of my best memories involve picking out the Christmas tree. We always went the day after Thanksgiving and I remember walking around looking for just the right one. Looking back now, I realize just the right one was usually the biggest on the lot but my grandpa always got it for me.
Holidays really bring back so many memories. When M was decorating the tree, I was overwhelmed with memories. Nana was helping him put ornaments on top of the tree with the step ladder I used as a child- and I'm pretty sure my mom used as a child too.
This year, I just picked up inexpensive, unbreakable ornaments. I didn't want to have to tell M no over and over. Its too tempting with a sparkling, twinkling tree... Christmas is supposed to be for kids, not about a beautiful tree. M put all the ornaments on himself and he's very proud of it. I think it just might be the best Christmas tree I have ever seen <3
Who doesn't love a small town parade? We ended up getting a really good seat- there were no people right next to us so the people were looking and waving directly at us. Santa looked right at M and said Ho Ho Ho and M started jumping up and down and clapping. :-)
Yesterday we tried to take M to Santa's Village. I say tried because none of the buildings were open. But he had fun running around and looking at all the Christmas stuff.
Taking decent pictures of a 2 year old is damn near impossible. I always take dozens of pictures so I can have a better chance of getting a good one. I took like 50 pictures and there isn't a good one. I really want to get a nice camera and maybe take a photography class. But for now, I will have to deal with these...
C got off work earlier than usual today, so we took the opportunity yo do a Christmas activity.
As soon as he saw all the little model trains he was excited. I know I say this all the time, but I just love watching him experience things.
Once again, I found it almost impossible to get a picture but I think this was a good example of how in he was just so in awe of everything.
For almost a year, we have only had one car- that C took to work, leaving M and I home with no way to get out of the house. Having no car was WAY harder than I thought it would be. I understand why the punishment for criminals is to lock them up. It does something to you when you're trapped at home and the rest of the world is bustling all around you.
Well, a couple of days ago, C got a truck so now M and I can go and do whatever we want. We have been driving fools. :-)
I feel like a different person. I just love the freedom to go wherever I want or need to
I was worried that M would be afraid of Santa, so we wanted to go early to avoid a crowd.
He wasn't afraid and looking back now I wonder why I was even worried- he isn't afraid of anything. He just wasn't that interested. He didn't want to sit still long enough to take the picture.
So this is the best we could do...
A train came through our town that was all decorated for Christmas with lights, Christmas scenes painted on it and a flat car with wooden reindeer and sleigh. I knew M would love it because he's really into trains right now. When he saw it, he stopped suddenly and yelled TRAIN!!!
We got there 30 minutes early and a line had already formed but luckily some of our friends from playgroup met us there so they played while we waited.
He wanted *no part* of the Santa but loved the model trains inside.
I know I have said this before- I'm having such fun watching him experience new things.
So, I was determined I was just going to have family and close friends over on M's birthday- not a "party" just dinner. BUT, I seem to be unable to do that. I started out just going to make a banner then I wanted a hot dog sign then pretty soon I was full out decorating. I really enjoy making things and I just wanted his day to be special.
Right now its a little after 6 am. This time 2 years ago I sitting awake much like I am today. My water had broken at 4:15, I had already woken C, called my midwife and taken a shower. I was just waiting for time to go to the hospital.
This year, I have been up, blown up 35 balloons and filled our room with them. I can't wait for him to wake up! He is going to be SO excited! I have to tell you- I'm laying in the bed beside him and the view is exciting.
I can't believe he is 2! We are having cupcakes in the park with his friends from play group then family is coming for dinner tonight. So more blogs to come :-)
Today we met a friend from playgroup at the park to make butter. I thought M was a little young, but still wanted to try it because its very Thanksgiving-y. He seemed to really enjoy shaking the jar but I don't think he understood that he was making butter because I couldn't get him to eat it on bread. :-)
Today we went on a nature walk. He took his little bucket and picked up leaves and sticks. When we were done, I gave him a piece of clear contact paper and he made a collage.
I made binoculars out of tp rolls, but I *could not* get a picture of him using them- but trust me, it was CUTE.
M ended up with a soccer ball, $12 and a huge bucket full of candy- from 4 houses. This kid is "loved". Not spoiled because that implies something is wrong with it. :)
I painted my nails and was rather pleased at how they came out. Thought I would share-
I'm so glad M gets to get out and play with other kids.
They did a pumpkin hunt, watched dry ice smoke and then played with the pumpkins. He actually took a nap today, which is a bonus :-)
