Christmas, a Birthday and bye, bye BINKY!

The Christmas season of 2009 began with Jill asking every day, "Is it Christmas yet, Mommy?" The anticipation was very evident this year, unlike years past where the presents under the tree on Christmas morning were a huge surprise. I suppose it is fitting that the Christmas season of 2009 ended with Jill exclaiming, "This is the BEST Christmas ever!" on Christmas morning. :) She was totally in to it this year. She opened all of her presents at mock speed and then moved on to Nate's - who by the way would have been totally content playing with the first thing he opened. Jill would have none of that though - she did not rest until every present under that tree was unwrapped, and then she had a little melt down. I remember the feeling. Funny how when you are little you always want just ONE more present. Thankfully some belated gifts arrived in the mail today to alleviate some of the post-Christmas let down!

Christmas Eve began with a trip to see Santa. Sous had to work a half day so I packed up the kids and we headed to Northgate. Not the most glamorous place to see Santa, but I knew UVillage would be packed and the thought of trying to keep Nate in line for more than 5 minutes made me head for the mall! We were third in line and the kids were excited. When it was our turn neither one wanted to sit on Santa's lap, but they posed in front of him willingly (well, once he gave them a candy cane). Jill smiled and Nate gave a blank stare. Classic Christmas picture! We then walked the mall for a bit before heading home for Nate's nap.

John and Joan arrived in the early afternoon and Robb and Chris came shortly after. We decided to keep it simple this year and made spaghetti for Christmas eve dinner. After dinner the kids opened their Christmas jammies and the evening ended with a reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas".






Christmas morning can only be described as chaotic...in a good way! When I think back it seems that wrapping paper, ribbons and gifts were flying around the room. A few times I found myself daydreaming about Christmas' past when everyone opened one present at a time, oohing and aahhing over each and every gift. Sad to see those days go, but little ones bring a whole new excitement to gift opening part of Christmas! After Nate's nap and some down time for Jill, we headed over to Robb and Chris' for dinner. I think the kids loved the change of scenery and Auntie Chris and Uncle Robb always provide great entertainment for the kids! It was a wonderful day.



December 26th was Nate's second birthday! It's hard to believe he is two, but at the same time I feel like he has been with us for so much longer. Some things about Nate - he LOVES his daddy, he is a very picky eater, he digs all things boy (trucks, trains, cars, knocking things down, kicking things over, etc.), he calls to us from his crib by saying "Mommy commmmere!" or "Daddy commmere!" (commmere = come here), he LOVES his binkys (yes, there are two - a blue one and a yellow one - and he must have both), when he falls down he usually gets right back up and keeps on going, despite being a picky eater he likes broccoli, green beans, edamame and tofu... I could go on and on. Bottom line is Nate is the sweetest little boy - I often wonder if he could be any cuter! Happy 2nd Birthday Nate!






Whew, this is the longest post ever, but I couldn't end without talking about Jill and her last binky. If you remember, a while back I posted about Jill sending away all but one of her binkys. The deal was that she could keep one until after Christmas, and then it was time to give it up. On the 27th of December Jill woke up and declared that she didn't need her binky anymore! As promised, I took her shopping to buy the prize of her choice for giving up her last binky - a make up kit and a new book for her Tag reader. Jill kept up the brave facade about not needing her binky until just before bedtime when we were reading a book. Right in the middle of the book she burst in to tears, poor girl! I can't imagine how hard it must be for her to give up something she has had since the day she was born. Last night was a little rough, today there were a few sad moments and tonight she told us that she didn't know how to fall asleep without her binky, but for the most part Jill is handling the transition so well, much better than we thought. We are so proud of her. Our little girl is growing up!


And that is all for now. Happy New Year everyone!