It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I had plans. I wanted to take the kids to a Christmas Tree Farm, cut down the perfect tree amidst snow flurries, and spend the remainder of the day in front of the fire, listening to Christmas carols, decorating the tree, and sipping hot chocolate. In reality, our tree was purchased in a parking lot and sat outside for a couple days in the rain. When we finally erected it in our living room, there were no carols, no hot chocolate, and no fire. It was done in haste while both kids were napping. We even had to stop decorating the tree midway through because we ran out of lights. It took another couple days to get back on track. Our Christmas tree is finally up and fully decorated, more or less. I'm looking forward to seeing it with all the kids presents under the tree. Here is a picture.

We woke up to snow this morning. A couple inches which looked beautiful from inside. Once outside it was extremly wet and heavy and stuck to the snow shovel. Within a hour it changed to rain and typical of New England weather, the perfect snow developed a thick hard icy crust and the roads got nasty. Today was a day for that fire, hot chocolate and Christmas carols I've been thinking about.

Even though I had other plans, they were not unenjoyable. This morning our church's Moms and Tot's group had a Christmas party which included a visit from Santa. I decided to take Nicholas for some fun and one-on-one time. Nicholas was more impressed with the Pepperidge Farms goldfish, candy canes, and Hershey's kisses than with Santa Claus, although he was very happy with the Matchbox car Ferrari he got from Santa (supplied by Mom of course). Following the party Nicholas did attend school for a few hours while I ran some errands but I rejoined him at school for a Parents Invitation to decorate cookies. Nicholas and I decorated our own cookies with frostings, gels, and sprinkles in a variety of colors. They didn't quite resemble Christmas cookies as they did tie-dyed shirts but they were yummy.

Even though Christmas hasn't even arrived I'm already looking forward to next year. One of my favorite photographers has turned me on to the Elf on a Shelf family tradition. It looks like so much fun!

6 for Six

1. I had my company holiday party on Saturday night and my babysitter canceled on Friday. Thankfully Mom and Dad stepped in to take care of the grandkids for the evening. Not sure what it was but for some reason Alexa was not pleased when Mom said hello. Every time Alexa looked at Mom (at least a half dozen times) she started crying. The "I'm scared" and "what are you doing to me" cry. For those of you who have not met Alexa, she rarely cries. Seriously. This was such a shock to us. On top of Nicholas having a stomach bug which kept us up all of Friday night, Jim and I began to wonder if we were not meant to go to the party. We decided to take our time, be late for the party, and put the kids down ourselves.

2. Alexa has started solids and she's doing beautifully. As most parents, we were excited to reach this milestone. We timed it so that Jim and I were both present, that Alexa was recently napped and hungry, and grabbed the camera to capture the memorable face she made tasting her first bit of rice cereal. And what did we get? Nothing. No reaction what-so-ever. I suppose that's memorable in itself. In addition to rice cereal, we started sweet potato. Again, we grabbed the camera in hopes maybe a stronger (and better) tasting item would get some reaction. Nope.

3. Overall, nursing Alexa has been a breeze. There are times when she nurses that reminds me of the crawl stroke. She'll take some gulps then turns her head to take a breath of air. I find it incredibly funny and endearing. Well in the last few days she has begun to bite. Talk about OW! My nursing bible (A Nursing Mother's Companion) says it's a sign of teething and the phase should end once the tooth errupts. I have yet to see those white buds or feel anything but I will be relieved to get beyond this phase.

4. Alexa has a passport! I can't believe she's only 6 months and already has a passport. It took me 16 years to get one! We got a wonderful opportunity to take over a friend's timeshare week in Aruba. Considering our last trip there in March when Nicholas developed a 105.3 degree F fever for 3 days, you'd think we had learned our lesson and decide to leave the kids at home. Nope. Although, we will be bringing a huge supply of alcohol gel and antibacterial wipes and wipe down everything the kids touch for the entire trip. Wish us luck.

5. Santa has been very good to Alexa this year. Nicholas' first Christmas he got 2 gifts; an exersaucer and a toy moose. Not the case for Alexa, her stocking is chock full of all sorts of girlie goodies. Then, of course, if Nicholas has one of something Alexa has to have one as well. It would have been much easier had she been a boy. But I'm glad she's not. I can't wait to dress her in a tutu!

6. Alexa has her 6 month well baby Doctor's appt on Thursday and I will probably be lectured by Alexa's pediatrician. I've (we've) been bad about her "sleep training" (as her pediatrician calls it). She is still waking up twice a night. I recently purchased Dr. Ferber's book and I am following some instruction from him but we need to be stronger. I just keep hoping for a miracle and she'll start sleeping through the night of her own accord. It could happen before Thursday, right? I want to avoid the reprimand.

Meeting Santa

I admit it, I've been hyping up the holidays, especially Christmas. I've pulled out all our children's books about Christmas immediately after Halloween and trying to get Nicholas excited for a visit from Santa Claus. I don't think he quite grasps the concept but he does like the idea of presents.

In continueing the hype, we decided to brave the crowds and go meet Santa at the mall. Luckily much of our worry was for naught because the line was only 8 or so people long when we arrived. Just enough time to get Nicholas familiar with Santa but not too much to wear out the novelty. As we wound our way in the line Nicholas would wave to Santa and say "hi". Santa would wave back when he could and give Nicholas a wink causing Nicholas to duck behind my legs out of shyness. As expected, Alexa was an angel and perfectly happy to be held by anyone whereas Nicholas wanted nothing to do with sitting on Santa's lap. He was fine with sitting next to Santa and we caught one good shot. yay! Here it is...
If you're curious, Nicholas' shirt says, "I've been naughty(scratched out) nice all year". Very appropriate.

Nauset Pics

I mentioned that we went to Nauset beach over Thanksgiving to take some photos. Here are a few of my favorites. She really captured Nicholas to a "T".

How many people does it take to photograph a toddler and infant?

In my case, four.

And how long? 45 minutes

Imagine you go to Picture People with a coupon for a free 8x10 and all you want is a simple pic of your two kids sitting together. Nothing fancy, just one pic.

Then imagine your toddler wanting nothing to do but peek behind every curtain, pick up every snowman, jump off every stool, and watch Happy Feet while your infant is too tall for the infant seat and throws herself out of it every 5 seconds. Our poor photographer had to rally 2 other people to help the situation. I'm trying to get Nicholas to sit still by bribing him with candy and have my hands at the ready to push him back into position. First helper has her hands at the ready to catch Alexa when (not if) she wiggles out of her seat. Second helper has all sorts of toys/props/etc trying to get Nicholas to look at the camera and smile. Finally the photographer.

After 45 minutes we were all exhausted and sweating (except Nicholas of course) and called it quits.

Guess how many shots they could show me? 5! And only 2 shots of the two of them together. Oy vey.

Thankfully we got one decent shot. (Want to see it? You will. Be patient. ;) )

I just needed one more person there; someone passing out wine.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is up there in my book if you want to rate the holidays. What's better than spending your days with family, sleeping, feasting, watching tv, and throw in a little shopping if you dare?

Well, that's exactly what we did this Thanksgiving with my family sans Andra (we missed you!). I spent Thanksgiving day making stuffing, taking a leisurely walk with the kids, scoring a few Black Fridays deals early online, and eating to my hearts content. To answer your question; yes, Jim and I did start a diet yesterday, and yes, I am currently daydreaming about the chocolate chip cookies Catherine made last week.

Nicholas reached a milestone over the weekend. While at the cape he slept in a twin bed! No falling out, no getting out, with only a few wakings. All in all a very good transition. Looks like his crib will be going bye-bye soon.

The rest of the weekend was more of the same with a quick trip to Nauset. Brrr. Poor Alexa was sleeping so soundly when we got there and mean mommy that I am, rudely woke her by opening the door to chilly gusts of wind. I don't think Catherine enjoyed it too much either. Our once "Polar bear' has gone soft living in Hawaii. It was actually a very sad visit. The extensive beach that once was is nearly gone. I wish Nicholas and Alexa could have seen it like it was when I was a kid.

Now back at home, the Christmas decorations are out (well most of them at least and I do still need to get the rotting jack-o-lantern off the front stoop). Nicholas find the Nutcrackers "scary" unfortuantely. Hopefully with time he'll find them more amusing or at least tolerable. We are planning on getting our Christmas Tree this weekend. I'm wondering if I need to put a gate up around the tree or if a couple of firm "Nos" will be sufficient to keep the tree up. Ho ho ho.

For the record, I do try. I brought my camera I just don't know why I never took any photos. Here's the only one I caught all weekend. Although I am anxiously awaiting photos from our resident family photographer Catherine.

How typical.