First Haircut

We took Felix to get his first haircut today


He was very cooperative. Relia coached him through it.

He was pretty stoic through the whole thing. At one point he zoned out so much he was almost asleep.



Peder wanted to leave. He stood back while I realized I have no idea how to describe male hairstyles.


Done! Um, whose kid is this?


 Before                                                                                  After -  I hardly recognize him


Getting a donut for doing such a grew job.


Relia expressing her concern that she was not getting her picture taken.

Christmas 2012

 The kids stayed in their room until the designated time, and we got to follow them downstairs. It is getting different now that we have 2 kids anticipating Santa's visit.

Examining stocking contents




At Nana & Grampa's. I couldn't believe the pile of presents.


Leo enjoyed a snack while we all opened presents.


It didn't take Felix long to get the hang of opening presents.


The long coveted pillow pet

Felix lined up all of his cars and counted them. "1 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 6, 7". He had quite a few. He introduced his 2 'maters to each other.

Mom cried when we gave her the pink depression glass cookie jar.

We have officially broken the American Girl barrier. (gulp) Relia had asked Santa for one, but I warned her that Santa makes decisions about what he brings kids, and that a lot of people think those dolls are for older kids (That said, how thrilling for her to get something so highly prized by girls her age). So neat that Aunt Carrie was able to find an amazing deal.She has already asked if I can make some more clothes for her doll (who has had 3 names so far). How long before I get the motivation to make them matching outfits?


I think the hit of Relia's Christmas was the iPod. (And, the headphones Grandma D sent along)

So this is what it feels like

To have a relaxing Christmas Eve.
I've mentioned before, I've always been one of those last minute shoppers. This year I, for no conscious reason, I was compelled to get almost everything done early. Like before the end of November, early. So aside from 2 small things, and groceries, I haven't needed to do any more shopping. That didn't stop me from adding to the kids gifts.  Relia has actually been really pretty fantastic lately. I don't even threaten her with Santa withholdings. She has just decided this on her own.

(As I'm typing this, Felix is brushing my hair. He just stopped and looked at me. I asked if he was done and he said, "No, you're not pretty yet." and went back to brushing.)

So this morning, I made cinnamon rolls for the kids, and while they ate, I made batches of Mac & cheese to freeze. Then the big kids and I went to pick up those last 2 items.  Remember how I said Relia has been so good lately? She spent her afternoon cleaning up their office.

We had a nice supper and opened our last advent bag. I'd hidden new jammies in their beds.


After baths, FP had to head up to work. The kids and I video chatted with Heidi & Marshall, watched a little TV and went up to bed. Relia had about a dozen falls between bath and bed. She was so worn out. She gets that way when she is really working hard to do a good job. But we read about the Christmas story, and had a few more books and they went down without a fuss.

Now I'm playing Santa, filling stockings, & putting out the Santa gifts. I'm going a little over the top. I recorded a message from Santa for Relia's iPod (used, 2nd gen nano), and loaded it with Christmas music and pictures of Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer, etc. I thought Relia would totally be able to tell it was me, but when I played it for FP, he asked who I'd gotten to record it. So maybe it will fool her?

Now it is time for me to hit the hay  So, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Anyway, for those that aren't on the Christmas list:

Mathy McMatherson

It has already happened. And it even happened with MY kid. I guess I can quit yelling at those first grade teachers. My own daughter is confused by this idea :

5 = 2 + 3

When I showed it to her, she told me it was wrong.

I'll get here there, of course, but it is amazing how early those ideas about the equals sign form.

On the boasting side, this morning she asked me if 100 + 100 = 200.

Then 400 + 500 = 900

Then she wrote this: 500 + 500 = 1000
and told me with a giggle of half-disbelief that 500 plus 500 equals ten-hundred. Very good kiddo. You are making great connections. 

This weekend, was supposed to be active stuff for our advent surprises, sledding, going out for breakfast, but I just wasn't up for it. So sunday, I made them pancakes.
Woo hoo!
Sunday, was a huge success thanks to Meigan, who months ago gave us fun playdough kits.


Leo just wandered, looking for new things to chew on.

Thursday & Friday had Reindeer antlers and a Rudolph nose

Never

Never enough time or energy. I feel like a yo-yo lately. One week I'm on top of the world and feeling like I've got it all under control. The next week, the fates say yeah, no you don't.

Finally!

Leo's first tooth made its debut today!


Relia's first tooth showed up at 8 months and one week
Guess how old Leo is?
Yep, 8 months and one week. Too weird.

then there were three

After a year or so of this header, I've been thinking that Leo should be part of the picture. No?

Holidazzle, take two

Tonight for our advent surprise, Relia & I went with Grandma D & Nana to see the Holidazzle parade tonight. I got hot seats -bleacher seats in a heated tent with hot beverages, and they were nice, almost too warm in such balmy weather. It was fun, and nice to be on the other side of the float this time.

That's my float!

Felix: Mama, I think my feeling hurts.
Me: Why?
Felix: Because I don't have a frog in my mouth.

Translation: I don't feel well. My throat hurts. 

Eight months

Leo is go go going. In the last few weeks, he has gone from creeping to crawling, to pulling himself up, and now is doing a bit of cruising and transferring from one supporting piece of furniture to another. Prediction: walking by MLK day.
Still not really believing he can be that big already. Babyhood is so short.

 I think we're nearing the end of nursing too. I went six months with Relia, and 14 months with Felix, so 8 months is a pretty good run.