12.30.12 ~ Christmas Scenes

12.21.12 ~ Believe

It's been tough this year to fit in the Christmas merrymaking because both Jason and I have had so much work to do. But it was important to take Liam to see Santa at Macy's for several reasons. One, that's as real as Santa gets, people. Two, we've done it every other year and have to keep the tradition alive. And three, Liam announced about a month ago that Santa is not real. I thought it was a little funny when he said that with such confidence - but Jason, who believed in Santa until his preteen years, was horrified. So we've been playing up the Santa thing ever since and seeing Santa is definitely part of that.

We wanted to go see Santa in the morning when the lines aren't so long, but missed the boat on that all week. So I was determined to take the kids after school today - our last chance before we leave for Baltimore.

As I was gathering Liam's things from the classroom this afternoon, I asked him if he wanted to see Santa. His response: "Is Santa going to tell me I was bad?" Uh. Apparently, we have been using "BE GOOD. Santa is WATCHING!!" a little too much. I reassured him that Santa would not tell him he's been bad and that Santa has also been watching his good moments. To which he replied "I'm going to ask him how he can see me". This kid is really something. 

We waited in line for about an hour - Jason swooped in from work at the very end, just as we were entering Santa Land. Santa Land is like a North Pole, twinkly light, version of a really elaborate Chucky Cheese show. There is music and mechanical dancing animals and a train display and fake snow and total stimulation overload. As we walked through there both kids were in complete awe. Liam stared at (and tried to touch) everything and Nora chatted away and waved at all the electronics.

Once we finally made it to Santa's cabin, I plopped Nora on his lap, much to her horror - though, shockingly she didn't cry. And Liam reluctantly climbed in Santa's lap and then sat there in silence. Not a peep about his Christmas wishes even after Santa asked a second time.

When we got home and were sitting at the table eating dinner Liam asked whether we could go back to see Santa again. He said this time he would tell him what he wants. I think Liam was a little afraid that Santa wouldn't know what to bring him. I told him I'd pass the message along and not to worry. Then he stared at his picture with Santa for a long time. I think he believes again. 

12.13.12 ~ Can it Be?

So, I've been a little worried about Nora not babbling much. And then yesterday when we said goodbye to Erica, our babysitter, Nora waved with both hands and said "Buh buh buh". She did it again later when I prompted her to wave bye bye to Liam and then later again for Jason. Can it be that she'll skip all the nonsensical babbling and go straight to real words? I can probably stop worrying.

Also, she pulls up to stand in her crib now. Erica got a great picture yesterday:

Last night Nora wasn't going to sleep easily and stood there, in her crib, crying for a while. Then, on the monitor, I watched as she slumped down to sitting and then fell asleep that way, with her head resting on the bars. I took a picture of the monitor because it was weird and funny.

12.11.12 ~ Bedtime

Last night at bedtime I was smoothing down Liam's hair as I kissed him goodnight. 

Liam "Do you love this hair?" 

Nina "I do love this hair. I also love your arms and belly and legs and face. I love this entire boy." 

Liam "You forgot this penis" 

12.6.12 ~ 10 Months Old

It's Christmas time at our house. And Nora turned 10 months old on the 4th. It'll be her first Christmas this year and she's pretty smitten with the tree.

12.1.12 ~ Shrimpies

We went to the pediatrician earlier this week. Our children are tiny but otherwise healthy and well vaccinated.

Liam
38 inches 25th percentile
30 lbs 5th percentile

Nora
27 inches 23rd percentile
15.5 lbs 2nd percentile