December 14, 2009

• Countdown to Christmas

  I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm shocked that there are only 11 days left until Christmas. In general, I'm not sure where this year went. This is the last holiday season of my 20s (boo-hoo! Goodbye, youth!), so I want to make sure I document it well.

  We've been having a wonderful time with my in-laws. Today was their last day here before their cross-country drive back East. We've enjoyed their company, and they've gotten to spend lots of time with their grandkids. Jack loves his Nana and Papa, and has even learned to watch football, thanks to their presence (Lord knows, he'd never be exposed to football if it weren't for Johnny's parents and brother. Johnny's not into it, and neither am I). While they were here, we celebrated my mother-in-law's upcoming retirement. She's had a wonderful career full of inspiring achievements. A couple of weekends ago, we had dinner at an amazing restaurant called Studio in Laguna Beach. It overlooked the ocean, and the food was the best any of us had had in California. It was a perfect place for a celebration.

  Johnny and his parents; Chris, Victoria and me in the back row

  

  Jack's been getting into the holiday spirit. At preschool, he made and wrapped a gift for me and Johnny to open on Christmas morning. He's very excited by all the presents under the tree. I've been telling him repeatedly that not all of the gifts are for him, and that we'll have to take turns opening them on Christmas Day. Jack's response was, "OK, take turns. Jack turn, Jack turn!" Well, we have 11 more days to drive the message home. He also understands the concept of Santa now, and when the Torrance police department brought Santa to the neighborhood in a lit-up "sled," Jack eagerly sat on his lap and asked for an "Edward train, please." Since then he's added a James train to the wish list. We already have both of those for him under the tree, and we're milking the Santa leverage for all it's worth. Jack knows that Santa only brings Edward trains for good boys who share their toys and who behave, and that James trains are only for big boys who keep their underwear dry. It's effective, I tell you! I call Santa once a day to tell him to keep making the trains for Jack (if he's been good). Jack's always quick to remind me during these "conversations" that Santa should make two trains: Edward and James. He also likes to yell, "Wuv you, Santa!", as if this will buy him brownie points with Santa. It's really cute to see him getting into the holidays for the first time. We're counting down to Christmas with a little hand-drawn Advent calendar taped to Jack's door. Every day, we cross off one of the days until Christmas, and Jack counts the days that are left. Sometime this week, I'll also work with him to make a present for Derek, so he starts to get the idea that the holidays are also about giving to others. Oh, and Jack's new favorite song is "Jingle Bells." Sometimes he gets creative and sings "Jingle Jack" or "Jingle Milk" or "Jingle Atari."

  Here I am with both boys on my lap. Jack was engrossed in watching holiday-themed YouTube music videos

   

  Look at Derek's grin!

   

  Check out the hilarious expression on Derek's face. He's all, "Who IS this man?"

  

  And here are a few photos just of my littlest munchkin. He's getting big! And he's teething, which has done ... interesting ... things to his nighttime sleeping. Let's just say I'm hoping he returns to sleeping through the night soon!

  

  

  

  

  Such a cutie. He's started eating baby oatmeal; next month, we can start "real" foods. I can't wait!

  What's everyone else doing to prepare for the holidays?

  • 6:17 pm
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