Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009

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We took approximately 160 pictures this Christmas and I narrowed them down to my fave 40(ish). Aidan got a few toys that became instant hits...a jack-in-the-box and, of course, his hockey stick. He posed with his hockey stick, he played with his hockey stick, he wanted everyone else to play with his hockey stick. I must say, he was quite the charmer this weekend. Everyone kept commenting on how happy and well-behaved he is. I rolled my eyes several times since they clearly were not witnessing his whining/screaming fits that come when he doesn't get what he wants. What's not to be happy about with 8 adults catering to your every whim? He truly was well-behaved while we were up North, which makes me a proud parent. He slept at least 11-12 hours every night with two naps almost every day we were there. Not to mention he slept for 14 hours the night we came home. All that activity and attention wears a guy out! Now we're gearing up for Nana, Papa, Aunt Kali, and Uncle Kyle's visit. They arrive Wednesday, so I had better start cleaning!

Ms. Flexible

Just call me Ms. Flexible. A snowstorm with up to 2 ft predicted right smack during our planned travel time? No problem, we'll just leave a day early. Pack food, ingredients to make 2 cakes, cheesy potatoes, and everything a 1 1/2 year old needs to survive for 3 days...Easy. Or so I keep telling myself. The power of positive thoughts will get me through packing tomorrow morning, then we'll be on the road by 2pm. Kyle and I are very excited to spend a very relaxing, snow-filled Christmas surrounded by his family in front of the giant fireplace. If only I could have a nice glass of red wine...that would be perfection.

Merry Christmas to everyone! Check back in on Sunday or Monday for Christmas Day pictures.

Makin' A List

Actually, it's more like 20 lists. I make multiple lists every day. So much stuff to do! To the best of my knowledge, all presents have been bought and I got all but one wrapped today. Check. Groceries for the trip to Hayward have been purchased. Check. Christmas letters have been mailed. Check. Were all of them signed? No. I addressed, stamped, stuffed, and sealed 26 envelopes without signing the letter inside. BIG OOPS! If you receive an unsigned letter, feel free to laugh at me. I wish I could blame it on the pregnancy, but it had more to do with Aidan getting into everything he was not supposed to while I was trying to finish up the letters on Friday night and Kyle was at hockey practice. Lesson learned.

Next on the list(s): round up everything needed for our Christmas trip up to Hayward, WI

Snow Day

The kids at my elementary school have been practicing a song called "No School Tomorrow" for their upcoming holiday concert. When I found out we had a snow day on Wednesday, I went around signing it all day long. Of course, I had to change the words to "There'll be no school today, no school today, no school today because it snowed!"

I utilized the day to the fullest extent, made possible by the fact that Aidan went to daycare for 5 hours. He was one of four kids in his class. Needless to say, he got lots of attention. As for me, Santa and I chatted and I picked out presents I thought Aidan would enjoy. I also made thumbprint cookies and Christmas cut-outs. After 3 1/2 hours on my feet I could barely move. My lower back hurt so bad I felt nauseous. Note to self...if I am ever 6 months pregnant again, I will not stand for long periods of time.

Here are some picks of Aidan enjoying the snow before it got too cold. (this was the very beginning of the storm on Tuesday evening...we ended up getting 7.4 inches and 40mph winds)

What do little boys do in MN when it's cold outside?

Play Hockey!!

So happy to play outside (and get his picture taken)

That's the Spirit!

Does anything say Christmas like baking cookies? I think not. Aidan enjoyed helping me make the dough for my new favorite chocolate/mint cookies. The little stinker stood there and watched the whole time, mesmerized. Then, just as I was finishing up, he snatched a handful of dough and shoved it in his mouth. He couldn't get enough after that and was not happy with me when it was time to let the dough chill for 30 min.


Aidan got the camera for me last night and demanded (nicely) that I take his picture. How could I refuse when we get results like this? I would use this for my Christmas card if his shirt wasn't covered in drool. Aidan's last two bottom teeth are coming in. This past week has been one big, wet, messy spit fest.