Here Comes Santa Claus

 

We've had seats reserved at the Medinah "Breakfast with Santa" for weeks now. We'd been talking about it here and there to Brooke (she's never "met" Santa before), and each time it came up, she would say that she didn't want to talk to Santa, which we said was fine. My theory is that there's no reason for her to equate him with fear or anxiety. 

 

 

But today she changed her mind. It must have been something about the atmosphere that got her really excited to meet him. She did a great job waiting expectantly in line, although she did want to hold hands most of the time.

Every third smile or so from her seems to be legit these days.

Santa was nice enough. And she did a great job telling him what she wanted: "Her very own computer with a pen" {aka stylus}; she may or may not browse the Target toy ad when trying to poop on the potty. Those marketers know what they're doing.

They also had balloon guys (not sure what the technical term is) who were pretty impressive. She asked for a flower.

The flower was blocking her face in all the other pics we took, so trust me that it was well done.

Then we went on to the face painting. She asked for a pink tiger. I think that she was expecting a small pink tiger on her cheek.

Instead, the girl gave her a pretty fierce tiger face...that she was NOT a fan of. We had to wash it off almost immediately. I was very proud that she didn't dissolve into tears about it, though. She calmly - and repeatedly - told us that she wanted to take it off.

After that, there was a Legoland room with all kinds of Lego activities and a bounce house. Oh, and an amazing dessert buffet. We had a great time and were so happy to have Matt's parents and Grandma join us.

Miles was a trooper through the whole thing (story of his life thus far, it seems). I actually took him to the doctor this morning to have them check out his gunky eyes and runny nose. Poor guy has an ear and eye infection. I'm calling "shenanigans" on the flu shot/breastfeeding immunity booster theories. I'm not sure if it's adding preschool or the second child, but we've had our fair share of illness around here the last month or so. I'm really hoping/praying it clears up for our upcoming trips to St. Louis and Florida...which reminds me, unless I get some divine inspiration, this may be my last post for 2012.

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Cold Weather Conundrum

 

Since it's gotten colder and the kids haven't been their healthiest, we haven't been able to play outside or have as many play dates as we usually do. This has led me to make the resolution that I'd like to do at least one "project" with Brooke (and eventually Miles) each week. Nothing incredibly creative or challenging, but something that requires foresight on my part and is something she's not done (at least with me) before.

In all fairness, we color/draw/paint/cut fairly often. I just don't typically think outside the box. I *might* even be considering joining Pinterest.

I had this epiphany when I got out Froot Loops and a pipe cleaner and told Brooke we were going to make  a bracelet and you would have thought I told her we were going to Disney World that day. I was also excited to pull out some of my preschool OT tricks (fine motor, patterning, object counting, anyone?).  And for NOW this guy is happy to watch.

 

The VERY next day she painted the magnet and sun-catcher that Miss Lindsay and Evan gave her.

Miles really wanted a piece of that bracelet...or her foot. Just something to chew on. He isn't picky.

Day of Firsts

 

Brooke has been wanting to play "haircut" quite a bit lately, which got me to thinking that her hair *might* be long enough for a cute cut for the holidays. The kid haircut place wasn't busy and is right across the shopping center from our pediatrician's office (we were there for Miles - turns out it's still just a cold, poor guy), so I decided to stop in.

Brooke was pretty excited. She sat in a train and chose to watch "Cinderella." They'd barely made it through the credits before the lady was done. Initially, she hardly trimmed it. When I told her I wanted the mullet gone, she got a little more aggressive.

Finished product. She was busy watching the movie. I'll be honest, I had visions of her walking out with this cute, bouncy bob (similar to the visions I have when I go to the hair salon). But if she got anything from me, it's my coordination and my hair. Basically, I paid $20 for someone to do what I've been doing at home. It was a fun experience, nonetheless. And I know she's adorable, including her hair.

This afternoon Brooke also had her first dentist visit. We went to a pediatric dentist's office and they were GREAT. Brooke was also very impressive. She was more relaxed than she looks in this photo.

She had the most trouble keeping her mouth open wide enough and wanting to lick the polish and fluoride that they were putting on her teeth.

I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a little nervous (mommy guilt), but no cavities! We're supposed to try to brush along her gum line a little better, but everything else looked good. She got all kinds of goodies for dental hygiene, including a toothbrush and gum brush for Miles. I'll get right on that...

Speaking of Miles and firsts, he's been enjoying upright baths lately. He's also been signing "more" and waving, although not with 100% accuracy. I'm still working on getting photos/videos of those.

Miles' Dedication

 

Miles was dedicated this past Sunday. I explained dedication in my post about Brooke's dedication, but if you're too pressed for time to click the link, basically dedicating a child is just our way of saying that we're committing to do our best to raise Miles to follow Christ, along with the help of our church and family. It's such an awesomely scary/exciting task and I've become so much more aware of the gravity of the job as Brooke's gotten older and better able to question things and test what we say. I get choked up even writing this. I'm so thankful that we have a God who is so gracious and wise and allows us to rely on Him, especially for the tougher times.

The verse that we read for Miles was Mark 12:30, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." That's our prayer not only for our children, but for us as we raise them.

 

Miles woke up pretty congested (we've been passing a cold back and forth for the past month or so), so we kept him out of the nursery. He did a great job hanging out during the service. I had to get up with him toward the end, but only because he was wanting to chat with the pastor about some of his theology. He's a pretty bright kid.

My parents drove all the way up here on Saturday night, watched our kids while we went to a Christmas party, then left right after lunch. We're obviously blessed to have them.

 

Miles and Aunt Jamie.

With Grandma Audie.

Uncle Mike and Aunt Jane.

 

 Grammie Deb and Grandpa.

The Alley family - too late for the Christmas card, unfortunately.

Outtake, complete with Matt in his maternity pose.

Maybe Brooke's getting the hang of smiling for pictures?

The whole gang. Thank you all so much for sharing the day with us/Miles!

We were planning to take him to a job interview after lunch since he was dressed for it, but he was a little too tired so we headed home, instead.

Miscellaneous

 

Sometimes the couple of hours after naps and before Matt gets home can feel realllly long. Other times, everyone (myself included) is feeling good and we have a fun time. Here are the kids cuddling on the couch last week. What did we do before camera phones?!?

 

 Here's a recent trip to the pet store. Brooke loves their little carts. My Achilles tendons, not so much.

She really likes the fish. I find myself thinking that a fish tank at home could be fun. And then I come to my senses. Maybe some day when she can help take care of it...

We're working on tooth #5 and it's been the hardest yet. Poor guy has woken up crying a couple of times because of it. He's also been extra-cuddly, which I'm not complaining about. We're both excited that he's entered the world of puffs eating. He's still a very easygoing baby. He was 8 months old last Friday.

 

Having fun at the playground. On December 3. Normally, I'd be the last person to complain about warm weather, but if there's ever a time I want it to be cold and snowy, it's December.

I'll spare you any photos, but Brooke woke up with a gunky eye the other day so I took her into the doctor, sure it was pink eye. Turns out she had a double ear infection and a sinus infection. Poor thing! It really didn't seem to be bothering her. This is the first time that I can remember her being on antibiotics. After a couple days down, we're getting back to having fun with getting ready for Christmas and lots of play dates, which I'll try to be more diligent about capturing on camera.

School Pictures

I rolled my eyes when I saw that Brooke's preschool was having a "picture day," but I complied, dressed her up and even *did* her hair (as much as it's going to get done by me...hair is NOT my strong suit. Maybe one of her aunts can help in this department?).

And then they came back looking so stinking cute! They got 2 out of 3 legit-looking smiles. And they can all be ours for only $20 per sheet! Not really, but almost. So, being the classy lady that I am, I took pictures of the pictures (and then felt guilty and bought a couple of sheets of them).