Santa '08

Yesterday we went to see Santa. It was soooo busy, even though we got there 20 minutes before he opened up. It was still 10:30 before we got to see him. S was "nervous" to sit on his lap but did it anyway, for me. L and J did just fine. J even smiled, although the photographer wasn't the greatest in capturing the moment (and for the price of a Santa pic that pic shoulda been perfect - HOLY COW!). After the Santa pic, we found a kiosk that was selling personalized ornaments, like the kind we get every year. I let the kids pick out the one they liked - it's got a mama & daddy black bear pulling 3 little bears on a sled. We got everyone's name on it and headed for the carousel. First a quick stop for some chocolate chip cookies, which they ate while I nursed Baby J and we watched the carousel for a bit. When everyone had their snack done and washed up, it was time to ride. S picked a tiger and L picked the spinning thing. I tried to sit by her with Baby J in the carrier but it wasn't working because she couldn't spin with a baby nearby so I sat on the floor and watched her spin. After such a fun ride, they wanted to go again so S could try the spinning thing. They were giggling and having such a blast on the thing (it was kinda like the teacups at Disneyland). They were both having full belly laughs - one of the best sounds in the whole world, to me anyway. After the 2nd trip on the carousel, it was time to shop for S some shoes. We happened to pass the pretzel stand on the way to the shoe store and just had to stop. We shared a pretzel - YUMMO! Onto the shoe store, where we got his feet measured. He was wearing a shoe that was a whole size too small, poor guy!! He got 2 new pair of shoes, one being a pair of Lightning McQueen from Cars, his favorite and they even light up. He was so excited about those shoes. I tried hard not to buy them but couldn't when he was so thrilled. I really hate character shoes but what's a mom to do?!? After leaving there, it was time to get our ornament and go. We picked it up and headed out of the mall. Let me back up here and say I did check the ornament for spelling, all of which was correct. When we got out of the mall, it was soooooo chilly outside, unusual for us. We had to stop and put our coats back on - wowza! Then it was home for lunch and naps. We got home and proceeded to hang our ornament when L noticed that they put her name on the small bear and J on the big bear. This infuriated her. She demanded we return to fix it right then. Uh no - we live 30 minutes from that mall! She is still talking about it. She is really upset about it. She is the biggest, not J. I keep hearing this over and over. I might try to go tomorrow and get it fixed or I might not because now it's a memory I want to keep : - )

Today was L's Christmas party thing at dance class. We had to bring treats and mom's got to sit in the class and watch for the first time. It was such fun to watch L in class. It is always interesting to see her interact with other kids and to take direction from another adult. She is getting better and better. S had fun watching her but got kinda bored. But he was very respectful and sat quietly for the whole time. Baby J slept for most of it except when he pooped, loudly I might add! I am listening to the kids play in their room. We hung a strand of Christmas lights in their room and they are being rowdy enjoying the ambiance. This afternoon was nice. L got up from her nap and we got a little one on one time. After getting bundled up including beanies, we went out and collected firewood together. It was enjoyable just walking and talking with her. She is getting to be so big and just not a baby/toddler anymore - a real kid. It's such fun being her mommy, most days :-) Baby J slept the day away again. He was awake alot yesterday and sleepy most of today. I do think he is waking up more and more though. And he starting playing with his Baby Einstein thing that all the kids have played with so that makes me feel better. He is smiley and very happy. I have been very blessed with my babies. Actually, I have been very blessed in all aspects of my life. I complain and grumble but truth is, I have little to complain about and that is so wonderful!