December 2018

10 Months Old

Dear Sloane,

As you can see, time keeps going faster and faster, and I'm having trouble keeping up! Your dad suggested I just try to post once a month, so that's what I'm going to do. So without further ado, here is December in revue...

Our first Christmas season together, as a family of three, exceeded my expectations. It was truly magical! We really tried to pack it in with our holiday events and cheer! 

It began with your trip to see Santa Claus. Dada was skeptical that seeing Santa would be a good idea. The thought of waiting with you in lines, to see a man you'd be afraid of, seemed daunting. I couldn't fault him for this logic, but I claimed "tradition!" He said, "She's a baby. We don't have any traditions yet." My response was, "It's a life tradition!" I will admit to being a little weary myself about the success of the trip. However, on Black Friday, I dressed you in your red dress, headed to the mall, and got the first parking space I saw! It was kismet! I pushed you in the stroller through the madness of JC Penny to see Santa Claus, with no line! You looked at Santa uncertainly. I looked at Santa and the photographer and said, "Listen, I'm going to drop her on your lap Santa, back away, and you (photographer) snap the picture before she starts crying!" I did just that. You started to cry and so I stood on the side and played peek-a-boo with you. Your smile spread and you began laughing. Then you looked up at ol' St. Nick and he whispered gently to you, putting you at ease. All in all, I feel like it was a win!  

You met Santa again at Daddy's Christmas party at the Fire Station. He surprised us all by arriving in a Fire Truck! We were supposed to have prepared a present for Santa to give to you. Knowing you'd be getting a lot of gifts at Christmas, I wrapped a stuffed animal you already had:) Then we forgot it in the car. Ugh! On the way home, you were tired from the day, and starting to cry. Dad said, "Let her open her present!" Genius. You did it so slowly, and carefully. You were fully entertained so we decided we should just wrap random things for you to unwrap on car trips!

This season we also took you to buy our first family Christmas tree...

We decorated the tree as a family, while sipping (Mom) on whipped cream vodka ciders!

Decorated the house...

Saw Santa when he came to our street...

Visited with friends...

Partied in Jenningsville...

We also visited Daddy at the fire station with Nana, Auntie, Violet, and Felix. He took us for a ride in the fire truck, and taught Violet and Felix how to use the fire house and knock down a cone target!

The next day was Christmas Eve. We headed down to San Diego to spend the night at Nana and Poppy's house. Since Felix's birthday was on December 21, we started our time together by celebrating his third birthday. Nana baked him a cake, and we all sang happy birthday!

After the celebration we dressed in our finest, and went out to dinner with the family and the Clark family to our usual Christmas Eve haunt, Yanni's Bistro. Our meal was as delicious as ever, but you were a little overwhelmed with the noise. We walked you outside a lot, so you could look at the fire table and fountains. The highlight for your dad was when he walked with you outside, while you were screaming for me, and the outdoor musical artist stopped her song and everyone stared at you and Dada! We then left before dessert to head back and have a little time together before Daddy had to go to work.

When we awoke, it was officially Christmas morning! Cue excitement for the three cousins!

Let the presents begin!!!

Kiss-kiss, Snoopy...

Then off to get dressed for the day of visiting with family, and playing with your new toys! Nana always works so hard to make the day special.

The next day, we had baby's first Christmas - ROUND TWO! The morning began with opening more presents at our house. I loved the time with just the three of us. I think I'll always remember that morning. 

After presents, it was time to jet to Grandma and Pappy Hager's! There were a crazy amount of presents under the tree, and the majority was for you!

The fun didn't stop with the conclusion of Christmas! The next week, the family came up to our house and Daddy took us to Mulligans!

Then we met the family another day at the Safari Park.

The rest of the month was spent together with trips to the park, lots of snuggles, taking baths in the big girl tub, learning to crawl (more on that next month),  buying a new refrigerator (thanks to the Hager's), celebrating my 37th birthday, celebrating New Year's Eve, and just enjoying the two weeks we had together! 

It was a dazzling Christmas season!

Love always,

Mom Mom