What a Merry Christmas It Was

And it's not over yet!  As with many families, despite having 5 on the actual holiday, the gift exchanges will continue on into January.  Sam doesn't really know what's going on.  Surprisingly, by the time he was opening his last gift on Christmas day he seemed to understand that the pretty paper was supposed to be ripped off and helped a little.  Stuffed animals, baby piano, books, an exersaucer, and clothes are among the highlight of the boy gifts.  So many toys, so little time.

Best gift for me is of course having Sam to share the holidays with!  And the rarity of a white Christmas in Maryland was pretty nice too!  Sam thought the snow was exciting and pretty until he felt it was cold.  Then not so much a fan.

And here's a few (or 50) photos from our first family Christmas.  The happy day before the post holiday fall out that was Sam stretched to the limit and rebelling against the world.  Poor kid was miserable.  Surrounded by new toys and miserable.  Crazy kid.

"I wuv you cause you give me puffs."

A kitty that doesn't run away.  Pure joy.

Great Grandma G. just loves him so much!

The tissue paper in the box was the BEST part!

Gg-ma.  Always the photogenic one.

Experiencing Christmas overload.

A noisy toy remote.  This captures the last moment our house was quiet.

"I can't go to bed.  I just got a DRAGON!"

10 Months Old on Christmas Day

Sam's sweetness and playfulness has really been coming out lately.  He gets so happy when you read books with him that he grabs you and smothers you with drooly baby kisses.  His favorite way to get ready for a nap is to sit on the couch, straddling one leg, hugging you while rocking side to side.  Puts him out in a matter of minutes.  Especially if you sing the Ding Dong song to him.  And whereas he's still not crawling, he's on the verge of it.  He gets up on his hands and knees (even in his sleep) and rocks back and forth with gusto!  Besides, just cause he's not crawling doesn't mean he's not mobile.  He can make it from one side of the living room to the other just by rolling and inch worming.

My 10 Monther:
~ Uses a pincher grab when feeding himself or doing things like turning pages.
~ Claps his hands together.
~ Puts things into a container.
~ Has added "itty" to his vocabulary.  Making kitty his 3rd word.
~ Loves to practice his standing.
~ Understands the word "no".  But that only means he stops what he's doing for 5 seconds and then starts laughing at you.
~ Understands some simple instructions like "Hands Up" when putting the tray on his high chair.
~ Is one visit away from saying goodbye to Torticollis PT!

10 Months Owl!

Merry Christmas!

And here it is!  Our digital Christmas card cause we're too cheap to actually mail out real cards.  I don't have to tell you how excited I am for Sam's first Christmas!  It's gonna be epic.

Merry Christmas!

Cookies for Christmas

Like most people right now, I am a baking queen.  Cookies, cookies, and still more cookies.  By far the most fun cookies have been our Sugar Cookies.  Nothing special about the recipe, but I don't have Christmas themed cookies cutters.  So we have seahorses, fish, lighthouses, hedgehogs, bears, foxes, and crabs all decorated up with sugar crystals that will be brought to Great Grandma's house for everyone to share.

Then there's these.

Andes Pillows

1 Cup unsalted butter

1 Cup sugar

1 large egg

1t. Vanilla

3 Cups flour

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t.  salt

49 Andes Creme de Menthe Thins

Preheat oven to 400.  Use mixer to combine sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla.  Beat until light and fluffy.  Add flour, baking powder, and salt.  Beat at low speed until soft dough forms.

Divide dough in half.  On well-floured surface, roll half of the dough into a 14x9 inch rectangle.  Arrange mints in a grid pattern evenly across dough.  On a sheet of waxed paper roll out the remaining dough into another rectangle.  Cover the mints, trim the extra, use pizza cutter to cut between the mints.  Gently press edges of pillows to seal.  Bake 7-10 minutes, or until edges are light brown.

FINAL VERDICT - I liked them.  They weren't nearly as hard to make as I was thinking they would be.  It was different and fun to do after 2 days of cookie, cookie, cookie baking.  Plus they're pretty darn tasty!

Baby's Business Trip

The following is an entry from Samuel's personal journal.

Seeing as the 4th quarter is quickly coming to an end, I figured it was a good time to hold a conference with my business partners from the northern territory.  So I had the food maid pack our bags and alert the bellhop that he needed a couple days off work so he could serve as my personal assistant.  Once all our files were in order the bellhop drove us to the Gaylord National Resort.  Our reservations were set, but of course that foolish food maid of mine requested to have our room switched once the vertigo of being on the 17th floor set in.  In the end, I think I agree with the food maid that the view from our room on the 6th floor was much better.

That first night the bellhop treated us to a fancy dinner at the steakhouse here in the hotel.  They sat us right by a huge window facing the atrium Christmas tree and we watched the tree lighting ceremony while the food maid fed me puffs.  It was very bright, flashy, loud, and I think I may have soiled my diaper in awe.  It even snowed. . .indoors!

After that we all retired to our room.  We had a big day ahead of us and I needed to read up on the northern territory's file before my meeting with the big man.

I had the food maid set up the room to my liking while the bellhop sat in the corner and scratched himself as usual.  (Note to self - reflect scratching habits in yearly review with the bellhop.)  At least food maid was on the ball and in no time had set up my personal gym on the floor and found a unique use for the executive desk.  (Note - food maid deserves a raise.)

Tuesday.  The big day.  I've been warned about how cut throat these northern territory nut jobs are, so I wanted to unwind a bit before our conference.  You know, cool off and get a little crazy before the big game.  Food maid had booked us a tour with ICE.  A ten degree room full of Shrek themed ice sculptures, ice slides, and merry songs.  Good deal, food maid.

Note - Double check the bellhop's credentials.

Once finished with our tour we got word that the northern territory agents needed to delay our meeting.  Something about potty breaks.  (Note - find out what a "potty" is.)  So we wasted some more time by taking a stroll around the hotel grounds.  It was very windy with a wonderful view of the Potomac, bridges, and in the distance the towers of Washington DC.  

Finally, it was time to do what we came here to do.  I put on my big boy pants and saddled up for what I know is the most important sit down of my life so far.  The big man was much more pleasant than I expected.  He shared his notes with me.  We spoke openly of the future between our two markets.  He assured me that I was not on the naughty list, and I assured him I was wearing a fresh diaper.  Together, we forged a bright new future that I'm sure will last for years to come.  He's my new friend.

WOW!  What a load off my mind!  With our partnership with the northern territory firmly secured I returned to my room with the bellhop and food maid to celebrate.  

The next morning it was time to pack up our stuff and head home.  I loved it here.  It's so nice and pretty and friendly.  Fun things to do.  Comfy rooms.  What a great place to build memories.  I was in such a great mood that I decided not to fire the bellhop.  Besides, he did a good job of getting me fed and ready for my car nap home.

3 2 1 Go!

Daddy is gone this weekend.  He's on his winter cabin camping trip with the boys.  From the moment he left, Sam has been busy pushing himself up on all fours and rocking back and forth.  I'm gonna laugh my head off if Pud finally starts crawling while Daddy is gone.

Lately

Things have been happening in thing town.  I find that I'm now more unorganized than ever and so I forget/don't feel like doing updates on here.  So things slip through the cracks and then weeks later I remember that I didn't mention it.  And really, all this is for me is an online journal.  It's for me.  I share it with others, especially friends no longer close to home, but really it's all to help me and my terrible memory keep things straight.

So. . .

December 1st Sam cut his two front teeth!  So I was right when I guessed that was the reason for the phase of grumpiness he was going through.  He's back to his normal, happy self again.  Thank God.

Please ignore that tiny booger.

The boys had their annual Christmas event on the 8th.  Usually I'm working and therefore can't attend.  In fact this is the first time I have attended.  Luckily, there was no boring Christmas play involved this year. We just all met and went out for a family style dinner at a quaint little place about an hour from here.  Sam had restaurant applesauce for the first time.  He kept making eyes with twin baby girls at the neighboring table.  And we all ate way too much food.  It was great.

My mom, Sam's g-ma, had a family dinner at her house for the first time since her kitchen was remodeled.  It's not quite finished yet, but looks great.  She started this project in late May and thought it would all be done in 40 days.  Muhahahahahahahahahahaha!  Anyway, it was really nice to be able to spend time with my family as I don't get to see them as often as I would like.  Especially my brother's family.  They're so busy with their girls that they often miss family dinners or only make short appearances.  This time it was hours and hours of fun and catching up with each other.  Very relaxing.  

A while back our attempt at Christmas photo cuteness failed.  Failed because Pud's butt is too bubblicious to fit into either of our stockings!  It's okay.  We figured out other cuteness to take photos of which I will share over the holiday here and on Facebook.  It's basically our digital Christmas card since we are cheap bastards who are not mailing out Christmas cards.

And to round out this hodgepodge list, Sam has become more and more difficult to put down for the night.  He's trying to go back to his old ways of going to bed at 11.  Which makes me cry on the inside.  So onto a new strategy for bedtime we go with the hope of getting him back on target with a 9:30 sharp sleep schedule.  But I have to share my love of messy sleep fighter hair!

Daddy takes first shift.

Mommy goes in for the kill.

Scissor Skills

Yeah, it's December and everywhere you look you see Pinterest, Facebook, and Blogs sharing the most adorable crafts you have ever seen.  And all of the little pretties are linked back to "easy" tutorials on how to make those things.  So I tried a few of my favorites, with mixed results.

First I tried this simple owl design which was indeed easy.  That still doesn't mean it looks right.  I'll try this one again and maybe #2 will look more owl-like.

Morgan named this one Pellet.

Next I tried a felt owl ornament, and where as this one involved much more work, it was still pretty easy.  But it's also not very pretty.  Every time I look at it I think about the retarded turkey from South Park.  

Gobbles

But it's all good.  Sam likes them both.  So instead of cherished crafts they will be tossable play things.  Also, the crafting story doesn't end here.  They just finished remodeling the fabric store I go to.  Which means I had to search out the items on my list.  Which means I stumbled upon other projects.  Which means I spent too much money.

For many months I've been thinking about making a shadow box with Sam's hospital newborn photo and a handful of things from when he was a tiny infant.  I stumbled upon everything I needed.

Hospital bracelets and his favorite binky.

I'm very happy with how the shadow box turned out.  I still have no idea where I'm going to hang it. Especially since Morgan said it would be weird to put on the first floor where company could see it.  But come on!  Look at that swollen "I was squeezed out of my Momma" face!  I lurves it!

And last, I finally put my scissors to good use and gave the boy a haircut.  I've given him a little snip here and there to get hair out of his eyes or get rid of the rat tail he was born with.  But this time I trimmed him up proper and hopefully he's not nearly as shaggy looking.  Little imp.

Six

We remembered.  His life has changed quite a bit.  Poor thing doesn't get the kind of attention he used to get.  I often feel bad for him, our 4th class citizen.  And that Wegman's cake is delicious.

Who I Used To Be

My bestie posted this on Facebook.  This is a photo of us at the Renn Fest from 10 years ago.  It made me a little sad.  10 years ago I was 22, thin, and had not yet started dating my husband.  I was living in a craphole of an apartment by myself and living from paycheck to paycheck.  I was also incredibly happy.

Maybe because I have too much time on my hands, or perhaps because I spend most of my day with someone who I can't really have a conversation with, I've been thinking about the good ol' days a lot.  Wednesday night at the bar with my girls, playing pool while avoiding the can lights that made your shirt see through, and my ex-boys.  You know, that magical time in your life when sex was still fun.  

Don't get me wrong, I like my life now!  I've got this great kid, nice house, hilarious husband, etc.  But I do miss the old me.  Anything was possible.  I would go on road trips on a whim.  Driving a few hours to visit friends was nothing.  Other than my job, I had zero commitments.  I lived for the weekends and there was ALWAYS something happening EVERY weekend.  Perhaps most of all I miss that slender waist.  Damn, I miss being thin.  

But I apparently don't miss it enough to use that elliptical upstairs.  Yup, Queen Lazy.

Phases

The mood of baby seem to change like the wind.  We joke that Sam is manic depressive because he can go from a wailing sob to hysterical laughter in less than half a second.  This is normal, I know.  That doesn't mean it's not entertaining and odd.

Lately, I've noticed Sam has been more of a crabass than normal.  He's usually a happy and easy going person.  But now he cries at even the smallest thing that happens around him.  The puff falls off the tray and not into his mouth, the toy is far enough away that he would have to put effort into getting it, how dare I touch his foot while he's deep in thought!  etc.

On top of this, and no doubt bringing on some of this crabassitude, is the fact that he hasn't been napping well.  His long afternoon nap has instead turned to a series of little cat naps combined with anger that he is awake again.  Who knows, maybe he's teething again.

So this is me, taking deep breaths and hoping this is just a phase that he'll outgrow rather quickly.  Sorry baby, you have to put the effort into learning to do things for yourself.  I'm here to help and give hugs.  Now please pass Mommy the Tylenol.

"Don't touch my foot."

9 Months

That's right, my friends.  Sam has been out of me almost as long as he was in me.  He was 38 weeks & 6 days when born.  And since they start the pregnancy week count as of the first day of your last period, subtract 2 weeks from that.  So, if you're still following me, that means he was actually 36 weeks & 6 days old.  So yes, we are right on the threshold of him being older than he was incubated.

My God, I really need to work on not rambling.

We loves him.  He is awesome in too many ways to count.  He makes me weak in the knees.  Let's jump to the meat and potatoes.

My 9 Monther is Better Than a Potato Because. . .
~ He's an expert at feeding himself things like puffs and using a sippy cup.
~ He has just figured out how to get up on his hands and knees!  Sometimes.
~ He scoots backwards.  Hey, at least he's kinda mobile.
~ He's a fabulous sleeper.  In fact, Saturday he slept in till almost 9am.  Heaven.
~ He's getting much stronger at standing, jumping, and dancing.
~ He is proving to us that he has a sense of humor.  And it's a little crazy.
~ Torticollis Update - muscles on his right side have really started to loosen up!
~ Gives wonderful hugs and smooches that melt away any bad day.
~ All the other stuff he's already been doing including:  Saying "Mama" & "Dada" to the correct person, babbles in what sounds like a sentence, banging objects together, knowing something is still there even though you have hidden it from him, etc.

I don't have weight/height stats till Tuesday.  So I'll update with those once I have them.  But I can promise you some big numbers!  I can't believe how much he has grown!

Tuesday Update - Back from the Dr's and definitely shocked!  Shocked because he hasn't grown nearly as much as I thought he had.  He's just reproportioned in a way.  He's 30" long and weighs 20 pounds 9 ounces with a 19" head circumference.  Meaning he's in the 95% for height, 50% for weight, and 97% for head size.  Long and lean.  With I cantaloupe for a head.

9 Month Owl

Love that Pud.