Santa Came Early

First of all, she is still cruising...by foot or toy. No official walking yet.

We celebrated our Christmas on Saturday afternoon since it was Jonathan's last off day before we leave for Alabama. He actually worked in the morning but met us at Chick-fil-a for lunch (as usual). We asked Santa to come during Caroline's naptime and he did-the den was full of toys. We had lots of fun with the new toys (except for one accident which has left a scratch on CC's nose). We used the Christmas china and ate too much, as tradition.

Her first day to really blow good kisses too!

Baking Days Are Here Again

We are getting ready to have our 'Christmas Day' here on Saturday since it is Jonathan's only day without call before we leave for Alabama. I am getting ready to make Brian's mother's cornbread dressing, Jonathan's grandmother's Vegetable Casserole, turkey, and undetermined extras. I have made monkey bread, fudge, and 6 kinds of cookies over the last 3 weeks so I have fulfilled my holiday baking goals:)

A few nights ago we strolled along the Downtown Mall, ate at Christian's Pizza and enjoyed the Christmas lights. We even got to see some carolers-a rare treat! Can't believe there is only a week left!

Maybe Santa Has a Chance

Caroline is now saying (in her own infantile language), "Ho Ho Ho!" We started saying it to her a few weeks ago. Now she will suddenly remember it and chime in at random times-driving down the road, in the shopping cart and one time while drinking from her bottle. We've got the spirit for sure now!

Bath time is getting more splashy!

We are working on negatively reinforcing the playful swats to our faces! (but it is funny)

Here is how it works:

1. The idea presents itself and the look of mischief hits.

2. Here comes the hand to the unsuspecting face.

3. Whack!

4. The look of satisfaction.

We are working on keeping the tree safe from Miss Sticky Fingers. (and vice versa)

Our barefoot bandit is a busy girl..........

Santa vs Shots....which is worse?

We had an accidental experiment yesterday. We found out that a one year old finds Santa slightly more disturbing than shots. I did not expect her to go to Santa without some fuss, but had I known we were all going to have to be in the picture I would have at least worn some lipstick!!!! She cried after shots too, but not as much. She played peek-a-boo with the administering nurse almost immediately after they were done. Santa didn't get so much as a wave.

Here she is recovering from Santa (at Chick-fil-a, of course) and later playing with her new popper toy.

Hibernation

First of all, we are now in our new front-facing seat and she is LOVING it. We used to always hand her a few toys for a ride and now she is content just looking outside. It's fun to make silly faces in the rearview mirror:)

We've been spending alot of time indoors for the last couple of days. The highs have been in the 30s with snow so I haven't really wanted to go walking! I think tomorrow it gets warmer and we are going to have to hit the pavement. As you can see, lots of books and toys are being used inside. Now, if I can just get her to like milk instead of formula! Still no walking but more brave everyday. I noticed alot of her peers at church were starting to walk yesterday so maybe seeing them will help.

Faces of mischief:

One Year Old!

Please forgive me for all the pictures, but BOY have we been celebrating and I have to share!! Caroline turned 1 on Thursday. We had a big party in Williamsburg and a smaller celebration yesterday. I think she has really enjoyed the attention since she bursts into spontaneous clapping once she realizes its a fuss about her. She is really loving all her presents from friends and family too-we are so blessed.





On Thursday...............

I woke her up singing Happy Birthday to You. She was perplexed.

We went to MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers program) where her teachers sang to her and said she danced but would shake her head no anytime they suggested she was a one year old. Then we went to Chick-fil-a.

And dinner was at Red Robin where we encountered the bird in tights again. She really isn't sure about it.

And more celebrating at home....red velvet cupcakes might not be the best for cleaning up afterwards, fyi.

It was a great day for sure!

One nostalgic look back.....the year has flown by.