things from Christmas not to forget

• "All done." (Alaina deciding she had already opened too many gifts)
• My midget growling with joy.  Literally, growling.
• Trying to help everyone open their gifts.
• Thinking all the presents were her.s (close, but not quite!)
• Insisting Eva wear the ladybug headband and wings meant for Alaina.
• Needing her Coraline doll with her at all times
• Toasting everyone from a cordial glass (i.e. teeny tiny wine glass)
• "Little bit more, please" x50, asking for more sparkling cider in her fancy "wine" glass.
• Forgoing homemade crazy-delicious lasagna because she ate too many vegetables.
• Using her chopsticks to eat pumpkin bread.

photo op

Just when I think I couldn't possibly love her more, she falls asleep in my silver platform wedges.

christmas!

I've always been a fan of Christmas.  I love hot apple cider, sweaters, decorations, Christmas trees, carols, and traditions.  As I've gotten older, I learned that I love to find perfect gifts for my family.  But this year, THIS YEAR, is even more special.

I get to start teaching my daughter about Christmas.

Yes, this is her third Christmas.  But this is the first Christmas that she understands that something is happening. She recognizes Santa and knows that he brings presents.  She's mesmerized by Christmas lights.  Anytime we leave the house, she says bye-bye to our Christmas tree (and with her toddler speech, it comes out as "BYE, CRIMUSS TWEE!"  It is one of the most adorable things I've ever heard).

She might be a little too young to put out cookies for Santa, or carrots for reindeer.  No Elf on the Shelf here in 2011.  And we're going to skip church this year (you're welcome, fellow parishioners).  But she's starting to understand the magic of the season.

Which has renewed the magic for me immeasurably.

kids say the darndest things

Here's a short list of adorable things my daughter has said recently:

• "Stop that, mama!" "Stop what, baby?" "Being drunk!"
• (watching "The Wizard of Oz" at the point that it switches to color) "Mama!  Not Kansas!"
• "Mama, time out!" (she was suggesting I needed a time out.  What I really needed was for her to stop climbing on me.)

She's the sweetest candy cane on the tree!

too. much. cute.

Picked up yakisoba and teriyaki for dinner tonight.  Alaina asked me to feed her some rice with chopsticks.  After a few bites, she decided to try on her own.  She was surprisingly successful for a two year old, and for a first timer.  Just when I think I can't love her anymore, she does stuff like this. *sound of heart exploding*

That's her Lower Lip of Determination.

My daughter is a constant source of inspiration.  Her willingness to try new things, her perseverance, and her unbridled joy at her successes are amazing.  She teaches me new things everyday.  Even if it's just a new method of controlling my temper!