New Favorite

We had an absolutely gorgeous day here yesterday, so we spent the morning at the playground. It was a good chance for me to play with my new camera...and I was so happy to get this shot of our two little monkeys -- definitely a new favorite!

Merry Christmas 2008!

Merry Christmas! We hope everyone is enjoying the season -- we sure are! Here are a few pictures from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...

Kids say the darndest things...

At almost 2 1/2, Calder really does say and do the funniest things. Here are a few little anecdotes from the last few weeks...

Calder absolutely hates it when Dave gets too close to me. I really think that he thinks Mommy belongs to him and only him! I can't even get a kiss from my own hubby without Calder yelling "Daddy, you stop kissing Mommy!" and pushing his little body in between us to separate us. It's hysterical!

We do our best to teach Calder the correct words for things...but not without some resistance. He's not shy about matter-of-factly "correcting" us. For example: "No, that's not a button, that's a circle!" or "No, that's not a cardinal, that's a red bird!"

Somehow, Calder has managed to learn that a good bedtime delay tactic is to ask for a glass of water (seriously, are kids just born with this innate knowledge?). We only allow him a little bit since he is an extremely heavy wetter at night...but who can resist when he asks "Want some little bit of water?"

One of Calder's favorite songs right now is the Wiggles' "Rolling Down the Sandhills". His version? "Rolling Down the Sandwich". :)

He also mixes up 'you' and 'me' very frequently. It is just too precious to hear him say "Mommy, sit on my lap?" or "Mommy, carry you?"

Jingle Bells!

Jingle Bells from courtney on Vimeo.

So, the lighting is really bad in this video, but Calder will not usually sing on command so I had to get it on video while he was willing. We were singing Christmas songs together at bedtime. Jingle Bells is actually the only one he knows the words to, but he's also a big fan of Frosty the Snowman and Jingle Bell Rock.

Baby Shower

My wonderful co-workers threw a baby shower for Dave and I last Monday. I brought my camera, but the only picture I took was of the cake, which was made by my friend Mary! Isn't it cute? We stuffed ourselves with lots of yummy desserts and received so many wonderful gifts. I am so lucky to work with such generous friends!

Model Train Show

We attended a holiday model train show at a local railroad museum on Saturday. Calder and Sandhya loved it! Even Jaiden seemed to enjoy the trains!

St. Nick even made an appearance!

The bonus for us? Calder was so worn out from all of the excitement, he fell asleep on the way home -- resulting in an almost 2 hour nap! Just when we thought naps were a thing of the past... :)

Trimming the tree

We got our Christmas tree last weekend, but didn't get around to decorating it until this weekend! It looks great. Calder did a great job of helping with the lower ornaments, as well as pointing out exactly where Mommy and Daddy should place the higher ornaments!

He's Making A List...

During our commute this morning, I asked Calder what he thought Santa might bring him. First, he insisted that Santa would bring him a fire truck and a bus (both toys that he already has more than one of). But, after he thought about it some more, he said "I think Santa will bring a big truck for me. And when it's cold outside, Santa will bring a puzzle for me!" When I asked Calder what he thought Santa might bring for me, he said "Santa will bring a garbage truck for you!" When I asked if there was anything else that Santa might bring me, he responded "Santa will bring a hammer for you!" Sweet. Looks like I'm in for a Christmas to remember!

December 5th Update

To complete the list for our family, at dinner tonight we asked Calder what Santa would be bringing for Daddy. Seems as though Daddy will be getting cars and trucks! And for Lucky? A bone? A chew toy? Nope. According to Calder, that lucky ol' dog will be getting.....a haircut. (He just might be right about that one!)

Tiny Tots Concert

Yesterday, we attended a 'Tiny Tots' Christmas concert that was put on by a local high school band. Calder and Sandhya seemed to enjoy it -- particularly because of all of the characters that came parading through the crowd during the concert! Among others, we saw Santa, Frosty, Rudolph, Mickey, Minnie and Simba!

Watching for Santa...