Christmas was Great!

Hello LFM readers!

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanza/Solstice, etc.! Ours went swimmingly.

MRP had a nice birthday party, streamers and all :) She got some great gifts (though she could've cared less about the wrapping paper, surprisingly enough). I actually think she might have been a bit overwhelmed by all the people, toys and just plain business in the house! She LOVED her cake! I was ready for her to just cram as much as possible into her mouth at one time, but she was dainty and pincered every little bit sweetly into her mouth. That's not to say she wasn't completely covered by the end, but she WAS cute!

Christmas happened for us on Christmas Eve this year, since Brian had to work the day of (yes, Lexington, SOMEONE was watching out for you! :) She barely noticed the presents, ha! We of course opened them all up for her, just one at a time with a few minutes inbetween so she could actually gauge what was going on. Funny thing: she LOVED this talking/singing Elmo I was buying in the store; so much so, she cried and cried and cried when she thought I was putting it back. Now that she HAS it, it scares the living daylights out of her! Hahaha! Poor girl; we've put it up for a while, maybe she'll like it in a month or two? Did you ever buy your child something they were deathly afraid of?

Some updates: MRP decided to crawl up the stairs the other day! Very sneakily, while "Daddy was watching her," though he was sitting at the kitchen table opening mail while Mommy washed dishes. Hmmmmm. We didn't even notice until I asked where she was, and she made this tiny little noise. Brian found her standing (OMG) at the top of our landing (note: we have hardwood floors--talking about a painful fall!) Thank God she DIDN'T fall! If you're wondering, yes, we now have a gate at the top AND bottom of the stairs! Previously we just put a cookie sheet on the bottom stair, and she never bothered it. Of course, the one time I don't put it there..she goes! Brian now calls her the NINJA!

MRP also just got her first pair of "Big Girl OUTSIDE Shoes!" She's had these cute moccasin-y ones that we put on her just for extra layering when we go out, but now that she always wants down, I thought it was time for a more sturdy pair. We went to "this store in the mall, known for KIDS shoes" and the girl was of absolutely no help. In fact, she ran to the back room to eat her lunch when we walked in; nice huh? She finally came out drinking her drink. I said "Oh, we wanted to get her sized." She looked at me and replied "Well then you'll have to take her out of the stroller." Ummm, duh. "Oh, I know," I said. "And you'll have to take her shoes off," she said again. Are you kidding me? Do I look THAT stupid to you? So, apparently there's about two pairs of shoes that actually come in her size there--weird for a "kids only" shoe store don't you think? But I guess that's how it worked: lots of variety, but only two sizes in each style: ODD. So we left with our $56 shoes in hand, after very little help--glad my Mom was here to help me at least!! Warning: the name rhymed with "Ride Tight."

Other updates: Baby #2 seems to have what my doctor is saying is a "boy heart rate." 141-143. I guess MRP at this time was 153-157. We took bets, but she's "pretty darn sure it's a boy." Brian is thrilled of course. As am I (one of each!) But I have to admit, I'm a little sad MRP won't have a little sister to play dolls or dress up with. I didn't have a sister, and I thought this would be a fun experience for both MRP and myself....? But alas, we'll find out on my birthday in January what it is for sure (hopefully).

So, until next time, I'll keep you updated!
Karyn Potts
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