Christmas Overload (Week 36, Day 1&2)

It is currently the most wonderful time of the year, and this year is even more wonderful as we get to share the experience with our bouncing baby girl. The past couple of days have been filled with Christmas festivities. First, Madeline had her holiday party at school. It unfortunately coincided with a mandatory work event, so Phil had to be the sole parent to accompany Maddy to the event. This was hard on me - I wanted to be there so badly, but knew that I couldn't miss work. I adore Christmas and everything about it, so missing this party for my little lady gave me a lot of heartache. Luckily, the evening of the event, I was so busy with work the time went by quickly and I barely had time to think about what I was missing. Phil had a great time with Maddy at the party- they sang songs, made ornaments and took pictures with frosty the snowman. Maddy was not a fan of Frosty.

On Saturday, our church had a cookies and cocoa with Santa event - Maddy’s first interaction with Santa. I was so excited. It was a great event - our church had set up their gym for decorating cookies, a hot chocolate stand, and a picture booth for Santa. It was the perfect setting for a first Santa meeting - not crowded, and a very relaxed atmosphere. Unfortunately Maddy did not think so - she took one look at the bearded man, and stated very clearly her displeasure. We did get a picture, and I have to say it clearly portrays the fact that the first Christmas is more for the parent than the child - a profile shot of me, overly excited about the whole situation, and Maddy looking at Santa, clearly beginning to cry about being placed on this scary mans lap.  Sunday was the grand finale - a play date with a friend at Navy Pier, where they were going to a Winter Wonderland festival. There were lots of rides for my friend's daughter, and lots of lights and fun things to look at for Maddy. For me, it was pure joy - lots of people in the Christmas spirit, children SO excited about the holiday events, and me, seeing the future for Maddy and all the fun holidays to come.

Playdates and Pee (Week 8, Day 3)

Madeline slept for a FIVE hour stretch last night! And she didn't starve to death! I didn't think it was possible. What a big girl she is turning into! Now if we could only get her to GO to sleep without a major meltdown...

Playdate with the ladies!

Today we went out to the suburbs for a play date with my college girlfriends and their kids. It was great to get to see their children and where they are in their lives, and I love being able to share Madeline with them. It's always amazing to see children that are older than Madeline (these girls are between one and a half and two) and realize that in one short year, our child will change so much. The difference between her and the other girls is great now, but in just a year or so she'll be walking, talking, and chasing after these ladies with the best of them. It was so fun to see the stage we have to look forward to - the interaction and seeing the world through a child's eyes. And as I hold Madeline asleep on my chest and enjoy chatting with dear friends, I realize she won't want to spend her days cuddled up like this forever, and remember to live in the moment and relish this joy now.

Another “first” happened today - the first time my daughter peed on me. That’s right, peed on me This is one of the firsts I’m a bit less excited about. It didn't happen in the expected in the expected location - the changing table. It did happen while we were all cozied up in our little chair, Madeline changed into her sleeper, eyes half closed and on her way to sleep, and me feeding her, feeling good about a successful transition from her sleeping position in the car seat to almost asleep and nursing. I noticed that she seemed awfully warm against my stomach as she eating, but didn't think anything of it until I picked her up to burp her - that’s when I noticed the wet spots on her, and on me. And realized I was going to have to start the “going to bed” process all over again. Sigh. You win some, you lose some I guess.