Merry Christmas!

Ho ho ho (and ha ha ha!)

3.5

Dear Jake,

Today you are 3 and a half years old! Time really does fly when you are a happy mama to a beautiful little boy. It was just yesterday that you were so small and in my arms. You still love to be in my arms, but now your legs hang out so far!

You are such a happy, happy child. Your Gramma thinks you inherited the family happy gene, as you love life and love to do so much. We love hearing you laugh and seeing smile, both which come often. Sure you have your moments when life is hard or no fun, you are three, after all, but those don't last long and you can find something else that you like to do or you feel better after a good snuggle.

You have learned to go to bed early, without mama and daddy in bed, too, for the first time in your short life. Your parents are really enjoying evening time alone, but the best part is when I put you to bed; after we've read a story, you lie on top of me and ask that I run my fingers through your hair and sing you songs. As soon as my fingers touch the top of your head, a blissed-out look comes over your face and you start falling asleep. Last night you even requested that I sing Christmas songs, which I did, and you drifted off while listening to Silent Night.

You are so very active! It is a good thing you have school every day and can go and run around on the playground with your friends. On the weekends we have to find other ways to use up your energy, especially in this cold, rainy weather. Sometimes we take you swimming and other times you get together with friends and play. When you can be outside and run, you run so very, very fast! You love to run, and we are not surprised. Your Grandpa and mama are both runners, and you often wish you could go running when mama runs, and I've promised you that when you get older you can start coming on my runs with me.

You are a boy born in the 21st century, and you are no stranger to technology. You can find your way around the computer, love looking at pbskids.org, and know how to turn on, unlock, and use the iPhone whenever you can get your hands on it. I'm still amazed by how easily you pick up on all this.

This year Christmas is really magical for you and we are enjoying that so much. Thank you for letting us re-discover the joy of childhood through you. We love you so much and can't imagine life without you with us.

Love, Mama (and Daddy)

Sugar!

Tis the season...

to decorate cookies.

Santa Land

We took Jake for a magical Christmas playtime and to meet Santa.

In the Christmas wonderland -- we are up where the train is and there is more fun down below.
Waiting in line for the train.

On the train -- this was right when it started to move!
Here it comes around the track.
There's Jake!
The place was a madhouse. Jake went on the bouncy house things for quite a while. You can barely see him in this picture, he was going so fast!
Thus the alcoholic drinks were much appreciated by the adults.
Jake watching a movie after getting his bell and candy cane from Santa.
So earlier in the day I had Jake watch The Polar Express. Thus he got the idea of what Santa is about and all that. He has never seen Santa/sat on his lap before. So after we got in line to see Santa and it was Jake's turn, Jake went right up to Santa with a smile on his face and lifted up his arms for Santa to pick him up. He then started chatting with Santa. Then when Santa asked Jake what he wanted for Christmas, Jake did what he saw the boy in the movie do: he covered his hand with his mouth and whispered to Santa. It was the cutest thing ever! But of course now I have no idea what he asked Santa for, lol!

Jake can't stop talking about how the picture turned his green pajamas red, which is funny, but I totally love this picture.

Holiday Singing!

This evening was Jake's classroom's holiday party. For weeks now the kids have been practicing songs to sing at the party. Every once in a while I've caught Jake singing to himself, and it was fun to go and see them and actually find out what he's been singing!
Singing "I've got peace like a river."
I've got joy like a fountain.
The snowman song.
The whole Sunflower class!

They also sang "This little light of mine," a Hanukkah song, and "He's got the whole world in his hands."

The best part was seeing Jake totally beam at the end when all the parents were clapping!

Afterwards there were cookies that the kids had made and decorated themselves. Then most of the kids, including Jake, ran around the playground in the dark. Pretty cool.

Buddies

"Okay, fine, we'll let you take this cheesy picture."
Enjoying a movie together while the mamas chatted and knit!

Silent Night/Week

I'm still here! Things have been quiet lately... we've just been staying warm, enjoying the Christmas decorations, and starting to shop for Christmas presents.

Jake is getting so excited about Christmas. He loves opening a new door on the advent calendar every day and seeing which ornament is behind it.

I'll try to get you some pictures tomorrow!