Ho ho ho! Santa was here.

Merry Christmas everybody!  I hope everyone's day was as wonderful as mine was.  Last Christmas was so long ago, that I had really forgotten what Christmas Day was like for a kid.  And I tell you, it was beyond fabulous.  

When I came downstairs this morning, all the wrapped boxes that have been kept out of my reach were right there where I could reach them, and there were new toys under our little Christmas tree.  I headed straight for the tricycle.  I really wasn't interested in unwrapping this year, but did enjoy ribbons and bows.  I let my parents unwrap, and I played.  As soon as I started to enjoy one toy, it seemed another one appeared from the wrapped packages.  Some were from Santa... maybe he's not so bad after all.  I might not have cried on his lap if I knew he was bringing Christmas gifts.  

Most were from Gram Mikan, including art supplies, a ladybug pillow, a laughing cow, and a significant expansion to my wardrobe.  Thank you, Gram!  I also received very fashionable attire from Aunt Gretchen & Uncle James, and my great Aunt Mimi.  I can't wait to model them all!  I got this cool spaceship, including an astronaut dog, from Aunt Jill & Uncle Jeff.  Thank you very much, everyone!

After a delicious breakfast, we took my new tricycle out for a spin around the neighborhood.  My chauffeur pushed.  I'll learn how to pedal later. 

I got this inch worm from my Dad a few days early.  We actually went shopping for it together.  And these Sing-a-ma-jig creatures really crack me up.

You may enjoy the experience of some of my toys best by seeing them in use.  Here's a little video demonstration for you:

I've got a lot of playing to do, plus I am looking forward to Grandma & Grandpa Ford visiting next week.  I will show them how to play with all my new stuff, plus we'll be having extended Christmas!  More fun to come!

No ho ho.

Sometimes, I'm not so sure about my mother.  Remember that picture of me with those strange looking pirate guys a couple months ago?  I would have expected that to serve as a clear lesson to her, but it seems she learned nothing!  Let's take a look at the evidence:

Take me to the playground, even in the cold?  I'm overjoyed!

Give me a giant Christmas ornament?  Awesome entertainment.

Take me on a train ride around Santa's village?  I'm gleeful! 

Take me to look at some real live "ish!" (aka, fish)?  I will kiss them!

Set me on the lap of a bearded man who dresses funny and asks too many questions...  then walk-off, and tell me to smile about it??  Seriously, Mom?  Not pleased. 

Can we please learn from our mistakes here?

Just a general update

What's new this week?  My mother is fabulous, but it really takes both my parents to keep me completely happy.  I can't wait for de Dada to get home again!  I've been busying my mother and myself with regular stuff, but the colder weather has kept me from the playground.   I've been doing some artwork outside the bathtub.  I really prefer the larger wall area as my canvas.  Paper is so confining!  I've gone to library storytime, the jumpy houses with some other kids, and various other routine outings.  I'm working on my climbing and bouncing skills daily.

I understand Christmas is coming.  I don't know exactly what this is all about, but I love seeing all the decorations and hearing the peppy music at the stores.  I went to a Christmas parade where there were lots of cool lights and sounds like I've never seen before.  My favorite parts were dancers.  I tried to join in every chance I got.  I was also quite fascinated by the roller derby team.  I'm considering that as a future hobby.
However, this penguin has planted himself in my yard, and to be honest, I'm not real fond of him.  I stay at least 3 feet away at all times.  I don't trust him.

Here's an update on my spoken vocabulary... just the words that you would understand:
-fish
-bab ("bath")
-cat
-Whazzit? ("what is it?")
-behbeh ("baby")

I really don't want my food chopped up anymore, and my favorite foods of the week are apple wedges and rice krispie treats.  "Nyum nyum nyum."  I can identify some animals in my favorite book.  I can imitate some dance moves that I see on Yo Gabba Gabba, and I've figured out some very important buttons on the remote control.  My mother wants me to stop biting her.  Hahahah.  This week's new activities also include walking backwards and whispering.
Last but not least, I've neglected to publicly express my love of my dogs in quite a while.  I still love them as much as I ever have, especially Raven.  I don't share my blankies often, not even with my parents.  But I do tuck Raven and Casey in for a nap with my blankie from time to time.  And I give them kisses right on their noses several time every day!