Pam's Life: Christmas 2008

We got the official kick off of the Christmas Holiday from the Fire Department coming around our neighborhood with Santa Clause on the engine handing out candy canes. Every year they come around, and this year Melody was old enough to be excited and go outside to get her treat. She kept talking about that for a few days, just in time for Christmas Eve. Rob sadly had to work, so I went to my Mom & Dad's for dinner. Carol & Alex and their clan were over, as were Uncle Kevin & Aunt Kate, and GG & Papa Tony. Wow, what a full house! We ate dinner, played, then Melly & I were off to meet Rob at church. Melody hadn't stayed with us for a service in a long time (she usually goes to Sunday School), so it was challenging to keep her with us the whole time. She doesn't do anything naughty, she just really can't keep quiet. She needs to talk every second of the day. If there isn't anyone to talk with, she will talk to her toys, have them talk back, etc. But the point is, her mouth is constantly moving. Most times it's no big deal, but on Christmas Eve in church, people begin to stare. So we got through it, and she actually fell asleep in the car on the way home so it was an easy time getting ready for Santa. I did miss a little bit all the excitement of reminding her that when she woke up all her gifts would be under the tree.
The morning didn't start off too well. She was really sad for some reason, so I spent a good 1/2 an hour in her room rocking with her and talking with her. Something really upset her, but she couldn't tell us what. Then after she was calmed down, out to see what Santa brought! This year was really fun because it all made sense. We sent a letter to Santa a few years back asking that he not wrap the presents he leaves for Melody, so when she goes out to the living room, she sees all of her toys there and it's a high level of excitement. Then she went through one by one opening up the boxes and playing with each toy for a bit before moving to the next one.
After a nice Christmas morning, on to Carol's house! The whole family was there for yet another feast and even more presents. My side did a grab bag system this year. On Thanksgiving we each picked a name and that's who we shopped for (excluding the kids.... they still get what they usually would). This not only made shopping easier, but it also helped with all of the Christmas Chaos. So overall a fantastic holiday, yet again. Here are some of the highlights:

Baby Emilie's first Christmas