Christmas Preparations

So, aside from the whole Santa Claus debacle, I am finding the traditional Christmas preparations to be quite fun!

Last weekend, I got to attend my first Cumming Christmas Parade, which was technically my first parade, period. I think watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade may have set an unfair expectation, but this little parade entertained nonetheless. It was cold and a bit drizzly; however, I am willing to brave the elements for lollipops and an owl in a school bus, which was my absolute favorite and made me beam like Santa, elves, marching bands, and lollipops could not. I spent most of the parade perched on Dad's shoulders so as to not miss a thing. It took Mom awhile to outrun all of the other kids in order to retrieve a lollipop for me, but she finally did succeed. I donned my candy cane antlers, which, combined with my inherent adorableness, garnered me much attention not only from the masses but also from a reporter who took several pictures of me for the Forsyth County News. I was one of many photos on the Forsyth County News website and one of just a few on the FRONT PAGE of the Forsyth County Newspaper, which is just my stepping stone to the New York or Los Angeles Times. Unfortunately, Dad got cut out of the picture; I guess they just wanted to focus on the star - sorry, Dad. I was not a fan of the Grinch, who appeared in the parade more than once, and I actually ducked down on Dad's shoulders when he went by to avoid being seen, which is captured, of course, in the picture to your right. I loved all of the trucks and noise and marching, which prompted me to do a little marching of my own. Mom, being Mom, documented my every reaction. At first, I was a little confused and taken aback, but I soon got into the spirit. After the parade, Dad, Mom, and I grabbed coffee and a juice box at Starbucks, where I continued to get compliments, before heading home to wait for Grandma's arrival. My days as a celebrity have official begun.

Cumming Christmas Parade - how to make a free slideshow

Last Sunday, we braved the, literally, freezing temperatures to acquire a tree to bizarrely display inside our house. I wanted the most expensive tree and staked out the perfect one; however, in the end, I consented to go with Daddy's tree since he was the one paying. Mom got the traditional - yes, it is now a tradition since this is the 2nd year - picture of Dad and me walking through the trees. I have definitely gotten taller since last year. I waited with Dad to get the tree cut and then helped Mom bring the car around. I was astonished when they threw the tree on top of our car, and I proceeded to watch it through the sunroof all the way home to make sure that it didn't go anywhere. You would think that I would be very excited about bringing the tree into our house, but after witnessing an owl in a school bus the previous day, I barely even acknowledged the tree as it found a place in our living room. I did, however, enjoy helping place my ornaments on the tree. I have a box of ornaments that are just mine with a book that tells from whom each ornament came and what each ornament means, which is sure to become more intriguing in later years. For now, I just wanted to hang the ornaments "all myself". The tree is just another addition to all of the Christmas decorations that have thrown up in every corner of our home; I did tell Mom when I first saw everything lit that the house looked "beautiful", for I know how to use the powers of positive reinforcement. It is officially beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

This Year

Last Year

Christmas Tree - slideshow dvd

The same day that we got our tree, I met my own personal Elf on the Shelf. We read his book and talked about his job to report back to Santa each night, and I am not completely sold on this little guy. I refused to name him, so for this year, we shall just call him Elf. I later told Mom that "Elf, scary"; I don't like tattletales living under the same roof. I have since warmed up to my Elf, for I really enjoy finding him each morning. I'm not as thrilled with Mom's threats that the Elf is watching me; I have a sneaking suspicion that Mom and Dad are behind this little spy, but I'll give him a shot. Elf, you better hope Santa delivers, or you'll be looking for a new home.

I got to decorate my first gingerbread house last week, which was quite enjoyable, especially since I got to lick the icing off of my fingers and snag a few candies for personal consumption. One side of the roof is a little lacking; it was during the decorating of that side when I realized that the decorations were actually candy. My little house even has a Santa waiting by the front door, which must be why my Elf decided to park himself next to it the other night; I'm sorry, little Elf, that must have caused you some confusion. Don't get too comfy because you still have to make a trip to the North Pole every night to report my good standing with the big man. My gingerbread house is now part of the Christmas theme that has overtaken our entire downstairs and parts of our upstairs. I'm just proud of my contribution.
































Thanks to Grandpa Purnell, I also got to decorate my own little Christmas tree, which is lighting up my room with holiday spirit. My little tree came in the mail just yesterday, which was the 13th since the date on these is always misleading, and when I woke up from nap, Mommy helped me put the lights on before I very carefully placed each and every little ornament. Mom then insisted on taking my picture with the tree, of course, and I matched her insistence by getting my own camera and taking tons of pictures of my tree "all myself". What can I say; I was really excited. Thank you so much, Grandpa! In my very own words, it looks "perfect" in my room.


























Thanks to Grandma, Mom and Dad also got to have a little holiday fun at the Lambs' 7th Annual Christmas Wine Party, for which they headed downtown last Saturday night. It is nice that the rents have their own holiday tradition with close friends, and I got to hangout with Grandma for the evening. I am a little miffed that Baby Mo and McKenzie got to go, but I guess I'll get over it. I can tell from the pictures that a good time was had by all.

7th Annual Christmas Wine Party - make slideshow

Since Mom has been so busy preparing for the holidays, I have taken it upon myself to help out with some of the household tasks, like cleaning up tree needles...









and fixing dinner.








I really am a great helper, and now that I have my very own kitchen stool, I help even when Mom wishes I wouldn't. At least I ask the right questions when shaking the green beans - "That's enough? No..."


Oh, just so you know, the packages that keep arriving in the mail are making me super excited, and according to my bear countdown calendar, we've only got 9 more days until the Christmas celebration begins!

Aside from the holiday madness, last week also included our weekly Publix visit, during which Mrs. Suzana made a corsage for Piggy to wear since I rarely leave home without him. A pig has never smelled better.

I attended the Holiday Wee Read at the library last Wednesday with my boys: Lucas, Madden, and Tyler. After a lengthy car talk from Mom, I sat nicely on my mat while the books were being read and enjoyed moving and shaking all about in between reads. Minnie also enjoyed dancing with me; she likes to have a good time too - a girl after my own heart. We even got to watch a puppet show about a kitty cat who finds a holiday home, which I thought was really cute and had some surprising moments, hence the look on my face. Lucas got comfy on the floor to watch the show. Lucas and I were excited to meet the stars of the show afterwards, but Madden and Tyler weren't so sure what to make of their first meet and greet with real puppet show stars. The boys and I then picked out some holiday books to take home. After the library, Mom and I met Mrs. Rebecca for lunch; I was a little confused to see her outside of the Publix pharmacy and without her white labcoat, and I kept asking where Pam was. Pam is Mrs. Rebecca's assisstant in the phramacy. Mom and Mrs. Rebecca got to talk while I entertained myself in the booth, enjoyed some queso dip, and flirted with the waiters as they rang in their orders right behind my booth. Thank you, Mrs. Rebecca, for introducing me to cheese dip; Mom has been holding out on me. Not only is it delicious, but it is also messy - the best of both worlds. That evening, Mr. James came for dinner, and I spared no detail in telling him all about my day with Mrs. Rebecca and at Read Time. I even batted my eyelashes and got him to read me several of my new library books. Mr. James was very impressed at my ability to have a full, understandable conversation now. I don't know what is so impressive though; I am a talker through and through.

A quick note: Mrs. Alisha, Tyler, and their dog, Rusty, got into a really bad car accident on Monday, and I just want them to know that we are thinking about them. Thankfully, everyone, including Tyler's little sister, Ella, who is due in about 4 months, is perfectly fine with just a few bumps and bruises. We are sending you our love, and I can't wait to see you guys next week. I owe you a boo-boo kiss, Tyler.

I was very excited for my sushi lunchdate with Harper and Aunt Steph before Steph's return to work last week. I let Harper borrow tons of my old clothes, and I kept her entertained and made her smile while Aunt Steph packed up her car before we headed out. Mom, of course, took the opportunity to take Harper's picture several times, and I was able to convince Mom that Thomas and James needed their pictures taken too. Harper, with an already full belly, slept through lunch while I ate my weight in edamame and enjoyed picking up calamari with chopsticks. I can actually use the kids' chopsticks now; I'm more adept than Mom when it comes to eating sushi. I did accidently break a little soy sauce bowl, but I am blaming it all on Piggy; he hit it when I picked him up. The waitress had been talking to me and commenting on my cuteness the entire time, so she was not upset; however, I felt really bad and got a little upset when the accident happened, as well as every time it was mentioned for the remainder of the day. I'll have to talk to Piggy about being more careful. I don't think that Aunt Steph found the waitress quite as charming as I did since the waitress called Harper a boy and then commented that Mom is obviously the younger sister. Not a great way to secure a good tip with my Aunt, waitress lady. I can't wait to see Harper in some of my old clothes; it is sure to bring back memories, and she has a good shot at looking just as cute as I did. Good luck going back to work this week, Aunt Steph; Harper is in good hands with Oma, Opa, and Uncle Ian, so I'm sure everything will be just fine.

I was able to get in a little trampoline playgroup at Mrs. Alisha and Tyler's house last week. Trampolines are so much fun; although, I think Mom was having a bit of stroke each time I bounced too high or fell. Lucas kept loving on me, which prompted me to yell, "No, Lucas James!" followed by "Again, Lucas." I'm a girl, so I am allowed to be a little fickle. Tyler, Lucas, Selina, and I enjoyed some Christmas cookies and time with good friends. I love my playgroup pals.

This past weekend included a lot of Christmas shopping and a trip to the mall with just Daddy. Besides the playground incident, in which I got knocked over by a little boy and hit my head, and the broken carousel, the shopping trip with Daddy was a success. On Sunday, I was able to talk Mom and Dad into going to Cheeky so as to enjoy another bowl of cheese dip and chips. Now that I am a big girl, and have recently refused to sit in a high chair for any decent length of time, Mom and Dad moved me up to a booster seat in the booth. High chairs are for babies.

I started out this week with an exciting run-in at Publix. Unfortunately, Mrs. Suzana was sick, so I didn't get to personally give her my Christmas card; however, I unexpectetdly ran into Lucas and Mrs. Allison. I tried to give Lucas our shopping list, several times, and I did give him one of the quarters that Mrs. Peggy had given to me; he sweetly returned it the next day at Catch Air. Mrs. Peggy also gave me a Christmas card that contained a dollar with Santa's picture on it! Thank you so much, Mrs. Peggy! Lucas and I had a good ole' time laughing about everything and nothing; he kept pretending to bite Piggy, which I thought was so hilarious, but when he threw Piggy at one point, I freaked out and screamed at the top of my lungs. We then riled each other up and traded shouts back and forth before the Moms agreed that shopping together was a bad idea, and we parted ways. Lucas and I are wild together, and my Publix friends got to see a whole new side of me, which they thought was funny; although, Mom isn't so sure. My new question: How did Lucas get a shopping cart with a steering wheel? I believe that Mom has been holding out on me once again!

Oh, we've also gotten in two Catch Air playdays. You guys know Catch Air by now and my affinity for it, so do I really even need to explain? The place is awesome, and I always have a great time! That being said, sometimes there are a few tears as well. Poor Lucas, I made sure to bring him a ball from the ball pit and pretend it was an ice pack to make him feel better. Just make sure you watch the hamster wheel video; I am ta-len-ted!

With all of the fun activities over the last couple of weeks, I have deseprately needed all the beauty rest I can squeeze in. Somehow, I forgot to take Piggy to bed with me for one of my naps last week, and I realized his absence after just a few, short minutes. I began to cry hysterically and call Mom frantically with "need Piggy". Mom heard my desperate pleas, and immediately brought Piggy up to me. This provided the necessary comfort for me to instantly fall asleep once Piggy was tucked safely under my arm. I woke up about 2 and 1/2 hours later, and when Mom came up to get me, I greeted her with "Thank you so much, Mom". When she asked for what I was thanking her, I responded, "Mom bring Piggy and put Piggy in Livie's bed. Thank you so much." It made Mom melt, and she almost cried because it was so sweet. I was just thanking her though; bringing Piggy was a very important task. I gave Mom a big kiss and continued to thank her for the remainder of the evening. See, I totally have sweet moments.

My current vocabulary dilemma: The difference between ma'am and sir - Language is so confusing! I have a feeling Mom is rethinking this whole southern etiquette approach anyways.

Mom's current dilemma: Potty Training - I'm pretty sure that she is just as intimidated and confused as I am on how to go about this whole thing.

With all the chaos that is to errupt next week, I doubt I will get another blog out before Christmas; therefore, I hope everyone's holidays are filled with love, family, and friends. Merry Christmas to all and to all, a good night!