Birthday Blues...

We went to a birthday yesterday for one of our neighbors and friends, little James, who was turning 2.

Reid did such a great job in understanding that we were going to a party for James and that James would be getting presents, because it was his birthday. Even as the presents were being opened, Reid even sat back with me and watched so nicely. He was excited for James to open our gift because he had chosen it himself - a pretend cash register, with money and sound effects to boot.

After the gifts were opened, we were all almost the three-hour mark. Reid was tired and SO over the "It's James party and these are his gifts" line. So, we came home to chill out and everything was fine.

I awoke this morning and heard Reid on the monitor. Sometimes, but rarely, he will wake up and not call for me immediately. I could hear him playing so I didn't go get him. Finally, I could hear him singing in the sweetest voice... "It's not my birthday. I don't get to have presents. It's not my birthday, no presents for me."

I swear. Hilarious. Of course, I could try to explain that his birthday is only a month or so away but since he has no concept of time, it wouldn't really matter. :)

The Santa Chronicles

We were so lucky this year to have the opportunity for Santa himself to come to our house a little early, so I planned a little breakfast/brunch party around it so Reid and his friends could meet the big guy together. And, not have to go to the crazy mall to do it. :)

Since he was old enough to have an opinion about it, Reid has not been a fan of sitting with Santa. We have a few shots of him and the big guy from last year where he never actually touched or really looked at him. There weren't any tears that I recall, but we also aren't those parents that will try and force him to do something he so obviously didn't want to do.

Reid with Santa in 2007. He was like "Whatever, I'm not even gonna look at you, weird man. But, I'll be happy to take that candy cane." :)

Even just a few weeks ago, Reid saw Santa at a Chick-fil-a here. He SO wanted to talk to him, you could just tell. He would tip-toe up behind him, so brave, but when Santa turned around and they got face to face, Reid was outta there. They ended up having a nice little chat with Reid sitting on the floor about three feet away.

Reid actually ended up touching Santa's boot on this day. There was a jingle bell on it but, again, when they looked at each other... no way.

So, when Santa arrived at our house last weekend, I didn't have very high hopes. I personally LOVE Santa so if all the kids ran away, more time for me. As always, some of the kids came prepared with detailed explanations of what Santa should be bringing and some hid in another room for an hour. Reid was somewhere in the middle, which is still better than I anticipated. He wasn't afraid but didn't want to sit with him. He just watched from afar for a little while. However, his tune changed quite a bit when he saw Santa's bag and it appeared there might be some toys. He figured out quickly that face time with the big man might have some perks.

Here are some pics - he was AWESOME!

The grand entrance, as kids run in all directions.

After a few tries, and after the "sack" was spotted. Reid actually said, "Hey, what do you have in that sack?!?" Not so subtle.

And even a hug!

After gifts were handed out, Santa read "T'was the Night Before Christmas."

And, Reid, ignoring the story to play with his toy. It was an awesome visit though!

Reid's First Public Performance

Today was Reid's Christmas program at his school and his first "official" public performance - not counting tantrums in the grocery store. The program began with mini-performances from the K-2's (Reid's group) and K-3's, then a play by the K-4's.

Reid's age group sang a cute little song about ringing the bells for Santa. Since they are kind of hard to understand (What? Twenty 2-year-olds singing at the top of their lungs hard to understand?), here's the gist: they are ringing the bells for Santa, then they quiet down because it's time to sleep. Then, the alarm clock goes off - there's a visual here - and they get up and ring the bells for Christmas Day.

At least, that's my interpretation - you can judge for yourself.

The video is not too long and is pretty cute. I was sure Reid would clam up when he saw the people but he did great. He was kind of zoned out at the beginning but you can see his lips moving. He was really concentrating. Then, he notices the microphone in front him and thinks, "hey, I know what that's for." He really was the star of the show. It's hard to hear on the video but, at one point, he was singing right into the microphone so you could hear his little voice over everyone else's. Too cute.

(Disclaimer: We had the camera zoomed in a little too much at one point so it's overly shaky and kind of grainy- but still cute!)

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Confections

I LOVE to make Holiday goodies of all kinds, and really have to hold myself back to not go crazy every year. (I'm itching to make Christmas cookies right now but am trying to hold off a week or so...)

Anyway, I was trying to think or something Reid could really help with and came up with chocolate-dipped pretzel rods... with sprinkles (of course). It was fun and we didn't make many this first time around, but they were good and turned out cute!

Reid in his Christmas apron... that I purchased in the dead of summer.

The beginning of the process. See the (relatively) clean counter, and the reasonable amounts of sprinkles being used?

And, toward the end. Now look at the sprinkles. Sprinkle madness! But Reid thought it was just right...

Shoving a fistful of sprinkles into his mouth...

Chocolate!

Before shaking the sprinkles off...

And after. Pretty cute, huh?

Thanksgiving in Alabama

It's been too long since my last post, but the holidays are upon us and there's just not enough time in the day!

We made the trip to Alabama for Thanksgiving last week and were able to stay 4 days. Of course we had our traditional feast with all the Martins - this year we rented out a space instead of everyone cramming into someone's house, which worked really well! - but we also got to do some other fun stuff along the way...

This is what I have decided to refer to as Reid's "picture face" It's what his face looks like when he is in the middle of saying, "No Mommy, don't take my picture!" (or something similar). :) He was super cranky for a little while on Thanksgiving day, partially because he refused to eat anything except some bread and some crackers. And, I only brought one cup of juice which meant he had to drink soda or sweet tea the rest of the day... which he didn't mind. At least the sugar/caffeine high from the sweet tea improved his mood.

See? Mood already improved, even though he decided the best place to be was under the table...

We also had a playdate at my friend Laurie's, who I have known since forever. Her three girls (Katy, and the twins, Anna and Emma) kept Reid entertained for about 3 hours. Here, playing ring around the rosy...

And, all falling down, which is the best part - don't you agree?

Miss Laurie made grilled cheese sandwiches and s'mores for dessert. This is a look of sheer happiness on his face. He didn't even notice that he had on a big pink bib. I think I could get him to go back to Miss Laurie's anytime...

Saturday, we fed the ducks at the park in Athens, which has become one of his favorite tings to do at Granna's house. (Notice the "picture face" again.)

Ducks!

"Here, Daddy. You want some bread?"

There were just enough leaves in Granna's backyard to make a small pile...

Over and over again!

And, mom and I went shopping EARLY on Black Friday - a tradition that had been put on hold since Reid was born. I had really missed it! We didn't get up quite as early as we could have, but we were at Kohl's in the middle of the madness by 5 am. Then, of course, we shopped for about 45 minutes and waited in the crazy-long line for over an hour - but it was so fun. I was able to go get in the car and deliver some Starbucks back to the store with tons of time to spare. We went to other places, too, but Kohl's was the best. Everyone is crazy but civilized there - no trampling, pushing, pulling, or fighting (at least not that we saw).

We also met up with my friend Kelly to meet her new sweet baby girl, Layla Anne. Of course, she took pictures and I did not... maybe she'll send some my way. That is one cute baby!

That's about it. I should have some good stuff up next week following Reid's Christmas show at school and our Santa party for the kids at our house next weekend. I'm sure there will be some amusing pictures and videos!