A Rant and then Christmas 2010

Yes, yes, I am cheating the date on this blog post as I do for most all of them.  Today is January 10th and after being asked by almost every member of my family, I am finally updating the blog.  Even though I started maternity leave over Christmas weekend, I have found my time taken up with everyday tasks which have not included blogging.  So here is my morning effort to dedicate some time to catch up on the blog before our family size increases with the addition of our second daughter on January 20th and my time really is going to be dedicated elsewhere....

Ah - to have Christmas morning in our new home was a blessing.  Weeks before I brought home a small Afghan Pine tree from the nursery where I work.  Though it was the perfect size for our little nest, Afghans' don't produce the Christmas Tree smell.  So with the help of Yankee Candle Company, we were able to pull off the scent as well.  As you see, our tree is a humble tribute to our small family.  Although Andrew and I have been together for 13 years this month, our ornaments are few.  When we first met Andrew provided me with a moose ornament from his family ski trip in Utah that year, but as he reminds with every Christmas, I misplaced it a long, long time ago.  So, with the start of our family we have the start of our tree.  It will grow as we grow and become a living treasure chest of memories as the years pass by; but for now, there are a few special ornaments that keep the tree sparkling with love.

Tatum really got into the holiday spirit this year.  Although the idea of receiving presents really did not set in until late Christmas morning.  This I cherished for possibly the last year because it allowed the morning to be lazy and comfortable instead of a 5am frenzy of torn paper (which I expect will happen next year!).  Tatum woke around 6:30am and was easily convinced to watch a Yo Gabba Gabba show and let Dada sleep 7am.  When Andrew did wake, we made morning coffee, which for Tatum is chocolate milk, and sat down to our stockings and presents.

Tatum models her new dinosaur towel  & princess slippers

Starting with the stockings, Tatum clued in quick that Christmas is awesome.   She reveled in each and every gift, except maybe the pack of white socks I got her.  Tatum played the Santa roll and delighted in picking out presents and providing them to each of us.  She would say, "Momma needs a present now.  Which one is for momma?"  or "It's Tatum's turn.  Which present is for Tatum?."   Her consideration of others was apparent as she insisted on everyone having their equal turn.  Part way through our morning, Tatum turned to me in her Tatum style by placing a hand on my shoulder, cocking her head to the left, and then expressed sweetly "Momma no work today!"  That is right sweetheart, momma doesn't have to work today.  It melted my heart.  

Andrew and I each got Tatum a big gift.  Yes, through nearly eight years of marriage, we keep separate bank accounts and we enjoy getting our separate gifts.  It works for us.  Andrew presented Tatum with a baby doll who talks and eats and plays.  When asked, Tatum said her baby's name was Hazel.  Hum.  For those of you who didn't know, this is the name we have picked out for Tummy Nut.   I presented Tatum with a scooter.  Yep, she loved it. 

Christmas was a special morning to share together as a family.  We are starting to lay down our own Christmas traditions - like french toast made from Montrose Bakery's Cinnamon Roll Bread, which Tatum helped to make - and this makes the season all that much more magical.  Next year there will be four stockings hung, and our experience of love and blessings will be that much more!

My little kitchen elf helping with breakfast

Below are some additional shots taken from our Christmas morning.  For all our East Coast Family, while you enjoyed your almost white Christmas we enjoyed scooting around in the crisp 60 degree weather of Southern California.  Remember, you are welcome to visit anytime!

the view from our front porch Christmas morning

Tatum cruises by our house on her new scooter

Scooting Sillies under a Camphor Tree

Safety Talk with Smiles

Late morning doings - popcorn and a viewing of Tatum's new Princess* DVD

* as much as I thought I would keep the world of princesses away from Tatum, there is no stopping their power.  After flying home to NC last year to share Tatum's second birthday with her cousin Sophia for a princess party, there has been no stopping Tatum in her affinity with these Disney characters.  And I too have become charmed along the way and indulged her with some princess gifts from Santa, which she loved.  Really, the princess fantasy is one most every girl has, I know I still do - what is better than marrying a rich prince and living happily ever after.