Christmas 2010

I love Christmas! The fragrant tree, cinnamon apple candles, the music, the lit up houses in the neighborhood. Every year, I snicker when I hear Neil Diamond sing Christmas carols. Every year I cry while watching It's a Wonderful Life. Every year I chuckle while watching A Christmas Story. It is fun that friends/family have extra time off work and/or more flexible schedules.

Marshall is at such a fun age for Christmas. All he kept asking for was a Gordon train and "down by the docks." We weren't exactly sure what "down by the docks" was, knowing only that it was somehow connected to Thomas the Train. My mom and Bob got Marshall some new train tracks with a bridge, tunnel and windmill and apparently this fit the bill, as he yelled, "this is just what I wanted." Friends and family were so generous with their gift giving and Marshall was thrilled and overwhelmed. My sister got him a toy parrot that records and repeats a brief phrase. When Marshall opened it he said, "this isn't a good gift, I don't like it." Eeek. Embarrassing for me, but my sister thankfully just laughed. Of course, moments later, Marshall decided he loved the parrot. He kept referring to it as "pigeon" and hearing it repeat Marshall's chirpy little voice was pretty cute.

We stayed in town for the first time and, while it was odd to not be down south, it was nice to not travel and spend Christmas morning at our own house. We hosted a dinner on Christmas eve and then went to Mary Ann and John's for Christmas day dinner. A wonderful, joyous, peaceful holiday overall. I thought I'd be a little more disappointed that it is all over, but we have barreled happily into the new year.

Travels and the Potty

The month has flown by! The holidays certainly have a way of speeding up the clock. Mid month, Marshall and I made a trip down south to visit with my grandparents since we wouldn't be seeing them for the holiday. We had a very nice visit. We spent one morning at the beach in Cayucos. Marshall did not pay attention when I told him he was not appropriately attired for going in the water. Go figure.

The weekend before Christmas, Chris and I went to Las Vegas with my dad, Steph and Wynn to celebrate my dad's b-day. We stayed for three nights and had a great time. We saw two shows, Love and Jersey Boys, which were both super. The window shopping and people watching were very entertaining. We took a tour of Hoover dam one day, which was very interesting. Not quite enough sleep, definitely too much wine, and Chris came down with a sinus infection, but a fun trip overall.

While we were away, my mom came to stay with Marshall and the pets. Despite terrible stormy weather, they had an enjoyable weekend. They baked cookies, went out to eat, and played indoors a lot. Apparently Marshall was a gem and did not whine, throw tantrums, or try to injure his grandma. Such a relief, since I get hit, kicked and pinched daily! Unbeknownst to me in advance, my mom came prepared to tackle potty training. She brought up a sticker chart, potty prizes, Cheerios to aim for, etc. Marshall thought it was all great fun and did a wonderful job using the potty. Unfortunately, due to our naturally contentious relationship, I have not enjoyed the same success as grandma. Using the potty and changing soiled clothes has since been a kicking/screaming ordeal. Not once since my mom left has Marshall used the potty for #2. That has been less than fun to attend to, especially when it happens out and about, like in Target! On the plus side, we have had some shining moments when he tells me has to pee and then uses the potty like a champ. It has been a real treat when he has used the potty while out and about or on play dates. Hopefully it won't take too much longer for both us of us to adjust.

Marshall dug the hole and buried his legs.

Wet up to his booty!

Wynn, Steph, Chris, me, and my dad in Las Vegas

'Tis the Season

Week before last, we finally got our Christmas tree. It is a great size/shape but it is pretty dried out already and has hardly any scent. Hopefully it lasts through the holiday! Marshall also helped his Grammy Mary Ann and Poppy John pick out their tree. Lucky Marshall has gotten to make two gingerbread houses this season. Very messy, very cute!

Conversing

For some reason, Marshall has taken to saying, "What'd you say?" in response to EVERYTHING. I am repeating myself all day long. I'm not sure if he is no longer paying attention or has actually lost his ability to hear!

We had a rather comical, albeit frustrating, conversation this morning. An excerpt:

Him: What do I want for a snack?
Me: I don't know. What do you want for a snack?
Him: Ask me.
Me: Um, I just did.
Him (screaming): Ask me what I want!!!!
Me: I'll ask if you stop yelling at me.
Him (politely): Ask me what I want for a snack.
Me: What would you like for a snack today?
Him: What'd you say?

Marshall has taken to talking like he is reading out of a book. He loves to read, so I guess this shouldn't be surprising. Yesterday, as he was playing with his trains he said, "I am a really useful engine, puffed Thomas." This morning, as Chris was getting some blueberries out of the freezer, Marshall yelled, "No, those are my berries, I shouted loudly to daddy."

Silly Boy

I recently tried to take some photos of Marshall to give to the family and to use for our Christmas cards. These days it is impossible to get him to look at the camera AND smile, as evidenced below.

Excessive Cheese

I love cheese. I eat it every day, incorporated into just about every meal. With the upcoming holiday meals, I seem to have amassed an abnormal amount of cheese, even for my standards. My current inventory:

• block of white cheddar
• package of grated Parmesan
• package of shredded mozzarella
• 2 packages of shredded jack/cheddar
• package of cream cheese
• package of sliced provolone
• package of sliced muenster
• container of feta
• 4 packages of Laughing Cow light (love that Costco carries this!)

Big Boy Room

Weekend before last we re-did Marshall's room. He requested blue walls so Chris repainted. We moved the dresser and desk from the guest room to Marshall's room and bought Marshall a twin bed. The transition has gone mostly well. Now that he has the freedom to roam, Marshall has been getting a little less sleep but thankfully he still naps every afternoon. This week he has been waking up exceptionally early (5:30 today), which I'm hoping we can curb before the time change this weekend. YAWN!

Out with the old

In with the new

The guest room during the transition...YIKES