What a Christmas!!

Christmas crept up on me this year, although I tried to make the most of it. This year was X's first Christmas. We did a picture with Santa last Sunday evening at the mall. That was a huge mistake. The picture turned out great, however, the three-hour journey to take said picture was not. The parking lot was jam packed and the line for Santa swirled around the ice rink.

I decided to break off and go do some Christmas shopping. I went in to Macy's to buy perfume and cologne for Mom and Arfeo. The down escalator was broken and the technician had it closed off for repairs. So, I had to wait in a 30 minute line to ride the elevator to the first floor. I then decided to get some Starbuck's for A and I for while we waited in the Santa line. The line at Starbuck's took another 30 minutes.

By the time my little adventure was over, X was second in line to see Santa. I had gotten back in the nick of time. X was apparently very good the whole time. He didn't fuss, cry or scream. He was asleep and we had to wake him up to see Santa. In his picture he has a grumpy, just woke up face. It's really cute.

I sent out Christmas cards, made my traditional Christmas cookies and went overboard buying X Christmas presents.

Watching X look at his stocking and presents was so sweet. I couldn't help but think of future Christmases and how excited he will be on Christmas morning, wondering if he will still have that look of awe and wonder in his eyes.

We opened X's gifts at our apartment, then went over to my parents for the big family Christmas. I am so glad my grandparents made it. They have been in poor health in recent months and we didn't think they would be healthy enough to join the festivities.

I'm a little sad Christmas is over. But, maybe that is just part of growing up and becoming a parent. The excitement of Christmas morning is now lived vicariously through your children. It is no longer about you and tangible presents, but more about the emotional presents that you get from watching your little one light up when he sees his stocking or receives his first Christmas gift. I know I'm going to have so much fun in the coming years making Christmas time magical for my kiddos. *sigh*. I guess I am also a little sad because I know X will never be this tiny again. Next Christmas he will be toddling around and getting into things, and I know I am going to miss the innocence that he has now.

I have definitely learned to make the most of every little situation. I take pictures of this littlest things that X does. The little moments that I know I will never capture again. I have I don't know how many pictures of X trying to flop over on his tummy. I think A and I are doing a good job of documenting the little one.

On a lighter note, I went through my closet today and discovered that I can wear my pre-pregnancy dress slacks!! So, I don't have to buy anymore new pants!! I'll get to spend my gift card on something more exciting!! A new pair of boots.. and maybe a cute purse!!

Whirlwind 2 weeks...

Well...I thought being a new mom was difficult... I think being a working mom has been the most challenging thing yet.

I've been at my new job now for two weeks. MUD law is finally starting to make sense. I still get down on myself because I feel like I should know everything already at this point in time. My co-workers tell me not to do that to myself, but that's just who I am.

We are finally starting to get into a routine at home which is helping the whole working process become a bit easier to handle. As hard as it will be, I am going to have to learn to let my house get messy during the week and let chores go until the weekend, or else I just might burn out.

I am getting more comfortable with X's daycare situation, so I'm not worrying about him like I did last week. His teacher is wonderful and has been in childcare for 20 years. His daycare is costing an arm and a leg, but it's worth it to know he is in good hands. Plus, he is just down the street from my office!

I'm exhausted, but I have energy at the same time. Exhaustion means I'm working hard. Maybe motivated is a more fitting word.

After just two days last week, I wanted to quit and come back home and be with X, but I have to keep going, despite the obstacles that will inevitably be thrown in front of me. We are digging ourselves out of the massive hole we have fallen into with this job, and will be able to finally start achieving our dreams.

I'm surprised at how non-social I'm feeling. I guess I've been so used to baby babble that I forgot how to have adult interaction. The people at work are so friendly, but I just can't seem to take advantage of it right now. Maybe with time things will get better.

I hope time is all I need.

In baby news... X started pushing up on his tummy. It's too precious! Christmas is just 6 days away!!

Week 2....

Week 2 has come to a close.... I've been super busy... will post more thoughts later...