You Better Watch Out

As required by the generations (i.e. they did it to us, so now we do it to our kids) we got together with good friends tonight to take the boys (Baby Zog and his best bud) to see Santa at a local bank, grab a bite to eat and watch a local Christmas Tree lighting. It was a nice evening, but I am glad we opted for the less crowded, calmer setting of a small bank for our Santa outing rather than waiting in long lines at the mall because the fruits of our labor were, well....I'll just let the photos do the talking. Happy Holidays!

Is it wrong that these photos make me laugh a little?

Tips Not Found in Parenting Books

I learned a Mommy trick this weekend. If your 13-month-old has recently discovered Elmo as mine has (from story books, but not yet from the television), then anything with this furry new friend is exciting. This includes an Elmo band-aid box. Playing with this box will keep your little one occupied for at least 10 minutes (or long enough for you to dry your hair and apply some mascara).

Further more, just when the excitement of this box starts to wane, you can inform your 13-month-old that the box opens and suggest he see if he can figure out how to open it. This will buy you at least another two or three minutes, allowing you to use the bathroom and maybe even tie your shoes!






Of course, once he's mastered the box, it will cease to be interesting and he will throw it on the floor. Game over!

Christmas Card Attempts

Last year was easy. Lay six-week-old baby on bed. Make gurgle noises at baby. Snap baby's photo while he smiles.

This year was, um, different.

Thank goodness for digital cameras. If I remember correctly, film was expensive!