I'm Dreaming of a Warm Christmas

Mommy Says:

We were lucky enough to celebrate the holidays in Florida this year. I was overjoyed with the thought of saying goodbye to the white stuff and work for a few weeks, but I was dreading the thought of flying with a one year old. I asked parents for months before the flight for advice and they all guaranteed he'd be fine. I can't tell you the number of people who told me that they flew with their one year old and it went great. Delusionally, I thought that our trip would go off without a hitch as well.

It started off good enough.

Tyson loved watching the planes. He waved goodbye to each one and dazzled nearly everyone in the airport with his "Vroom-vroom" noises.

We boarded the plane feeling so proud of our cute little man.

But the cute little man act quickly turned into the ugly screaming baby play for the next three hours. We were lucky we got a brief intermission during Tyson's 20 minute nap. I'm certain he was just utilizing that time to rest up for his big finale. It was impressive.

Thankfully we had a full 8 days to wipe that experience from our memory before we had to board to come back home. Otherwise I'd still be in Florida.

We managed to salvage our sanity and our eardrums enough to enjoy Christmas if Florida.

We played in the sand. Tyson cried when he had to touch the sand (or strangely, the grass), so most of the sand castle building was done by Daddy and Mommy.

We saw Grandmas and Grandpas and Great Grandmas and Grandpas. Needless to say, Tyson was spoiled rotten. It's been a rough adjustment for him to realize that now that we're home there isn't someone staring at him 24/7.

We went swimming. Boy, oh boy did we go swimming. Tyson made a beeline for the "BATH!" within minutes of arriving. Despite the unseasonably cold weather, we spent a good deal of time in the "bath" each day further supporting my theory that Tyson will be the next Michael Phelps (minus the whole smoking pot scandal-of course).

On the last day, Tyson managed to forget his fear of the sand long enough for me to take this adorable picture of him walking the beach. He looks so cute that this picture made me forget my fear of getting back on the plane with him to come home.


Big mistake.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Mommy Says:

It's become abundantly clear to me in the past few weeks that Christmas really is more magical with kids (or in our case a singular kid) around. I've always looked forward to Christmas, but sometimes (ok most of the time) dreaded the preparation for it. The shopping, the cooking, the wrapping, the decorating-oh my! It's all a bit exhausting and overwhelming.

But, this year? This year was different.

This year as I was decorating the tree while Tyson was napping, I couldn't wait to see what his reaction would be to this bright sparkly thing in our living room. I still smile when he stares at it while I get dinner ready. When he waves bye to it before bed, I die of the cuteness.

This year when I went shopping, I couldn't wait to find him the perfect gift. When I wrapped each present, I loved writing "From: Mommy and Daddy."

This year we made ornaments that have his hand print on them and we baked cookies with frosting and sprinkles. We made a mess and I loved every minute of it.

This year Daddy dressed up in a Santa suit for all of the nieces and nephews.

This year we'll take Tyson to church and sing Christmas carols together as a family.

This year we started traditions that will last Tyson's lifetime.

This year Christmas really is magical.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Stinkin Cute Fam!

Cue the Jaws Music

Mommy Says:

It's happened.

My worst nightmare. Ok, my second worst nightmare-shortly behind being attacked by birds who want to peck my eyes out-Tyson's toys have overtaken our house. They are EVERYWHERE. We have toys on the main level and toys in the basement. We have toys in his bedroom and toys in our bedroom. We have toys in the garage and toys in the car.

It's possible they may be multiplying. Like rabbits. I believe they may start a coup at any time. We are preparing ourselves for battle with rations and ammunition.

Please send help.

Second Time? Twas Not a Charm.

Mommy Says:

Daddy dressed up as Santa yesterday at his family's Christmas party. Apparently his familiar eyes and friendly smile did not fool Tyson for a second.

Chaos ensued. Rapidly.

Tyson cried-hard. Mommy laughed so hard she cried. And the end result? This picture:

I'm tempted to send it out next year as our Christmas card.

An Open Letter To Mickey Mouse

Mommy Says:

Dear Mickey,

I can call you Mickey, right? I'm under the impression that we're on a first name basis considering the overwhelming amount of time we spend together on a weekly basis. I see you every morning, you sing to me every day on the way home from work, and we say goodnight to each other each night. You are in our books, on our TV, on my son's socks, and in my son's bed.

Let me start by saying-I think you're cute and amusing. Really, I do. Actually, when we were first re-introduced a few months ago you were easily my favorite cartoon. Your music was catchy and even I found myself humming along to "Hot Dog" once and awhile. You are cute and I liked the idea of my son watching the same cartoon character I did when I was little.

But, Mickey? It's possible you may have over stayed your welcome. Your CD is beginning to get on my nerves. I'm desperately searching for new ways to make Daddy read the "Go Mickey!" book each night instead of Mommy. And, I'm pretty sure I've seen every episode of "Mickey's
Clubhouse" at least twice.

So here's the deal, we're in this together for at least another year or two, right? I'll continue to watch my son's face light up each time he sees you if you can put a little into this relationship too. Try making some more episodes of "Mickey's Clubhouse." You could even throw in a little adult humor if you want. Maybe a new CD? Something besides "Hot Dog" for us to dance to every single day would be great. I'm not asking for much here....

If you keep up your end of the bargain, we may even bring Tyson to meet you one day. The way I see it, things could be worse-you could be Special Agent Oso or (gasp) Barney.

Love,

Mommy

PS-Special Agent Oso is ok ( I know he's probably your friend), I just totally don't get what would happen if his special assignment takes more than 3 steps. That bear would be royally screwed.

He Sees You When You're Sleeping

Mommy Says:

We FINALLY took Tyson to meet Santa. It went pretty much how I imagined it would.

I'm pretty sure we scarred him for life.

13 Months Is Not Too Old For a Letter

Mommy Says:

Dear Tyson:

Today you turned 13 months old. What? You really didn't think I could just stop with the monthly letters at 12 months cold turkey, did you? Haven't you learned anything in the last year?

We celebrated your 13 month birthday yesterday with our first trip to the Children's Museum. You loved it-exploring, climbing, sliding, playing, running. Needless to say, our 3 hour trip resulted in one very exhausted baby-ahem-toddler and two very, very exhausted parents. Chasing you around is tough work. We purchased an annual membership and I'm pretty sure I'll lose at least 15 pounds in the next year if we frequent the museum.

You were obviously the cutest kid there. We took nine hundred and ninety pictures to prove it. I'll just post a few.

Mooommm! Could you cut the picture stuff out and come play with me in this cold bath tub?

I'm totally not going to let you guys get a picture of my face. I'm waaay to busy running away from you.

It's not a vacuum, but it'll do.

Watching you cruise around the Children's Museum really helped solidify the fact that you're running full speed into toddlerville-whether we like it or not. Even Daddy turned to me at one point and said, "Our baby isn't a baby anymore." I told him to shove it. I'm not giving up the baby part until at least 3. Or 30. We'll see.

I love you more and more each day buddy.

Happy 13 months!

Love,

Mommy