Santa Photos 2011

Last night we took the four kids up to the mall to get their photos with Santa. We tried this last Sunday, but their whole system crashed and we got turned away, thankfully last night they got us in and we didn't have to wait too long.

And yes, that is my middle daughter wearing red Jesse boots from Toy Story.  I've given up.  I just let her wear what she wants, and capture these moments in time forever.  Yes, her shirt had pizza on it and I didn't realize this until we were in line to see Santa.  It's all good.

My oldest two know the whole jig with Santa.  We told my boy this year who Santa really was and IS.  He was let down, but he was ok with it.  My oldest didn't want to be in the photo but I made her do it.   We have always told them "we know all Santa's secrets."  When we sat our boy down and told him that daddy was Santa, at first he thought like he was REALLY THE Santa.  Like the Santa Clause Santa or something.  We had to explain that NO, mom and dad are Santa and that's ok.  We told him about St. Nicholas and how he loved Jesus and cared for the poor.  We also told him that he will still get presents from Santa under the tree every year. 

Anyhow.  I digress.

For weeks now the two little girls have been asking for Doodle Bears. It's the only thing they want from "Santa". The only reason Goose wants one is because her big sister wants one too. Evie understands that she won't be getting presents until Christmas day from Santa, but Lucy doesn't quite get that concept.

It became even more obvious after her visit with Santa. The kids sat on his lap, chatted with him and smiled for the photo. Then they were all handed coloring books.

We went and stood in line and waited for our photo to print. Lucy had her brow furrowed and a pretty ticked off/confused look on her face. Looked at the coloring book in her hand and looked at us and said "Doodle Bear?"

Obviously she felt pretty upset with Santa. She was fully expecting her Doodle bear right then and there. I really wish I had snapped a photo or video to capture her expression. It was priceless.

Just so you know, we DO have the Doodle Bear. Its safe and sound hidden away in mommy and daddy's closet, ready to appear Christmas morning. I'm sure Goose will be pleased to see it then.

My funny little girls

I was downstairs enjoying a nice quiet afternoon of reading while my two little girls were down for a nap.  Lucy had only been down for an hour when I heard the faint sound of a xylophone playing from upstairs.

I quickly dropped my book and ran upstairs wanting to quiet Evie from waking up her little sister.  To my surprise I found Evie's bed completely abandoned and Lucy was happily in her crib playing with the xylophone (which I can only assume her sister gave her).  It was a really cute sight.

So I grabbed Lucy (and the xylophone) and went looking for Evie, whom I found in my room.  I said to her "what are you doing in here?"

To that she replied "I was scratching my butt Mom."

You couldn't have asked for a more honest answer than that.  My only response to a statement like that of course would be "alright then sweetie, let's go wash your hands..."

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

Has a year all ready flown by? Wasn't it just yesterday I was looking down at you in the hospital trying to figure out where you got all that black hair from (must be Papa) and kissing your chubby little cheeks?

Over the past year those cheeks have remained large but you've grown into them somewhat, your hair has slowly turned from black to a beautiful shade of brownish blond with a little red in it, and you still capture my heart just as much you did on the day you were born.

When you smile you smile not only with your mouth, but with your eyes.  You have the most amazing eyes ever.  They are blue, with a hint of green and golden yellow in the center.  I say it's the sun in your eyes just like the song says "look for the girl with the sun in her eyes..."  We couldn't have picked a better name for you.

I can tell all ready that you love music.  Anytime you hear music you bob your little head from side to side, and scoot on your bottom.  I'm certain that once you start walking you will be dancing shortly thereafter.

You are a little cuddlebug.  When I pick you up you grab my face and give me big smooches on my cheek.  I absolutely adore my kisses from Lucy.  (Daddy says you are a daddy's girl, but deep inside he knows you are a momma's girl ;) 

You are smart, and you are mischievous.  You can catch my eye from across the room and smile at me when you know you are getting into something you shouldn't. That tells us that you are definitely one of US.   You are curious.  I can tell all ready that behind those blue green eyes there are deep thoughts full of curiosity. 

You love your brother and sisters.  You want to be wherever they are, doing whatever they are doing.  You follow them wherever they go.  You love to laugh just like the rest of our family does.

You are totally attached to your bottle, and I'm in no rush to take it away from you.  After all, you are my youngest little baby.  You have the sweetest disposition unless you want something and then you will go to all lengths to get it (usually a screaming fit).  I give into you more than I should because I know you are my last little baby.  I've spoiled you a bit, but that is ok, because you are only little for such a short time.  In a blink of the eye you will be all grown up and I'll wonder where the years have gone.

God knew how to make you just perfect.  I could have never guessed exactly what you would be like. Before you were born I could only guess, but God knew.  He knew exactly what Lucy would be like before you even existed in my mind. I still don't know what changes will come in the next year but I love watching you grow, learn and watch your personality come out more and more each day. 

For now, I just enjoy you exactly as you are.  You are my silly little Lucy, and today you are one!