Christmas, well, Christmas Part One

Merry Christmas everybody! I don't have much time to blog lately, but I figure I should probably mention the awesomeness that was Christmas this year. Having a 3-year-old has it's many challenges, but the night before Christmas trumps any other day. Connor was ridiculously excited. For those that know Connor very well, he is pretty cool, calm and collected. He is neither super excited, nor grumpy. He is always just content. So, when you see his eyebrows go up into his hairline, hear a squeaky voice, and don't get a word in edgewise, you know you are dealing with a very, very excited little boy. That's what happened Christmas Eve.

Now, we always try to not turn Christmas into a Santa-only thing. He knows it's "Mimi's birthday, Jesus's birthday, Papa's birthday," etc. BUT, geez! How can a 3-year-old NOT get excited about Santa? Honestly, it could have gone either way with Connor (scared or excited) and we were so happy with the emotion that took control.

As soon as we got home from my parents' house, he went straight to pick out a dish for cookies, carrots, and milk. He was running around like a lunatic. Connor decided to put the snacks right by the window near the tree since we don't have a fireplace. Then, it was right up to bed, after a few photos by the tree with Ellie.

 

Now, I have to tell you, Connor's bedtime ritual, well, it takes time...lots of time. Even after we brush teeth, read books, say prayers, and give kisses, Connor is usually (ok always) up for another 15-30 minutes reading books in bed before falling asleep (I know, cute right?). Well, let me just tell you, when Tom put him to bed Christmas Eve, Connor couldn't contain his excitement. He said to Tom, "Daddy, I'm going right to sleep, and if I hear Santa, I'll just close my eyes, and you can go see what's the matter" (like in "T'was the Night Before Christmas"). "Oh, and Daddy, make sure to put the Christmas pillow out on the couch in case Santa needs a nap...AND THE SNOWMAN BLANKET!" (as Tom exits the room) And what do you know? He didn't read one word of a book that night. His reading light was turned off and he was fast asleep. So funny...

After the kids were asleep, Tom and I did what we always do on Christmas Eve: drink champagne and set up the gifts!