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Friday, December 25, 2009

Santa, Baby

Despite my strong feelings against it, there were some major advantages to an induction ... like the fact that we were able to squeeze in a visit with Santa ... on the day of my scheduled induction, which makes this post about three weeks late, but who's counting?!

Once I had a date, I was getting done everything I could, especially those things related to the holiday season ... things I knew we would be hard-pressed to accomplish once our lives were invaded by a newborn ... things that were important to Natalie as a two-year old and to memory-making (and photo-taking) as a family. A Christmas celebration isn't complete without a visit with Santa.

Once again this year we avoided the mall (a four-letter word, in my book, because I hate it with a passion anytime of year but especially during the holidays) ... and instead had a delightful and authentic experience at our local zoo.  For the first 10 minutes, Natalie didn't want to have anything to do with Santa ... but that all changed.

We saw reindeer grazing ... well, there aren't actually any reindeer in that photo of me and NHV, but trust me that enclosure was full of reindeer, and their antlers were huge!  I love this photo because I know under my red pea coat is a cute little baby bump ... and it was taken just about 24 hours before CJV was born!




After our visit with Santa*, NHV also enjoyed a candy cane ... with much concentration and enthusiasm and stickiness.  While she devoured her cane, daddy helped her write a letter to Santa reminding him of her wish list*.

When we arrived at Santa's House, he was no where to be found.  A little note explained that he was "checking on his reindeer" and would be back shortly.  We took the time to get acquainted with Santa's decorations, including lots of stuffed animals and two trees full of ornaments.  Natalie pointed to almost every ornament and asked, "Wat's dat? and Wat's dis one?"  As much as I enjoyed that game, I was certainly glad to see Santa just a later.  He walked in, took his seat, and invited Natalie to sit on his lap.   Our once not-so-sure-about-this-whole-Santa-thing toddler, climbed right up but never got completely comfortable.  You can see how her arms are just slightly outstretched ... as if she may reach out for mommy and daddy or make a run for it at any moment.

But she did great and looked pretty darn cute, too!







When Santa asked what presents she was hoping to get this year, she quickly listed these three things ...
a ba-bee dowl,  yittle pe-pole, and a toof-brush.  Apparently, dental hygiene is very important to this two year old!


Merry Christmas!


6 comments:

Unknown said...

Aww the pictures are adorable, ever notice how animals seem to know when we are taking a shot and jut wander away lol... So glad you had fun and congrats on the newest addition THAT was teh best Christmas present of all .

MommyLisa said...

So sweet!! Thanks for sharing.

Epiphius said...

So cute!

Nishant said...

So sweet!! Thanks for sharing.

Work from home India

Jessica said...

How fun! BG has never cried on Santa's lap. This year the pictures ended up on cell phone and I need to figure out how to get them off.

Raising Z and Lil C said...

Those pictures are adorable! I loved that she asked for a tooth brush ;) I too hate the mall and avoid it at all costs (all year round). I hope you are all doing well and that you are getting some sleep. I got 5 1/2 hours last night and feel like a new woman! Happy New Year :)

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