Up On The Housetop...

The girls have been talking a lot about visiting Santa this year and how now that they are 'big girls' they won't be afraid. So... we ventured out to the mall on Black Friday to see the big fella! Our 20 minute van ride included much talk about what was going to be said to Santa and what special things the girls were going to ask for (M&M's and spinning tops that sing Happy Birthday~ a tiny toy a friend received on her birthday!).

When we got to the mall the parking lot was packed so Kevin dropped us off at the door. He went to find a parking spot while we went in to find Santa. It didn't take us long to find "The North Pole" and there was no line. As soon as we got to the 'Enter' sign O quickly said "Mommy, pick me up!" and I knew we wouldn't be getting any closer to Santa. We turned around and walked to a railing behind the Elf photographer and both girls stared at Santa while he waved to them. We sat on a nearby bench to wait for Daddy and the girls continued to stare. It wasn't long before A&O decided they would like to go talk with Santa. We walked back over (still no line!) and as we approached Santa and his throne the girls both stiffened and would only move if I assured them we would stand far away and they wouldn't have to sit on Santa's lap. Santa was such a kind a gentle man and spoke softly which relaxed them. A&O mentioned the M&M's and the spinning tops that sing Happy Birthday and Santa offered them a coloring book, a lollipop, and a reindeer antler hat which they willingly reached toward Santa to get. They were so happy!

By the time Daddy got to us (he had to park in the ramp on the opposite end of the mall) the girls were so excited that they decided they wanted to sit on Santa's lap. Sooooo, we walked back over (still no line!) and walked right up to Santa. O blurts out "A goes first!" so I lifted A up and then I lifted O up and they sat on Santa's lap. They looked so darn cute!! Kevin and I were so amazed that we didn't even think of having a photo taken. We were so proud of them and they were so proud of themselves!

Since I don't have a photo of the girls with Santa and blogs are boring without photos, you get this shot of Kevin 'up on the housetop' this past summer doing some paint work!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

"Daddy" ran in the local Turkey Trot this morning and we were there to cheer him on. We'll be off to visit my long time, best friend ever and her family this afternoon (after naps!) and then to my parents' to stuff ourselves silly.

Enjoy your day!

Napping!

What Mother doesn't love naptime and dreads the thought of her child/children outgrowing it? A couple of people have already asked if my girls still nap and, when I say "yes", ask at what age I think they'll stop. I'm shooting for 4.5 years old or older. I may jinx myself and my setup with this post, but I think I've got a great thing going.

Naptime in our house has always involved loving arms, a swing, a papasan chair, or a stroller. Some say I'm crazy but it has guaranteed me two babies napping at the same time and a bit of time for myself. Once the girls turned 6 months old we would put them in their carseats and stroller (Baby Trend Snap'n Go) and walk them around the first floor of our house until they fell asleep for nap. 20 minutes of walking (good exercise for me) and they would be out. Around 18 months we transitioned to a full recline double stroller and shortly after purchased a double jogging stroller that fully reclines and has full leg support. We are still using the jogging stroller and it generally takes a max of 4 minutes of walking before both girls are out cold. It really is great and they LOVE naptime. Just today I actually used Nap as a bribe "we're not getting into the nap stroller until you finish all of your milk!" (milk was gone within 30 seconds). Other bonuses: if one or the other stirs before naptime is over I just stroll for a minute or two and they usually go right back to sleep; if they have a cold I can increase the incline of the seat for easier breathing and better sleeping; we can take the 'nap stroller' on vacation and it works its charm just like at home. The belts are fastened for safety but are at their loosest so each girl can turn on her side to sleep if she cares to. And... despite what I've read, napping in the stroller does not effect the girls' ability to comfort themselves to sleep in their beds at night.

As Dr. Phil would say "How's that working for you?"

I would say "Perfectly!"

Gratitude

I received this link in an e-mail today and wanted to pass it on. Check it out:
http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php

Fall is here

It was gorgeous here in the NE last week with sunny 70 degree days (very rare for November). We tried to make the most of it and had some fun on the front lawn where the leaves had fallen.

The winds of change have started to blow and I have the feeling the snow will be flying (and sticking!) soon.