Christmas Break Cuties

Our Christmas Break wasn't what we thought it was going to be.  Throughout the two week period all four of us had a yucky bug that wouldn't quit.  We had lots of drainage and runny noses, but also diarrhea and puking.  Luckily it wasn't all at once, but Ollie and I did end up having to pass the puke bucket back and forth in the car.

As unfortunate as it was to be sick during break, it was sort of a blessing not to have to miss work and school.  We did take advantage of being together even if we weren't feeling our best.

Finally at the end of break we were feeling better so the kids and I ventured to Manhattan for errands.  It was nice to get out and about.

Miss P. has been super independent lately.  She likes to get herself a bowl from the drawer, a snack from the lazy Susan, and find mommy to help her.  Well on Tuesday, Ollie and I went to school so I could get some things done while daddy stayed home with Paisley.  This was the photo I received:

And after months and months of me asking Riley to put a child proof lock on the snack cabinet, he finally did.  All it took was 3 hours alone with "the gremlin" (as he lovingly calls her) and he felt the same frustration that I feel 27 times a day with her!

New Year, New Daycare

2018 was good to us and we really didn't give it the proper send off that it deserved.  The kids went to bed at their regular time and Riley and I were in be before 10:00.  No fun celebration or big countdown for us!

We do however have a big change for the New Year in regards to Paisley.  Our daycare lady, Teresa, who we've been with since Ollie was six months olds is closing.  She and her family are moving so we sadly won't be caring for Paisley anymore.  Teresa is the only daycare that she's ever known so we are a bit nervous for the change, but our new one, Oneita comes highly recommended so that helps ease our minds.

We certainly will miss Teresa!

Christmas Morning

We've always been at Riley's parents' house for Christmas morning, but this year we were the only ones there.  It was definitely different, but the kids sure enjoyed having tons of space to make their messes!

Santa was good to them both!  He brought Paisley a Mega Bloks elephant parade and Ollie got a marble run.  The marble run was a big hit!

Mommy and Daddy have gotten away with getting the kids very little for Christmas since they are so young.  This year we did get them a few things - among the favorites were Llama Llama books.

Grandma and Grandpa gave Ollie a Nerf gun that he was thrilled about!

We spent the morning relaxing and just hanging out.  We moved the marble run to the counter to keep Paisley from destroying it... then she of course talked any adult she could into putting her up on the counter.  I mean really, how could you say no to her?

Christmas Eve Tradition + Matching Family Jammies

Ollie made reindeer food at preschool so when we got back to Riley's parents' house we had to sprinkle it outside.  I think most of it ended up on the bottom of his dress pants and all over his shoes!

We continued with the tradition we started at Oliver's very first Christmas with new jammies and reading The Night Before Christmas.

Paisley was tired and over everything so Ollie handled opening them up.  This year was extra special because I found jammies for the whole family last year for 90% off!

Riley is often less than thrilled about my ideas ... family jammies for Christmas Eve tops that list, but he begrudgingly obliged with a fake smile plastered on his face!

(This photo was later shown at Riley's work sale meeting.  I laughed when he told me...he didn't seem as amused!)

Midnight Mass (also known as Bedtime Church)

It wouldn't be Christmas without my favorite Christmas tradition, Midnight Mass or as Ollie called it this year, Bedtime Church.  Unlike when we were kids, it wasn't at midnight, but at 8:00pm this year which was totally fine with me as it was already enough past their bedtime.

I love everyone singing Silent Night by candlelight and the kids loved each having their own candle.  In past years we had real candles which I preferred, but these battery operated ones were much more kid friendly.

Of all the cool things done at Midnight Mass nothing compares to Santa's arrival.  He kneels before Baby Jesus in the manger and leaves as quietly as he came.  It is simply the best and gets me every time!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was the same as it has always been which means lunch in Meriden followed by Christmas at my parents' house.

Again, I failed on the photo taking end of things... other than these few from Rhonda's in Meriden, I didn't get any others.  I guess we were too busy being in the moment and I'm ok with that!

Christmas Eve Eve

This year we celebrated Christmas with Riley's side of the family a bit early.  With Christmas falling on a Tuesday this year it just worked out better that way.  It was odd doing it as our first Christmas, but still just as good as always ... well sort of...

Paisley stood in the middle of the living room about 30 minutes into present opening and started throwing up.  After a brief intermission, wardrobe changes for three of us, and carpet cleaning by dear Aunt Heidi, we were ready to begin again.  She'd been having a lot of drainage so we attributed it to that, but she threw up several more times throughout the day.

Due to all the chaos of our little puker, I was busy getting in my baby snuggles and didn't get many photos.  Here are a few that I did manage to snap:

I was disappointed to miss Ollie's reaction to opening up Soggy Doggy.  It was at the top of his list!  Grandma and Grandpa got it for him and there was nothing but pure excitement and joy as he was opening it up.  So cute!