Christmas 2010

I can't remember the last time I spent Christmas in my childhood home. For the past ten years I have spent Christmas either in Florida or Queensbury, New York. For this reason Christmas 2010 was definitely a special one.


We traveled to New Jersey on Christmas Eve morning. The ride from Boston was quick and easy--making it in a little over four hours! (By now Mikey handles these road trips without an issue---he sleeps, eats and listens to his Music Together CD--at least twice!)



Christmas Eve (AKA: the seafood feast) was spent with Grandma and Grandpa Ecker, Auntie and Uncle Scott. Mikey and Scott were BFF's on Christmas Eve. Mikey was constantly seeking out Scott, taking him by the hand to show him something or just chilling out on his lap.

Following dinner, Auntie and Uncle Scott gave Mikey his presents! What a hit! He loved EVERYTHING----his new piggy bank, panda pillow pet, and most of all, THE TENT! Everyone loved the tent and wound up sitting in it at some point over the holiday! (This doesn't even include the fabulous train stocking stuffers he got as well as his Santa cup!)

Mikey wore his Christmas pj's to bed and slept well dreaming of sugar plum fairies....or maybe trains.....

On Christmas morning, everyone got ready and went to church first. When we got home, we ate breakfast and moved on to the PRESENTS! This is what the tree looked like on Christmas morning.

Grandma and Grandpa really spoiled Mikey with all of his Christmas presents. He got lots of toys, books, clothes and even his own motorized train! He was in heaven! (This is why we went to church and had breakfast first!) Mikey opened presents for TWO HOURS! After opening each present (his unwrapping speed increased as the morning progressed), he would turn to us, sign the word "open" and immediately want to play with each toy prior to moving on. He really enjoyed the entire experience.....almost as much as we enjoyed watching him!

On Christmas Day, Great-Grandma Ruth, Aunt Eileen, Uncle Manny, Gene and Gabe came to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner. Auntie and Uncle Scott came back, too! On this day, Mikey moved on from Uncle Scott to Gabe. They hit it off and we hardly saw the two of them all night! They played in the tent, rode on the train together and put together Mikey's wooden train set!

Gabe also entertained us by playing us some holiday music on his saxophone. It was great!

Merry Christmas!

Winter Party

Eva (Mikey's daycare provider) had a winter party at her home from 5-7. All of Mikey's friends and their Mommies and Daddies attended.






Eva started off with feeding the children dinner. Then one of the moms organized a gingerbread decorating activity. Mikey had more fun eating the "decorations" than actually decorating!




Next was time for a craft. Mikey painted a ceramic cat in a variety of colors. It was more fun to use the paint that was on his friends tray instead of his own. I must admit I was very impressed with his painting---as he has only painted one other time with me. He did get a little confused and took a couple tastes of the paint. Mmmmm!

After we cleaned up the craft, Mikey played with his friends on the slide and lego table. We finished up by singing some songs with Eva and the other children before we left.

What a fun night!

Christmas with the Boston Pops

On Saturday, December 11, we went to a very special concert at the Symphony Hall in Boston. Mimi and Grandpa treated us to the Boston Pops Christmas show---complete with a sing-a-long at the end!


We sat RIGHT in front of the stage. Mikey was in awe and sat on Mommy's lap taking it all in. By the end he was clapping and smiling! We even got a surprise visit from Santa! Highlights of the show (in my opinion) were the reading of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with music.


Thank you Mimi & Grandpa for coming to visit and celebrating Christmas with us early! We'll see you for New Years!

xo

(View from our seats!)

(Mimi, Mikey & Mommy)

(1, 2, 3.....weeeee!)

Acton Children's Museum

On Friday, Mikey and I spent the day with Ruby, Kieran and Leah at the Acton Children's Museum. It is an old house that is transformed into different rooms of fun! The first room we walked into was the TRAIN room! I didn't think Mikey was going to leave! He just hoisted himself up into the BIG train and sat there. Didn't touch the bells or other fun knobs....just sat and took it all in!

Eventually he migrated to the train table....another hit!

Following the "ball room", the kids then transitioned into the water play area. It didn't phase the kids that the water was probably the same temperature as it was outside (in the teens!! brrr!). They had a great time scooping and splashing!

We also happened to be at the museum when there was a holiday music sing-a-long. The kids danced and played instruments. Overall it was a successful day!

And who can resist hugs from this pretty girl?!?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

Mikey's first haircut

I finally broke down. The hair in the back of Mikey's head was getting so long that I could literally make a ponytail out of it. Not very attractive in my opinion.

On Thursday, December 9, we ventured out to Snip Its in Chestnut Hill---a childrens hair "salon". For the low price of $18.99 (!), your child's hair can be cut by a professional in a very overstimulating (aka: "kid friendly") environment. With the help of bubbles, animal crackers and his lovey, Mikey was a superstar.

Here are some before shots:






And this is the handsome (and very cooperative) boy afterwards:

Video to soon follow......

Mikey and AJ

Mikey and AJ shared a special bond together when in Florida. When AJ was around I no longer had my "shadow" at my feet. AJ gave Mikey fun rides in the stroller, pushed him on the swing and even acted as a pillow when Mikey fell asleep on him!

AJ: You are the BEST and we wish you lived closer to us! Miss you already!