So sorry for the drive-by posting last night. I didn't mean to hit publish and run. But a screaming baby hinders my creativity and willingness to write. Seems we're smack dab in the middle of a wonder week. Yeah, wonder how I don't bludgeon myself to death. There is comfort that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Sunny weeks to come, albeit not soon enough.
It could be the snow flurries we had today, the reintroduction of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks or the fact that Thanksgiving is fast approaching, but I'm getting in the holiday spirit. The holidays mean so much more this year with a little one.
In holidays past, I was full of anguish and envy. I'd see parents in line at the mall, waiting with their fresh-faced younglings to see Santa. I'd see babies in strollers, surrounded by gifts. Kids dressed up in their Sunday best for picture-perfect Christmas cards. My heart ached as I watched the life I longed for lived out through others. Every Christmas commercial on TV twisted the knife in deeper. Maybe I had a touch of seasonal affective disorder but it was downright painful to spend one more holiday childless.
Now, I can truly appreciate the holidays again without being blinded by my depression. I can see everything through Nate's new eyes. The wonder and amazement. We can create new traditions. As a family. We'll be the ones standing in the ridiculously long line to see Santa and stocking up on anything branded "Baby's First Christmas ".
I know being his first Christmas, Nate won't really have a clue as to what it's all about or what is going on, for that matter. But I want to make all of his firsts as special as I can. I want to make beautiful memories. Sorta selfish since I'll be the only one remembering the details but he's only this little once so I feel like I need to capture this moment. I want to indulge. So it's hard not to go overboard. I want to give him everything.
Which begs the question: what presents do you get a baby for his first Christmas?
So far on the list are:
Highchair
BPA-free sippy cups
BPA-free bowls and utensils
Wooden and organic teethers
Few 6 month+ toys
9 month & 12 month apparel
Lullaby CD's / DVD's
Books
Winter bunting
I'm sure I'll think of more but I'm trying to keep it within a reasonable budget. Mostly practical gifts but some fun ones thrown in for good measure.
Now that I've shown you mine, you have to show me yours. Wishlist that is. Do you have any special holiday traditions with your little ones that you wouldn't mind me imitating? They say imitation is the best form of flattery, right? Nate's a little too young for cookies and milk and letters to Santa so I'm at a loss. I'm also lacking originality in the worst way.
Perhaps some hot cocoa will inspire me.
Friday, November 21, 2008
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5 comments:
I bet this year will be so much fun for you guys!
M will be getting a Fisher Price Jumperoo and lots of toys and books. We had gotten rid of anything after B, so we really have nothing in the way of toys. I'll probably do some new bibs and things like that for her stocking. I'm a little obsessed with Christmas. I don't usually do clothes for Christmas unless it's something special, though.
I'm not sure if you're up for tradition recommendations.. but I figured I'd throw it out there. I have always given B two gifts on Christmas Eve. One is a new pair of holiday pajamas to wear to bed, and the other is a new ornament (that involves something she was into that year). She's yet to figure out that it's always the same two things ;o). I'll be continuing that with M. Though I may get them their OWN little tree this year to put all of the kid-oriented stuff on.
We also sprinkle Reindeer food on the lawn (oatmeal mixed with sprinkles) before going to bed. Of course, cookies and milk for Santa. And he always leaves a note!
Oh, she is also getting the FP Laugh & Learn house, it's just too cute :O).
We're bah humbug types Chez MII, but I'm sure I'll find some vaguely non-conformist way of making it fun for my spawn.
J
Last year LG was a month old. We got him a couple toys he could enjoy when he was much, much older and new pjs. The pjs are going to be a yearly family tradition.
I told our families just to get him cd's or dvd's (although I don't let him watch much they will come in handy when he does) and books. I'm sure the moms will still get him some toys, but at this point he has enough for his age group and his birthday is 2 1/2 months from Christmas when he'll be getting all kinds of cool 1 year old toys! My mom wasn't satisfied with just books so I told her if she really wanted to get him something she could get him the Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair.
As for traditions I think we'll probably do PJ's. I would also like to start doing something with him that gives back to the community. I have to put a bit more thought into it, but something with a local children's hospital. I guess I better get on it since Christmas is a month away!
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