Addie's 2nd Christmas

For most, the first time for anything is the best. But for us, Addie's second Christmas definitely surpassed the first. Last year, though we extremely excited, she just didn't react the same way as this year, and rightfully so she's a year older. Last year she laid there looking at the lights and wondered why her parents were showing her a stuffed monkey.

Though she didn't fully grasp the concept of Christmas and stir all night hoping Santa would bring her what she asked for -- her parents did that for her -- she did delight the small crowd that gathered as she caught her glimpse of her loot.

Mrs. Clause (Courtney) did a great job at picking the few gifts that Addie got this year: a stroller for "baby", a Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Learning Home, and a Fisher Price Animal Sounds Farm.

As the crowd -- Court's family and my mom -- followed Addie to the loot, we all got a kick out of Addie shouting, "Baby!" as she ran over to the stroller. Once she got to the stroller and hugged baby, she was in eye shot of the Learning Home and immediately, with baby in her arms, started exploring all the sounds it can make and things it can do.

If I knew how excited she would be with the Learning Home I probably would have just got her that and nothing else. But then she opened Noah's Ark from her grandparents and the farm and immediately begged us to open each. Even after opening all these great toys from everyone, she even got excited about getting a new plastic fork and spoon (see picture below) in her stocking, not to mention the play phones and coloring book.

If that wasn't enough, we then headed to Maga's (my mom) house to see what else Addie would score. Again Addie did not disappoint. She got a Tigger airplane ride-on toy that she now uses to store other toys and then gets a kick out of being pushed around on it. Did I mention that it makes noise? A big plus in Addie's book.

All in all it was a GREAT Christmas not just for Addie, but for me and Court too. Her expressions were priceless, and we anticipate next year being even better.




Daddy reading Finklehopper Frog to Addie before the
festivities.


Making her way down.


Addie and her new stroller for "baby."


Addie and her Learning Home.


With all the new toys, Addie still loves
her fork and spoon.


The Farm


Addie at Maga's with her Tigger toy.