Santa's Lap: 2013

Roscoe 4.5, Merritt 2.5

I think this year's photo captures their personalities well. Roscoe is looking quite mischievous and Merritt is keeping it cool.

The Ultimate Foodie Mama Gift Guide 2013

I wrote this post for RichmondMom. You can read the full article here. 

If you’re wondering what to gift to the passionate, hardworking, and hedonistic foodie mama in your life, or just need a few ideas for yourself, look no further! I've got some goodies to inspire your gifting this Holiday Season.

Details, prices, and places to shop after the jump!

(Read more...)

Counting down to the 25th

In addition to a more traditional chocolate and treats advent calendar, we decided this year to do an activity advent to build excitement for the season and to savor the joy that lies in every day that leads up to Christmas day.

I first read about the idea in the online magazine House of Fifty, which I am new to and love! We compiled a list of 25 things to do in the month of December and I wrote them out in one big long colorful list. (It proved to be a relaxing after-the-kids-go-to-sleep activity and it made me feel like a kid again to get creative with a box of crayons.) Then we hung it in a hallway that gets plenty of foot traffic so it is handy to reference and because it is fun to look at.

On our list we included events like the local christmas parade and a train show that's coming to town next weekend.  We also chose activities and crafts that we can enjoy doing together like making a bird feeder and decorating a gingerbread house. Some items are about us, and some are about others like baking a treat for a neighbor and contributing to a local cause that directly impacts children in our area.

On Thursday we decorated the kids' rooms with lights and a miniature christmas tree.  Last night we crossed two activities off our list when we attended the Grand Illumination, which counts down to the annual lighting of the city skyline, and then joined the masses after dark to check out the tacky lights tour.

Tonight, we're building our first fire of the season and reading bedtime stories fireside.

How do you count down to Christmas?

A Florida Christmas Eve

Disney

The Magic Kingdom was a madhouse Monday afternoon. The four of us, with two little ones in tow made it through the front gates around 2:00, when morning naps and full bellies gave everyone the best chance for a happy experience.

I've never been to Disney at Christmas time and Main Street was decked out for the Season. We weren't the only ones who thought a Disney trip in December was a great idea; the streets were so packed we could barely navigate. The MVP of the day (and possibly the trip so far) was my new Sakura Bloom sling. I can't believe we survived the infant stage without it, but I'm so happy that we finally have one because Roscoe camped out in it all day. He was snug and content, enjoying the view and the people from the safety of my arms. Besides the minor balancing act that I had to perform to manage my belly and Roscoe without toppling over, I was so grateful we threw the sling into our pack at the last minute, "just in case".

Pirates of the Caribbean was a surprising hit--we kept things cheery by keeping the focus on the animals--and Roscoe just could not contain his excitement during the Jungle Cruise, and The Tiki Room. We stayed until the sun set, then made one last stop at the Main Street Confectionery for pumpkin fudge, caramel apples, and Mickey shaped rice crispy treats. We made it home just in time to usher Roscoe into the tub and then tuck him in for the night.

The temperatures have been in the 70's, and besides the bird of paradise in our villa that we decorated with white lights, and the stockings we hung in the living room, it's too easy to forget that Christmas is just 3 days away.

'Twas the night before take off

It's 4:40 in the morning. The whole house is dark and silent, and I just cannot fall back to sleep. In 4 hours we leave for the airport to fly to Florida. It's the first time we'll have spent Christmas away from our families, out of state and without the comforts of home. I'm looking forward to it and yet I already miss tradition.

The year's first snow blew in two days ago and while it was only a few inches it lingers still, powder turned to ice. Highs in the 70's are sounding pre-tty darn nice right about now. Our luggage is packed as efficiently as possible, we managed just one bag each--plus a stroller, a car seat, and three personal carry-on items...

Roscoe and I share a gigantic duffel filled to the brim with everything from toiletries to Christmas stockings, stuffers, and a few wrapped treasures for Christmas morning. And I wouldn't be surprised if a couple strands of white lights got thrown in for festivity. Christmas Eve dinner recipes are somewhere in the mix too.

Unlike our typical vacations, this one is loosely planned, with very few expectations--I'm not sure there is any other way to travel with a toddler and a 24 week pregnant Momma. But our hopes are high to fully experience five days of Disney World, catch up with our friends (who are sharing this adventure with us), catch up on sleep (oh I hope! I hope!), and to also sneak in a little baking, sun basking, and lots of Christmas cheer.

Happy Holidays!

Deck the Halls

Decorating our Christmas tree this year gave us the opportunity to put away our computers for the night, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and spend some quiet face to face time. Together. Alone (without Roscoe).

Serenaded by Christmas tunes we strung the lights and felt pom-pom garland, dug through mounds of ornaments to choose our very favorites (we bought a much smaller tree this year), and then carefully placed each one, just so. We added candy canes this year too, which was a throw back that made me very happy.

I wish every night could be reserved for Christmas Tree decorating.

The next morning we couldn't wait to show Roscoe and the first thing he exclaimed when he saw it was "cool!". Throughout the rest of the day he managed to "yank and run" away with every ornament within his reach. So our tree is now decorated only from the halfway point up.

Roscoe's keen interest and intent to dismantle the tree, ornament by candy cane by light strand, has subsided, thankfully, but we're not feeling brave enough to put any of his wrapped gifts underneath just in case temptation proves too great.

Christmas Tree Hunting

Roscoe's 1st Christmas

Christmas Eve began with a visit to the North Pole. Roscoe happily sat on Santa's lap, and intently picked at the furry trim of his coat in between shots. Later that night, donning his christmas pjs, Roscoe and Poppa read some new books while I made batches of eggnog, irish cream, and chocolate cookies. My family joined us at our place after dark and brought with them a lasagna dinner that we enjoyed under the hush of a sleeping Roscoe.

After everyone was gone, Andy and I got to work. We tip-toed around by the light of the tree, strategically placed Roscoe's gifts, filled his stocking with goodies, and left telltale crumbs in place of the cookies we had set out earlier.

The magic of Christmas is back!

We went to bed with visions of sugar plums, and enjoyed three uninterrupted hours of sleep before I heard my name wailed through the dark. Roscoe slept in 3-hour intervals all night, which was a welcome gift.

By 6:00 am we were digging into our stockings, and helping Roscoe to open his gifts. We gave Roscoe a few fun things--a drum, a set of blocks, a puzzle, and a hedgehog push toy. He taste-tested each one and seemed to approve.

It is so much fun to see him play with toys that are not stuffed and don't squeak--suddenly, he seems so much older, more capable. Now we know the fun is just beginning.

After a pitifully short nap, we left for my parent's house where we gorged on breakfast foods galore, and indulged in Christmas number two. Highlights for Roscoe included a five-foot tall giraffe (just ¾ of an inch shorter than me!!), a wagon, and a beautiful quilt designed and sewn just for him by his Grandma—it’s the sweetest blankie I could have imagined with a monkey theme that fits Roscoe perfectly. I lucked out with a massage, and a few other really nice surprises.

He was immediately in love with his Giraffe, as were we!

Roscoe gave Grandma a special plate we made together a few months ago:

Back at home we lounged and waited for Roscoe’s Tippy and Poppa to arrive. We were lucky to have door-to-door service twice this year which made the Holiday completely relaxing—they brought all the fixings for a yummy brunch which we hurried to finish as Roscoe showed signs of getting tired. The Click Clack Ball Track they gave to Roscoe was an immediate hit and offers hours of future fun. He watches the balls intently now and tries to touch them as they roll down the track. It won’t be long before he’s putting the balls at Start on his own.

Andy's dad is an avid photographer and every year he puts together and dedicates to his grandsons a bound book of his favorite photos. In addition, this year he helped Andy's Nan create a memoir of her life which we read together snuggled in bed as Christmas day was winding down. As always, the sentimental and personal gifts are the best ones.

Roscoe brought an extra sparkle to our Christmas festivities this year. He brings us so much joy. I can only guess at how rich the holidays will become as our family grows. Roscoe made out like a little bandit, and we got a taste of what fun it is to bring holidays that are full of magic and surprise.

Christmas Giggles

Chloe loves to unwrap things. We've always found her to be entertaining, but this year she had a captive audience:

Does the sound of a baby's belly laughs ever get old? I hope not.

Merry Christmas!

We won!!!!

Roscoe's first snow

(Poppa found a snow bunny on the front porch!)

Cookie Exchange 2009

After several weeks of planning with some neighborhood girlfriends, the much anticipated cookie exchange was a sweet success!

From greek butterball, to chewy molasses spice, and a savory rosemary shortbread, we had more than 18 different varieties of cookies. Each guest shared their cookies' story which ran the gamut from family recipes, to Washington Post award winners, and ethnic favorites.

Conveniently, the party was just next door to my house so Andy took Roscoe for the afternoon and I enjoyed my first solo event.

I ditched my nursing bra and put on my hostess hat, greeted guests, stuffed myself with sweets and snacks, caught up with old friends and made a few new ones. The biggest prize was the box I carried home that was filled with a tantalizing variety of cookies that will last well into next week... or not!

Christmas stocking

Roscoe's stocking is complete!

After purchasing the fabric back in October, I followed a pattern I found on The Purl Bee, Purl Soho's sister site. It was an easy project and I asked my mom to help with the sewing since I don't own a machine.

My biggest challenge now is to figure out how and where to hang the stockings this year. Our house doesn't have a fireplace so in past years I've hung them off the ledge of our kitchen island which I recently decided is too contrived. I've considered placing the stocking hangers on the edge of a book shelf, buying a stocking stand that sits on the floor, hanging them off the staircase, hanging them on the wall....

If you don't have a mantel in your home, how do you display your stockings?

Christmas tree decorating is a spectator sport

Decorating home for Christmas, a light spectacle

In our house, Christmas rolls into town the day after Thanksgiving. It's been that way for years. The advent calendar emerges from storage, the Santas, and candy canes, and other whimsical winter accouterments find their places throughout the house. And every year Andy faithfully sets the stage with his yearly Christmas Light Spectacular.

But free-time is scarce around here of late. So for the past three weeks Andy has been playing mind games about his plans for stringing Christmas lights. I ask him what his design plan is, he responds with, "I don't think I have time this year" or "I'm too tired to get motivated." Ignoring his earlier excuses, I later ask him when he plans to get started on the lights and he responds, "No seriously. I'm not doing them this year."

Andy maintained his position even when his competition began to hang lights the day before Thanksgiving.

Reverse psychology did the trick, and I was practically begging him to get outside and put up those lights! The catch to his whole show was that I had to agree to give him the estimated 15 hours he needs to do it, with no hassling or complaining.

The thought of Christmas without lights was a dark and disappointing one, so I agreed to his terms and Andy got started around 2:30 this afternoon. He's been outside for 7 hours, and remains there as I type.

Yippee!
Stay tuned for pictures!

There are 7 days until December

Check out this adorable ornament I bought from the Brick Kiln....

Now tell me that doesn't resemble Roscoe!

I've purchased a couple items from the Brick Kiln over the past year. The personalization is what does me in every time. I can't resist it.

The Brick Kiln store is closed temporarily but will open again in February so keep them in mind if you want some seriously sweet (and sentimental) gifts in the new year.