Christmas Vacation - a children's museum

Hubs took some time off from work so we could have some "family time". I looked through all the things to do in our area and I was determined to have activities planned and fun times ahead! Our first trip was to a local Children's Museum. This one is smaller than the one we usually venture off to. We are fortunate to live near a few bigger cities, a few small cities, country, beaches and many fun things to do! Cupcake walked in and started coloring, decorating, painting, playing, etc. She never ceases to amaze me. She just goes with the flow and has fun doing it. She may be a bit shy however she is so focused working at all the stations and really working at the task at hand. This place was great, they had a construction zone, rowing on Boat Row, a "New Years" section with decorations and all winter activities and my favorite "The Bank". I loved the bank because Cupcake and I played bank teller. I was able to work the window and talk to her about her transactions and wish her a good day. This place was great, so much fun. After a few hours I was exhausted, Cupcake was sleepy and Hubby wondered what we do all day because he thought this stay at home mom didn't do much, he was tired too! We are really enjoying our time together!!

Christmas Day with the Grandparents

When I was pregnant with Cupcake, Hubs and I celebrated our last Christmas prior to her arrival with our parents. We wanted to keep Christmas small since I didn't think I wanted to cook for a large group and a "Thank You" to our parents for all that they do. This go around we felt the same way. I have about 5 weeks to go and I'm not looking forward to cooking for everyone although I love having a house full of people. Anyway, Hubs and I had our parents over on Christmas Day. We were very happy to celebrate this way and even happier Cupcake would have her grandparents to herself ALL day! The day was fun, full of love, laughs, games and relaxation! It's hard to believe that next Christmas Santa will have trains, trucks and toys for a little boy. We are so excited for our sons arrival and fingers crossed Cupcake will love her new best friend very much.

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas - 2011

OMG, Santa came to our house and he left a toy store behind for Cupcake. She must have been an EXTREMELY good girl this year! Hubs and I think he lost the video we sent of temper tantrums and meltdowns because she really did get many gifts this year. All kidding aside Cupcake is a good girl and it seems this year is full of arts/crafts, dolls and painting stuff. Santa even left a special message for her on her new easel. Oh wow!!! I think the biggest hit is the trampoline. Oh why, oh why did Santa leave that, lol. That seems to be the question everyone asks me and I just laugh and say "Santa has a sense of humor". (S)he is a funny one! Hubs and I are very blessed to have Cupcake, bun in the oven and each other along with many family and friends. This may be our best Christmas yet!!! Have to run and get ready for our visitors!

Christmas Eve - 2011

Christmas Eve is here again and you all know how I feel about the Eve of our Lord's birth, the anticipation of Santa and the Smiths annual 7 fish dinner!!! 7 fish, holy hell I LOVE this night! Well, I normally love this night however I'm pregnant and am restricted from some of the 7. No need to fret, I will eat my weight in the fish I can eat (don't laugh and no that's not that much fish, just the size of a whale). Cupcake, Hubs and I ventured over to Nonna and Pop's humble abode for the feast of 7 fish. I think I covered the fish in the past but in case you aren't sure I believe we consume large amounts of shrimp, calamari, smelts (don't ask but they are fabulous), baccala, cod, linguini with clam sauce, mussels and possibly a few other fish thrown in a sauce for good luck! If you can't find what you like or you don't eat fish then there are plenty of other fish free items to eat.

Moving on.......Cupcake had so much fun this year with her cousins and really "gets it" that Santa is coming (she only saw 35 of them). She also understands that she receives gifts from everyone too! This Christmas seems to be full of Rapunzel (Tangled) and dolls! I wonder what Santa will bring!

I am definitely nearing the end of my pregnancy because 1) I'm hormonal and everything makes me weepy (I'm not the weepy kind) 2) I'm larger than life 3) I'm weepy. I can't believe I have about 5 weeks left to go and we will meet our baby boy, Cupcake will meet her little brother and we will welcome the newest member to the Smith family. This Christmas will be Cupcakes last Christmas as an only child and I'm happy that she will welcome a sibling however I'm sad because her world is going to change forever. Regardless, we are blessed, happy and looking forward to the new year!!!

Getting ready for Christmas

It looks like Santa stopped by Nonna & Pops house for some early Christmas cheer. Cupcake was so happy that Nonna made her macaroni and meatballs since it gave her enough energy to open some gifts. She was so happy with all her presents and looking forward to playing at home! Cupcake is very fortunate to have 2 sets of grandparents who love her very much! We are so happy that she "gets it" this year, so much fun to be had. Days left everyone and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! I can't wait!

Swimming Lessons

A bit out of the ordinary for December but we enrolled Cupcake in swimming lessons. She really enjoys swimming and we felt she wasn't ready for soccer or dancing yet but wanted her to participate in an activity. She loves jumping into the pool every Saturday morning after our run to Dunkin Donuts. I know this doesn't really go with our December Christmas activities but we just wanted to share Cupcake's passion!

December Events

Well, we all know that there is 1 Santa Claus in the world and he has many helpers sent out to all the local malls, fire halls, parties, etc. making sure that every child sends their Christmas wish list to Santa himself! I wanted to make sure that Cupcake not only had "the summer of Cupcake" but she also had "the Christmas of Cupcake" before her little brother arrives. We hit every mall, party, eatery, home and local shelter (kidding) saying "hello" to Santa's helpers. Cupcake jumped from lap to lap and looking back I probably should cut it back to maybe 1 or 2 next year. I'm very pregnant (about 32 weeks) and have seen every Santa in a 50 mile radius. I hope Cupcake reads this blog on day and realizes that I'm an idiot who loves her and tries hard to give her everything and every Santa!

We spent December going to a Breakfast with Santa with Nonna, Pop, Uncle S, Aunt K, cousins A & J. We had so much fun visiting, eating and Cupcake kept sneaking back to see Santa. Well, she kept sneaking back to get more lollipops.

Up next was our MOMS Club holiday party! I didn't get many photos since I was helping to organize the event and at this point I"m over pictures. Santa came by and Cupcake jumped right up and giggled!

Last but not least was our party at school. Actually, we were invited to attend Jesus' birthday party. Cupcake was so happy to show me around her school, sing some songs and play with her friends. This would be the last day of school until the new year. I was crying inside because I had so many things to do before Christmas and not enough of time and about 34 weeks pregnant. I had a fantastic time at Jesus' birthday party and can't wait to celebrate on the 25th!

Elf Academy

Cupcake heard through the grapevine that Santa's elves would be offering classes at one of the local malls. Who am I to deny anyone Christmas cheer? We headed to the Elf Academy wondering what would be in store. Low and behold we learned how to make decorations, write out cards to our troops, color pictures for people in the hospital and last but not least visit with the big man, the one and only........Santa Claus!! I was very nervous to find out what would happen during this visit since last year's visit did not go as smoothly as expected. We were pleasantly greeted by a woman with one tooth, smelling of cigarettes and a mildly sized chip on her shoulder. I'm not judging but where the hell is Mrs. Claus or the kid in the Christmas sweater vest??? Moving on! Cupcake stood in line, asked a few questions and before we knew what happened she was sitting on Santa's lap talking about baby dolls, princesses and caliou. Cupcake was so happy and had a smile from ear to ear! That my friends is what I call a success!

Can't wait for the rest of the Christmas activities.

Christmas is in the air! December 2011

We survived the Halloween and Thanksgiving season however I am me and I'm a pain in the arse so I wonder how many Christmas activities I can pack in for Cupcake. We returned from my brother's house and thought wow, we have nothing to do. So, I checked the calendar and low and behold we have soooooo many Santa/Christmas activities on the agenda! I just hope Cupcake is excited too! Thank goodness for Tink, she helped Cupcake get over her Santa phobia.

Up first is a trip to the local botanical garden to see what Christmas cheer they can throw around. We have lived here 7 years and have yet to go to this local gardening wonder joy because 1) we didn't have kids 2) didn't want to brave the families/crowds. Well, we were pleasantly surprised that warm December night when we traveled to the gardens, walked around, didn't wait in lines and gawked at the beautiful wonders of Christmas! Cupcake was so happy to see all the lights, trees and Christmas surprises. There was an entire room made out of candy. WTF? I don't like candy so I was mildly impressed but Cupcake and Hubs were salivating all over the floor. If that room was made out of hummus and Doritos I would lay down and die. Regardless, I was happy to be out as a family (hubby laughs because I act like I'm on crack during family events) and possibly dinner too. I dragged out the night as long as I possibly could because Cupcake was happy and Hubby was happy. I could cry with all the happiness occurring. How many more days until Christmas? I hope this Christmas cheer would never end!

Countdown to Christmas folks..........