Christmas Day

I'd forgotten how much fun Christmas can be with little kids -- everything is so new and exciting and magical for them. Molly is still pretty oblivious, but Max is just getting to the age where he can really participate and enjoy himself. Christmas morning started bright and early when Molly got up at 6:30 a.m. (which is actually not bad, for her) -- her cold has made it difficult for her to sleep and I was really happy that she didn't get up at 5! Molly, Dad, and I tiptoed downstairs (since Max was still sleeping) and let Molly check out the living room. There was a teddy bear sitting under the tree for Molly, and she ran right over to it, squatted down to look it in the eye, and started squealing, "Bear! Bear!"

While we made some (much needed) coffee, Molly spent the next few minutes lugging the teddy bear around and giving it hugs and kisses. After a few minutes, we realized that Molly was being awfully quiet, which always means that she's found her way into some sort of mischief. We looked across the family room and found Molly sitting on the hearth, with a gingerbread cookie in each hand, pleased as punch. We then realized that we had forgotten about the plate of half-eaten cookies that we left by the fireplace for Santa. So, Molly ended up eating cookies and milk for her first breakfast!

Max got up soon after and we let them "open" two more presents (since they weren't wrapped anyway) while we waited for Grandma and Grandpa and Big Brother and Big Sister to arrive. Santa brought Molly a Fischer Price popcorn popper and Max a play tunnel -- they had a riot playing while Mama finished up the cinnamon rolls and popped them into the oven. Once everyone arrived, there was much opening of presents, followed by a big breakfast. The big kids got a Playstation 3 for their main present. Max loved the electronic keyboard that Santa brought him and was thrilled with the "bicycable" from Grandma and Grandpa. Max also got his very own remote control dump truck, a little tool kit, some books, and some art supplies. He really enjoyed opening his presents and would exclaim, "Wow!" and get all excited when the wrapping paper came off. By the end of the day, he was evening asking for "more presents!"

The first present that Molly opened was the "That's Not My Puppy" Usborne book that Santa brought. Once she saw the new book, she didn't want to open any more presents -- she just carried it around and begged everyone to read it to her. She got a dolly from Grandma and Grandpa, which both Max and Molly like. It has eyes that open and close, and Max was astounded (and a little freaked out) when he picked up the "seeping" doll and "the baby wake up!" (as he put it). Molly also got a Fisher Price Chatter Telephone (the original version), some tub toys, a little toy car, and some Babylegs!

After breakfast, we cleaned up a bit, opened up and put together some toys, finished off the Christmas desserts, and tried (unsuccessfully) to get Max and Molly to nap. Then we went over to Grandma and Grandpa's for Christmas dinner and visited with aunts and uncles and cousins (oh my!). Molly was a little shy around all the people -- when she gets bashful, she gets really quiet, balls up her hands, and holds them up against her chest. Then, if possible, she usually beelines for Mama. Max, on the other hand, is Mr. Social. He's everybody's best friend and loves talking to people and being the center of attention. After a wonderful dinner, another round of presents, and too much dessert, we had some very tired kiddos and a couple of exhausted parents. Max and Molly went straight to bed, the big kids followed soon after, and Mama and Dad passed out on the couch before dragging themselves off to bed.

Although part of me is a little relieved that it's over, we had a very lovely Christmas. There always seem to be more things that I want to do than there is time to do them! I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of my vacation and spending some time at home with my family (and just maybe playing a little Guitar Hero III on the new Playstation ... ;).