Christmas party

Saturday was the third time since Daniel was born that Stephen and I went out without the baby. We went to a Christmas party thrown by the newly rediscovered friends that Stephen knew back in Auburn. There were about 50 people there. Stephen saw a lot of his close friends from years ago, he really enjoyed catching up and I think that we have a new group of friends now. Everybody was very nice, friendly, and interesting.

At the party we also played Secret Santa. I went and bought two $20 gifts so both Stephen and I could participate. The game was complete with Santa (all of us had to sit on his lap to open presents) and Elf - the man of the house himself, wearing tights and Christmas sweater and hat. It was too funny:

Here is Stephen with Santa and his "little helper"

And guess what Stephen won (plus a 70's compilation CD):

I tried and tried to get somebody to steal Stephen's present, but for some reason nobody would :(

I, of course, had to choose the BIGGEST gift there :)

It was a toy surfer with a remote control, it was awesome. And guess what? Somebody stole it! All in good fun and within the rules of the game, but I was still mad!!! I had to pick another, and got a set of Christmas candles: two snowmen, a Christmas tree, and a pine cone.

Santa is coming to town

Yesterday we took Daniel to see Santa. Daniel was not scared or nervous about Santa, just very interested. He really liked Santa's beard, especially pulling on it. The lady that was taking the pictures had really hard time making Daniel look at the camera. And he would NOT smile. He is always smiling, I think this is one of the first pictures we have with Daniel not smiling. Anyways, without further ado...

9 Months Birthday

Today Daniel turned 9 Months old. I cannot believe he has been with us that long. We did not really celebrate today or buy any presents for Daniel. Especially since we are going to Louisiana in less then two weeks and it sounds like our car will be PACKED on the way back.

Instead, my mother, Daniel, and I went out shopping. We spent most of the day out and about. I wanted to get something nice for Daniel to wear to go meet Santa (hopefully tomorrow) and an outfit for myself for a Christmas party tomorrow. I have not been shopping for myself in over 6 months and Stephen and I have not been out by ourselves since June, so a new dress was in order. Let me just say that 80's are back in town, and I will post some pictures on Sunday (if I like any of them).

Here is a picture from one of the stores at the mall from today. I am collecting more and more bargaining chips for the future:

Mexican Jumping Bean

Let me just say that Daniel was NOT jumping like a Mexican Jumping Bean yesterday, or the day before, or the month before that. He acts like a completely different child after the surgery.

Daniel is well

Daniel is doing great after his surgery this morning to insert ear tubes. I am very impressed with the Children's Hospital here in Atlanta. They were very professional, thorough, and quick with everything. We arrived at the hospital at 6:30 this morning and were discharged a little after 8am. Daniel slept all the way home and took 2 hour nap once we got home (Stephen and I did too). When Daniel woke up around 11am he was ready to go. He behaves like a different child. He is so much more active and rambunctious. Even though he really did not seem to be in pain before his surgery, we can clearly see that he was and he was being careful not to hurt himself more. I am so happy we finally got this surgery. I know that it is too early to tell, but it seems to be working great for him. Also, after 48 hours we can resume all of his activities. I cannot wait to go back to the swimming pool and Gymboree with him. It will be so much fun to see him with kids again. He needs interaction with children, he loves to play and watch the other little ones. And I love watching him socialize.

We are talking LOOOOOOW

It seems like almost every day Daniel discovers something new. Yesterday he started talking in a much lower voice than usual. He had a very long conversation with Stephen while waving a remote. I thought it was really funny. He loves all remotes, phones, and laptops. Apparently, they make MUCH better toys than real ones ;-)

Daniel got his 3rd tooth

...and he can use it. Sasha has the teeth marks to prove it! Sunday morning we woke up to discover that Daniel's top, front, left tooth came in, which explains the recent increase in crankiness and drool. Since they usually come in pairs, we think the right one will be in soon.

Sasha is taking Daniel to an ENT this morning and we will learn whether or not ear tubes will be necessary to prevent any more ear infections. I hope that they are not necessary, but we'll do whatever it takes to make sure that Daniel's hearing is not affected. Apparently, it is more or less a routine procedure, but I always worry about general anesthesia.

I never posted after Thanksgiving, so I want to write a bit about the things that I am thankful for. First of all, I am thankful for my wonderful wife Sasha. You are the most amazing person I have ever met. Your mothering instincts are unsurpassed. You are graceful under stress, and always swift to rush in to rescue me when I am struggling with a dirty diaper. You are elegant and charming. You are brilliant and always patient in explaining abstract ideas to others. You have a clear sense of direction. I always turn to you when I am lost. I love you more than life itself. I am thankful to Daniel. I never knew how much happiness a little baby could bring into my life. He gives me purpose. I love that little guy. I am thankful for my friends and family. Every one of them has helped my become who I am today.

And, oh yes,... I am good with the icing.