Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat...

I really like that song. Especially when Miss Piggy comes in on the round. I get it stuck in my head all the time. That one and "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas." I loathe "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time" by Paul McCartney, which my loving sister insists on playing for me in some form or fashion EVERY.SINGLE.YEAR. Like calling me and not speaking but letting the worst song in song history play for three God awful minutes while I'm shouting to her un-hearing ears, "Make it stop, make it stop!"

We have had such a busy December, much like most of Americans with children, I'm sure. When asked, Sylvie says she wants a "green one" from Santa. No clue what it is that's supposed to be green, so good luck, Santa. Sometimes I get a green present or green toy, but mostly just a green one. She also would like to buy Daddy a green one like her and get Nanie a yellow necklace. Not a gold one, mind you, but a yellow one. Sorry, Nanie. You may be getting a yellow yarn necklace this year. No returns.

Sylvie has added so much joy to our life, and it's so apparent during the holidays. There's nothing like watching your child get excited about Jesus and Santa at the same time. It's energizing and renewing, save the monster cold I'm currently fighting. This week is pretty quiet as we gear up for our weekend festivities. Meal planning, anyone?

We did get to go see our local production of the Messiah that the Andalusia Ballet produced with a local orchestra and choir. It was a really nice production and we are so blessed to have such a professional dance opportunity here in our small town. Maybe Sylvie will dance there one day? I would give my right arm to be able to dance again like that (well, maybe not my arm since ballet is prettier with two good ones).

We also got to surprise Parrish's mom in Mobile for her, dare I say it, 60th birthday. We met her for lunch at a great restaurant (Felix's...try it) and I think she got the best present in having all of her kids together at one time! A rarity since we're all scattered across the southeast. Sylvie had a ball and behaved so well for a two-year-old on a day-long excursion. This trip led me to believe that the trip described below would be cake. Wrong-o.

Sylvie had several Christmas parties last week, including a visit from Santa at Little Friends. I'm told she sat on his lap to get her present, but I think I need photo evidence to believe it. She also saw him at the library and told the little girl who was tending her that day (an 8-year-old) that she wasn't scared. Since I haven't witnessed either Santa-sighting, I'm still a bit skeptical.

Sylvie's program at Mother's Day Out. This was hilarious to me...those women have these kids trained so well. Sylvie didn't move a muscle out of that chair. They must be Baptists.

Treats I made for MDO. So easy and cute. I win.

Cute outfit, # who cares. But she does have several
and has worn them all month.

We attended the party for our local children's home at our church. The face painting totally freaked her out. I think it feels weird, too. Cold and and sort of soft.

After the waterworks, now the proud owner of a "candy can" tat.

I took Sylvie to Destin this week for a girl's day of shopping. This would've been an awesome idea if not for the 30 minute traffic stall in Baker for road work, the vomiting in the car, the having no cash for the toll and the constant whining from the peanut gallery, both going and coming. I guess paying extra for the DVD headrests was money NOT well spent (on that subject, happy birthday to me...my new car came in last month...woo hoo for Ford Explorers with air-conditioned seats. My summertime booty thanks you). Anyway, we did get all of our shopping done and the munchkin tee teed on the potty at Target, so all in all, I consider it a success. It also made me appreciate Parrish so much...I don't know how single moms do what they do. I was exhausted.

An interesting lunch at the beach shared with begging birds and a two-year-old saying,
"Here bird, here bird" non-stop during the meal.

We also took a road trip to the big city of Enterprise for a little Mellow Mushroom and Christmas lights viewing. I don't know what it was about that night, but I had so much fun! Who knows if Sylvie did. I think I was so grateful to be with Parrish after our Destin-capade. It was so fun showing Sylvie the neighborhood there that goes all out with decorations, maybe minus the big "roll tide" with the Auburn/AL score on the rooftop. Weird Alabama fans...since when does that have anything to do with Christmas?

Sylvie and the Mellow Mushroom snowman with "glubs" and a "cat" (carrot) nose.

God Bless,

Katie