Baby's First Visit with Santa Claus

Last year I had some lofty goals of all the things I wanted to accomplish for the Christmas Holiday.  We had a full house, with family visiting from across the country; the first time for us to host such a gathering, so I wanted everything to be perfect and amazing.  I made homemade candies, baked cookies, prepared stockings, baked cakes, and even made Beef Wellington from scratch (okay, I didn't make the puff pastry, but still...).  The one thing I really wanted to do, though, was take my daughter to visit Santa for the first time.  Unfortunately, with all the hoopla I had instigated I ran out of time, so this year I made it a priority.

I started prepping my daughter for the occasion by reading A Night Before Christmas to her every night, and watching Christmas specials during the day.  I wanted to get her familiar with the character, Santa Claus, so she would have some fond feelings toward the poor old guy before I got her too close to his lap for the first time.  I thought I was on a roll when my daughter started pointing out Santa whenever she saw his likeness whether in a book, on a tree, or in someone's front yard.  So, as the day for her picture with Santa approached I was feeling pretty confident.  You know, visualize it and it will be...yeah, right.  Some battles were just not meant to be won.

After getting really excited, because my daughter was pointing Santa out in the mall from afar, and happily pointing and shouting, "Santa!"  I realized at once, there is a huge difference between seeing pictures of a friendly old guy in a bright red suit, pointing at him from afar, enjoying stories told of his daring adventures, and actually having your mom effectively abandon you by dumping you off in the old guy's lap.  Several failed attempts at cheering the screaming baby later, I realized this was not, in fact, a failure but an opportunity to make a memory.  I now have a picture of my beautiful baby girl screaming herself silly in Santa's lap while good old Saint Nick smiles beatifically into the camera.  Priceless...

Technology Dude

Contributed by Cameron Hodge
I don’t know much about technology but when I moved here my family helped me out. My brother had me look into wireless internet providers Loveland because he said it’d be easier and more mobile and my mom got me a dish for the backyard so I could get all the channels I wanted. I just didn’t know there was so much to think about when it came to moving into a new house and getting all hooked up with the 20th century – there’s something to be said for being blissfully ignorant! I love that my family’s so sweet and that no matter what I’m doing with my life I know they’ll be there to support me. Having special needs has been tough but I’m living a normal, functional life and I can thank my family for most of that – I couldn’t have done any of it without them and that’s why I’m where I am today. I love my family and I appreciate every sacrifice they’ve made for me in my short life!

Cranky, Cranky

So, we made the move from the crib to a new 'big-girl' bed last Thursday night.  Since then my nights have been a long series of interrupted sleep interspersed with worried sleeplessness.  So, cranky, cranky?  I don't know if that applies more to me or my daughter!

I have read that toddlers need about 12-14 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period, and I know I am one of those people who must have at least 8 hours of sleep to feel human.  So, neither one of us is operating at our best.  For baby girl this manifests as emotional outbursts that I imagine must be what tantrums and the 'terrible twos' look like if you have given birth to the spawn of Hyena crossed with a Banshee.  For me, the sleeplessness has manifested itself in a much shorter fuse than normal, and I have found myself exiting the room and throwing things after particularly trying interactions with a baby girl who has found new ways to break the sound barrier with her screeching.

I am anxiously awaiting the moment when my daughter realizes her own new twin bed is just as cool as her sister's bed, and is just as safe as mommy and daddy's bed.  Until that moment, however, please send some prayers for patience my way, and some good sleep vibes to the baby girl!

Looking Forward to Spring Break

Yeah, so I know it's a little early to be looking forward to Spring Break, but I can't help it.  My stepdaughter is attending college in Florida and we have decided to go pay her a visit! 

I have always wanted to go to Florida, but a plane ticket to Florida from Nevada is almost as much as one to Europe!  THis small factoid has prevented me from thinking too seriously about such a vacation, but now is the time!  So, to offset the expense of traveling half way around the globe to Orlando (ok, slight exaggeration) I have been looking for less expensive ways to entertain two teenagers, two adults, and a toddler.  Crazy, I know! 

Today, though, I stumbled across a great place that has FREE admission and parking!  It's the Tampa Electric (TECO; http://www.tampaelectric.com/manatee/) Manatee viewing center.  They have a beautiful elevated walkway through the mangrove and tidal forest out to the bay where herds of manatee flock during colder months to take advantage of the warmer waters spilling out of the electric company's facility (clean waters, BTW) into the  gulf coast waters.  The manatees are there from mid-November until mid-April, so if you happen to be in the area stop in...if not they have interactive webcams on their site (I just spent over an hour watching the manatee swim around on these cool cams).

Anyway, just thought I'd share one of the FREE family activities to be had within an hour's drive from Orlando and all the hubbub of Disney World.  Also near here is the Clearwater Aquarium where they house and rehabilitate the now famous Dolphin, Winter, from a Dolphin's Tale.  They also have sharks, turtles, and other critters too!  So another inexpensive option, and it's fully approved by my Marine Biology majoring Stepdaughter!