Christmas 2011 almost didn't happen. Almost. But don't worry, nothing was stopping this sled- not a burst bathroom pipe causing water to rain down through the recessed lighting in the kitchen literally the moment we were walking out the door- suitcases in hand; not a blown fuse in the car minutes outside of Buffalo rendering us headlight-less. Nope. Santa was making it to Fulton, NY come hell or high water (and really, there was a chance of high water).
The Christmas Queen got not one, not two, not three, but four Christmases. First- with us at home before leaving for Fulton.
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| Mathilda's gift to us from daycare- she "painted" the frame. |
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| hooray! "new" piano! |
A word about her gifts- besides a few books and some wooden blocks, Tilly's presents from her parents were all hand-me-down toys, and clothes from everyone's favorite super discount retailer,
Gabriels (including the outfit in the above photos) that have been waiting in our basement for their moment in the spotlight. Hooray frugal holiday!
Then the out of town Christmas....
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| First stop: Buffalo! We finally got to meet our dear friends' Dominique & Andrew's 4 month old gorgeous daughter, Camilla. That little girl is all smiles! Tilly loved her. We had to work on the concept of "gentle". Here they are holding hands as Mathilda attempts to pet Milla's face. |
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| Due to previously mentioned disasters, we were late arriving in Fulton. The next morning, Christmas Eve, Tilly got her first Christmas gift- maracas from Tati Steph. She was a one-woman jam band all weekend. Also note the outfit- jeggings with cowl neck red sweater, total cost about $4 from Gabriel's. So cute! |
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| Finally! Christmas morning!!! Excited for Santa... |
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| waiting, waiting, waiting..... |
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| Presents for pretty girls! |
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| seriously unwrapping |
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| In her Christmas dress, ready for dinner (also from Gabriel's coming in at a pricey $14) |
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| I think this is the first picture we have where we are both smiling and looking at the camera. Love. |
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| Tilly with her awesome uncles! |
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| Outnumbered! The LaFond ladies. (Yes, Mathilda is making a weird face here, but it was the only shot out of about 5 attempts where we were all at least facing the same direction). |
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| Tilly shares her favorite plastic puffer fish with Anna. So nice! |
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| with Grandpa & Grandma LaFond |
Then back to the 'Burgh for Christmas with Grandmom and Uncle Patrick. She was totally spoiled- some of the hits included lots of new animals for her awesome
IKEA farm, and handmade fur booties from Russia.
And the final Christmas installment with Grandpa Bill & Grandma Sherry.
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| getting the hang of unwrapping |
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| Love this mischievous smile! |
Our house looks like a Christmas explosion went off. A lot of the toys will be put away and pulled out in the next few months to give her "new" things to play with. Our first Christmas with a baby and all of he gifts that that brings made us really think about what we want "presents" and Christmas to mean in the future. I've been particularly emotional this season with the thought of all of the poor, hungry, kids out there who will not have as joyous a holiday celebration as we did. We participated in
sponsoring a family through the Salvation Army. It was such a rewarding experience and one we plan to repeat every year. With friends in our food co-op we purchased fantastic gifts and lots of food for a local family of 4. While the Salvation Army holds many
positions that we vehemently do not agree with, they do amazing things for local families, especially around the holidays. We know people personally, some in our own families, who would have gone cold or hungry were it not for the Salvation Army. I don't know how I plan to teach Mathilda about Christmas, Jesus, the Virgin Mary and all of that because I don't personally have a firm set of beliefs. But I do know that I really want her to understand how fortunate she is to have a warm house and fun toys and good food, and to have compassion for those with less.
That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!
Oh Amanda, we could have a long conversation about this! I have had 6 years to think about this :) Christmas celebration for our family is at my house and I really wanted it to be about being together so the first thing I did was I "banned" individual presents for the adults and encouraged (homemade) presents for families. For the kids, I encouraged simple, nonplastic, presents. I love books and wooden toys. Used or new. I figure we give our kids "presents" year round with the toys and other "stuff" they get, the present should not be the central theme. Yes, there is Santa and they get something they "wish" for (even then, we keep it at non-commercial, long lasting presents) but otherwise, its about the season, being together and the little rituals like baking, decorating and gingerbread house making :)
ReplyDeleteLeah- absolutely! Thanks for the comment! This year we decided to start a "secret santa" with a set dollar amount (low) with Reggie's adult siblings so that gift giving can really have more meaning and people can be creative instead of just being- "oh gosh I have to buy for 10 people!". We also each took one part of the holiday meals so that everyone would be together all day Christmas eve and day, and so the cooking wouldn't fall to one person (mom). It was fantastic to have big breakfasts and dinners with individual dishes prepared by different people. We all live so far apart so it was great to be able to share recipes, not to mention the time. One of the best parts about being a part of a community is the sharing. We get fantastic hand-me-down clothes and toys which then become gifts for Mathilda. I'm not anti-plastic (her piano is rockin and she LOVES her plastic/rubber blocks and bath toys), but when we buy her things we do lean towards wooden (like the Melissa & Doug stuff), and books- which she already really enjoys. I also feel strongly that I can have a tree and Santa and have the focus be on the togetherness, and giving, and gratitude, and not necessarily on "baby Jesus" without being a hypocrite.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! I agree that the spirit of the season should be on gratitude, togetherness and giving especially to those that are less fortunate. Last year, my manager, had his kids buys gifts and write a letter to a family in Haiti. I was so impressed not only that they were doing this but how excited the kids were to be giving. I have no doubt that Tilly will be just like those kids.
ReplyDeleteIn other news- She's still the cutest baby in the world. That pic of her holding one hand while trying to "gently" pet the other baby...seriously, does it get any cuter than that?! :)
Thanks, Steph! What a cool idea! I love that your manager specifically was supporting Haiti- how fantastic!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, she is still totally rockin out with the maracas you got for her! Thank you!!