Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

What a wonderful couple of days! It's been full of family and laughter...not to mention late nights for Estelle, but she's eaten it up. Santa's big delivery was a baby doll and stroller, but Estelle was far more taken with one of her stocking stuffers -- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse underpants. (Speaking of being a big girl, the last week has brought a couple of big changes. The crib has been replaced by a "big girl" toddler bed, which she totally digs and sleeps all night in! And today we started with underwear.)





We were at my Uncle Mike's house on Christmas Day, and he has a drum set. The kids love it, but Estelle was especially digging it. Here she is with my Uncle Dwaine, who was assisting on the base drum. Check out the video --she seriously rocked out and also listened intently to others who played. Bryan and I try not to read too much into a 2-year-old's behavior (since one day's obsession is often forgotten the next), but it's hard not to see the contrast between the the lack of interest in the baby doll, and the attentiveness showed toward the drums. We may have a rocker chic on our hands.

Stage Fright

Last weekend, the daycare held its annual holiday program. Estelle had a minor meltdown when the curtain opened. This recording of it is a gem -- sure to reappear at her high school graduation and other life events. (I apologize in advance for the quality of the video -- after she started to cry, I forgot I was recording for a moment.) She was a trooper though and kept the formation...I was just thankful she didn't launch herself off the stage. I had to fight back a distressing urge to run up and rescue her. If that instinct only deepens over time, I'm in trouble.

O Christmas Tree

We decorated the tree tonight and Estelle was in awe. She loved hanging ornaments, though she hung them all on the string of lights rather than the tree branches. She especially loved the snowman ornament in the photo, calling it "Frosty." Once it was on the tree, she kept giving it kisses. I'm loving Christmas this year!