Dancing his way to Christmas

Well it's been a bit since I've updated. This semester has been quite rough in terms of work load and all my best intentions have remain that - good intentions. I'm closely watching the countdown to Christmas and can't believe we're 16 days away. I do have to admit, though, that this year I feel less of a scrooge than last year. I was so overwhelmed last year with Christmas with a baby and learning everything that I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I could've. This year, I'm doing things differently. I'm relishing every second of villancicos, sharing my youthful memories with L. Jorge and I are playing all the Christmas music we listened to as children, in addition to contemporary versions, and L is having a blast with them. He has begun dancing to the Christmas melodies played by the singing mice that stand by the TV downstairs, or by the singing snowmen that belt out "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." L has learned how to turn them on, so when he feels like it, he'll run up to them, turn them on, and proceed to either step side-to-side in his newfound dance steps or twist slightly sideways and clap his hands. He'll turn and look at us as he does this and then shriek with joy. If he really wants to dance, he'll run up to me, or daddy or abuelita and throw his arms up; this is his way of saying, dance with me! So we'll pick him up and twirl and swirl to the Christmas beat. He truly loves dancing.

I also learned to make buñuelos, my mom's style. I made some for Thanksgiving and I think they came out pretty good. They're still not quite the same as my mom makes them, but they're getting there. Practice, I say. I really want L growing up with buñuelos for Christmastime, like I did. Oh, and Thanksgiving was wonderful. My family reunited at my aunt's home early, so we spent the first part of the day there. It was great seeing my grandpa and all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. It's been a while since I've been able to get together with them like that. And L, although somewhat sleepy and grumpy, had a good time, too. Then, we went home to recharge batteries a bit and then headed to Nana's home, where we got together with daddy's family. L and his big cousin C got to eat in their highchairs together some yummy turkey, moros, and yucca, and then Nana brought out this super cute little table with chairs just their size, and they had lots of fun coloring and playing there. All in all, it was a wonderful day and I was so thankful to be able to spend it with our families. It was truly a blessed day.

Hmm, let's see. L is getting a molar in - his first. It's the top, right side one. I can feel the swollen tissue on the other 3 sides, but so far only that one has poked its sharp little side out. He's a pro at going up the stairs and at taking steps up or down. He's very cautious, for which I'm thankful. He's doing quite well at daycare, although he still has a bit of a hard time when mommy leaves in the morning. He loves his Buffy and Baxter, although he's not too happy when they knock him over in their eagerness at attention. But he'll go up to them and hug them. Oh! and he loves giving hugs. He'll go up to you with his arms wide open and hug you, patting you with his little hands. It's SO CUTE! He loves being outdoors, and loves seeing the planes go over our house. He also loves all the Christmas decorations and lights. This morning, we said good morning to all our decorations, including the nativity set. It was, good morning baby Jesus; good morning Mary; good morning Santa; good morning snowmen; good morning Christmas tree. He thoroughly enjoyed that. And daddy's been reading him El Reno (aka The Reindeer) every night, which he's also enjoying.

And did I tell you that he loves water and bathtime? Now, when it's bathtime, he runs to the bathtub and tries to get in, lifting his little leg and trying to push himself up. And then during bathtime he grabs the water bucket, fills it up with water, and empties it out. Then he shrieks with laughter. That reminds me, this past weekend, we went to the zoo with Tio, Tia, and cousins C and DJ. We had so much fun! Later, we stopped at our home for burgers and fun, and C and L had a shrieking contest. It was hilarious! They had tons of fun - definitely have to do that again!

I think that's it. Phew! Came out longer than I thought it would! 8 more days of work (and then Christmas break). Daddy and I will both be off, so it will be very nice. We'll hopefully get lots accomplished. And then, maybe, I'll be starting a new job in January! We'll see! :)