'Twas Emmett's First Christmas...

...and all through the house, four other creatures were stirring and thank god none of them were a mouse. Emmett was nestled all snug in his crib, while visions of milk danced in his head...

I am happy to report that Emmett's first Christmas was a wonderful experience!  Initially, we had thought we might head to California for the holiday, but after a lot of discussion amongst Todd and I, we made an important decision for our family- we will no longer be traveling for the holidays and are committed to spending Christmas in our home going forward.  Both Todd and I have great memories of waking up in our houses when we were kids, and want that for our children.  The thought of our child waking up in hotel for Christmas simply isn't what we envisioned for our baby.  Nor, is navigating airports and crowds and having stressed out parents.  It is time for us, as parents, to begin our own traditions for our family. This year we took elements of both of our families traditions, and meshed them together to create our own holiday.  From the Castellano side- Christmas Eve Crab Cioppino and opening presents on Christmas morning.  From the DeCook side- Christmas Mass and a traditional Christmas dinner.  So we had a cozy Christmas in Portland, and enjoyed creating new holiday traditions and planting the magical seeds of Christmas in our 5 month olds mind.  

When we first made the decision to not travel anymore, we expected that there would be times that it was just our little family celebrating.  While we both would like to be able share the holidays with our extended families, we know that with everyone being scattered throughout the country there are going to be years when it is just us.  Thinking too much about this can make you feel very isolated from your loved ones.  Luckily we were reminded this year how lucky we are to be surrounded by people who we care about and were able to spend the holiday with Grandma Joan and the Williams Family.

The greatest part of this year's holidays was the opportunity to begin to share Christmas with Emmett.  Sure he is only 5 months and doesn't "get" it yet, but he definitely knew that we were excited and happy about something and that he got to spend lots of time with his buddies, Melina and Francesca.  He really enjoyed the sparkling lights on both of the big trees we have in our house.  His first experience with church was eventful for him- there were LOTS of lights and LOTS of singing, and as it turns out, the organ is a good way to induce nap time. All of the presents were a little bit overwhelming for him, but what really got him excited was all the wrapping paper to play with!  Did you know it makes noise when you crinkle it and tastes really good?! In my head, I am already beginning to plan next year's festivities.  I can't wait to see what he does! :)

Merry Christmas Mommy & Daddy!  Why are we up so early?

Ok, I am ready for church.  It's still really early, though...

I told you it was early.  I think we should get an organ for the house...

Yes, all of those presents are for one 5 month old.

These are all for him, too...

The stocking was a hit.

So were the blocks.

And the book that Grandma recorded a reading of.  Where is she??

Quite a haul for one little guy! Thank you DeCooks & Harpers!!

Little Christmas babies!  

Emmett, Emmett, Bo-Bemmett, Banana Fana Fo-Femmett...

Sorry it has been a while!  I have been busy with the little guy and, well...just life!  My life feels so full that I am amazingly grateful (and exhausted) at then end of everyday.  Enough excuses, lets move forward.

I am starting to speak in rhyme and think in song.  I have become that women who talks, sings and makes funny faces at her infant in public and doesn't care about other people's reactions. Honestly, as long as my little guy is happy who cares if the general public thinks I am nuts?  And for the first time in my life, I have a captive audience that LOVES when I sing and doesn't care that I am tone deaf.  In fact, nothing makes Emmett smile more than when I break into random song.

Every morning we sing the standard nursery rhymes- Where is Thumpkin? and Itsy-Bitsy Spider, we sing our ABC's, we rhyme about his body parts, and go through all the little piggies...then we digress.  I first start with made up songs about changing diapers or bath time and inevitably I end up singing him baby-appropriate variations of greatest hits from the last 3 decades.  He doesn't know that Guns N' Roses and Snoop Dogg are not considered standard music for an infant or that as a boy he's not supposed to openly like Taylor Swift, and I am not going to be the one to tell him!  But seriously, do other mothers do this?   We have had a contractor in the house for the last 3 weeks remodeling our basement, and I am fairly certain that he and his workers refer to me as the crazy, singing women upstairs.  (Side note:  remodeling + infants = BAD idea.  That's all I am going to say because it was my idea!)

Emmett is 21 weeks or nearly 5 months.  He is a happy, healthy, funny little guy.  It is AMAZING how much his personality has developed in the last month.  He is a little ham, quite a little chatter box and a little flirt. (I wonder where he gets those last two from?)  This kid will seriously smile at anyone who glances his direction.  My Mom used to tell me that the biggest problem with me as a toddler was that I would walk up to strangers and introduce myself- I have a feeling I will have this problem with Emmett in the coming years!

We had Grandma and Grandpa DeCook out for Thanksgiving.  It was a great visit!  We got to spend Thanksgiving with family for the first time in years, Grandma and Grandpa got to love on their grandson and Todd and I go our first day away from Emmett since he was born to go wine tasting with our friends.  Right before their visit, Emmett had his 4 month appointment.  Dr. Meyer said he is doing great and is right on track for his age.  He measured around the 60th percentile for height and weight, so Mom is doing her job!  She also said because he is so aware that we could start him on solid foods a little early so in the last few weeks, we have introduced:

• Rice Cereal (It eventually grew on him.)

• Sweet Potato (YUMMY!)

• Peas (NOT a fan...AT ALL)

• Pears (Another big hit!)