Todd’s Second Christmas (2015)

Christmas 2015

TODD’S SECOND CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 23 – 27, 2015

Note– I was going to include this stuff in my “Todd the Toddler’s 17th Month” post (soon to be completed), but that post started getting too long.  So here is a separate post just about Christmas 2015.  (I know, I know…it’s February now and Christmas is OVER!  Sorry!)

Over the river and through the woods – December 23, 2015

On December 23rd, we drove to Bend, OR for the Christmas holiday.  We got a later start than usual because we waited until after Todd woke up (at 7:15 AM) to get on the road.  I figured the days away from home would be pretty busy so I didn’t want to cheat him out of any sleep by waking him up.

Unfortunately it took much longer than usual to get there because we were stopped on the snowy highway just down from Mt Hood due to an accident closure.  Despite the long car ride, Todd did quite well because he had the opportunity to get out of his car seat and explore the car for a while.

It was dinner time by the time we rolled into Bend.  My sister picked us up some take-out from Spork (yum).

Stopped on the highway near Mt Hood – December 23, 2015

We stayed with my sister, brother-in-law, niece & nephew.  During the visit, we also spent time with my parents (“Grandma” & “Grandpa”), my aunt & uncle, and my brother-in-law’s parents (“Nana” & “Grampy”).

On Christmas eve, my mom & aunt babysat Todd while we did some x-country skiing with my sister’s family at Virginia Meissner Sno-park.  Todd napped for 2.5 hours in his Pack ‘n Play travel bed, which was awesome!

X-country skiing at Virginia Meissner Sno-park – December 24, 2015

That evening, we celebrated my dad’s birthday (12/24) like we always do, by having drinks and a lasagna dinner.  After dinner, dad opened his presents and we all watched “The Muppet Family Christmas.”  This year the celebration was at Nana & Grampy’s house.

Me, my sister & parents – December 24, 2015

Todd stayed out of trouble in the new surroundings, and he had fun being bounced on a yoga ball and dragged along the carpet by his cousins.  He even found a “gar” to play with.

Having fun with Todd’s cousins – December 24, 2015

Playing with a car on Christmas Eve 2015

Christmas morning was overwhelming for Todd, so he preferred playing a little further away from the action.  He liked hanging out on the stair landing, above the Christmas tree.

Christmas 2015

The stuffed frog “Relaximal” from my mom was an immediate hit.  He loves pillows and big stuffed animals.  On Christmas Todd gave me lots of kisses, and he kissed his cousin Ashley and his Grandma, too!

Pillow frog from Grandma – Christmas 2015

Later in the day, Todd was dressed in his snow gear to try out his new snow sled in the yard (also from his Grandma).  I watched from inside, but he seemed to do okay!

Eric & Todd – Christmas 2015

Todd napped for 2.5 hours after having such a stimulating morning.  Christmas dinner was at my parents’ house, with my aunt and uncle.  We always get a kick out of this singing doggy…

The day after Christmas included a short walk in the snow near my sister’s house.  In general, Todd hasn’t spent much time in baby carriers, but when he does get a ride in the Ergo carrier, he seems to enjoy it.

Elisa & Todd – December 26, 2015

In the evening of December 26th, we all gathered again for our “traditional” Christmas dinner, vegan of course!  We always have Field Roast’s Hazelnut Cranberry Roast En Croute.  That meal was at my sister’s house.

Cousins – December 26, 2015

We listened to festive music and Todd showed off his dance moves to Chuck Berry’s “Run, Rudolph, Run.”

Todd took an interest in Kaiser the cat during this trip.  One time Todd got a little too close for Kaiser’s comfort which resulted in Todd receiving a small scratch.  For the most part, though, Todd followed our instructions to be “soft and gentle.”

Eric, Todd & Kaiser cat – December 26, 2015

By the end of our trip, Todd got somewhat confident walking down the stairs unsupported.  Before that, he first learned how to safely descend them by crawling backward and by walking down with support from one railing or a helping hand.

On one set of just 2 steps (into the play room), Todd accidentally did a somersault down one step.  I caught him as he rolled out of it.  At first he looked surprised and little scared, but wouldn’t you know…he soon tried to repeat it on purpose!

On December 27th, we drove back home.  We made 2 food stops (Baja Fresh & Starbucks).  Todd pooped 3 times…haha!  Pooping while riding in the car is definitely out of the ordinary for him.

Headed back home –
December 27, 2015

When I opened the mail at home, I felt so happy to read this lovely card from one very special lady.  I hadn’t heard from her in a while, and it was like getting a big hug!  I love her.

Christmas card from Lillian