Xander Turns One!

So, it was Xander's first birthday today. We celebrated by going out to breakfast, playing at the park, napping (just him unfortunately) and playing with the neighbors. We also had some cake and candle blowing (three times, I think). Big Sister Venice helped out a lot (blew out the candle for him, helped him open great presents and played with his great presents).

My Major?

I should have majored in:

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Xander is almost one year!

Xander is growing so quickly these days. It is unbelievable what he is capable of accomplishing. I imagined a second kid would get the, "oh, seen that before" attitude from me more often than not. Having witnessed the amazing growth of Venice already, how could I be "wowed" again? Boy was I wrong! Xander has gained many talents in the last few weeks. He can blow on a train whistle, has learned how to go down the stairs backwards (sometimes with a little reminder/help), and wipes his own hands on his napkins. He loves to copy actions now. If I'm cleaning up and putting items into a bag or box, he comes to help. He doesn't always get it right, throwing away perfectly good cooking utensils, or putting food into the toy bin, but he's trying. He will also copy playful behavior. If you put a cup on his head, he'll take it from you and try to put it on his head too. He's definitely looking to make you laugh and loves to get a response. If you giggle, he'll giggle too.

He is also a super duper climber. We cannot keep him from climbing the kitchen chairs. I have come downstairs to find him sitting on the kitchen table smiling from ear to ear. I knew he was climbing in the playroom and asked Chris to check on him. Chris went to check, "Um, yeah, he's on top of the piano!" He had climbed all the way to the top and was standing there looking so proud of himself. Why shouldn't he be? He also climbed the 6ft ladder to the 3rd rung and used the step stool to step onto the ledge of the tub. So, he keeps us alert in hopes of avoiding any ER visits.

His vocabulary is also growing. It currently includes, but is not limited to; Daddy, Mommy, uh oh, oops, up, moo, sit, hot, ta (tunnel), steps, kitty, tree, pretty, ball. He loves to bring me a book and say, "Sit." he then climbs into my lap and wants me to read him the book. He is still working on sitting still for the entire read and still likes to chew on pages, but we're improving.

Xmas with Venice

Venice enjoyed this holiday season immensely. She had fun helping me decorate the house, making cookies for Santa, wrapping gifts, and celebrating at all the parties. She was always thinking and wondering how Santa got down chimneys. "What if there is a fire?" "Why doesn't he use the front door?" "How does he fit?" And more. You could really see the wheels turning in her head trying to figure him out. She was super excited to open gifts this year. Ripping through wrapping paper, barely glancing at the gift, immediately ready to open the next one. She would also help others who were 'slower' in opening their gifts. One gift in particular got a great response, "This is JUST what I wanted!" When I asked her what it was, she replied, "I don't know!" Of course the room erupted in laughter. She was truly fun to watch and her excitement was contageous. (By the way, the gift that was just what she wanted was an EZBake Oven.)

Also on our agenda this holiday season was to teach her that all kids aren't as fortunate as she is. That the holiday season is about helping others when you can. So we went to the toy store and she picked out a few gifts to give to other children. We bought them and donated them at the local toy drive. I wasn't sure how much of this experience resonated with her, but was hoping that in the years to come, we could instill the donating spirit through repetition of this new tradition. A day after Christmas, after opening a sick amount of gifts, we asked Venice, "What is the meaning of Christmas?" I underestimated my child, as I fully anticipated an answer of, "Presents!" Instead, I was treated to a sweet answer of, "Giving and sharing." Nice to know a bit of our message was heard through all the garbled noise that can be marketed at Christmas time.