Christmas Eve 2011

8:12 pm

Dear Nolan,

You are so magnetic! I just couldn't wait to get those words down. Everywhere we go people NEED to ogle over your adorableness. I'm saying this now before you have the chance to accuse me of saying it "just because I'm your mother." People can't get enough of you and you bring smiles to all of their faces. I hope this part of your personality will forever remain. That you will always draw people to you and know how to keep them smiling. That would make me super proud.

It's Christmas Eve. Your first Christmas is tomorrow. You won't remember any of it and you have no idea what it's all about at your mere 9 months of age. But I just can't help myself from getting giddy about the morning festivities. Giggles while you open your gifts and absolute merriment while playing with new toys (we got you a drum, a wooden walker, and an Ugly Doll, by the way). Yes, even despite my grinch ways. You have that effect on me, son. I'm looking forward to future holiday traditions. Did I say that in the last letter? In any case, it's true. You've brought me so much happiness this year, and I am certainly looking forward to our future holidays together as a family.

Merry Christmas, baby boy!

A few pictures from dinner out with family tonight:

Getting silly with Uncle Dan.

Nolan, Mommy, and Daddy.

With Mommy. I wish I had a better picture of your adorable bow tie.

December 14, 2011

7:19 pm

My dear baby, you are growing so fast! I can't keep up with how fast you're changing and how quickly you are learning new things. It truly is astonishing! You love shaking your head no and have mastered the art of clapping your hands. You're so proud of yourself! We're working on "bye-bye" and you work so hard to mimic the movements of my hand. And I was JUST saying that I'm going to be hand feeding you forever and then tonight you decided to eat pasta all on your own.

Your daddy has been so busy working nights lately and tonight was one of our first family nights together in what felt like forever. As you crawled over and clung to my leg (as per usual) he just couldn't help himself from exclaiming "Nolan, I love you!" It melted my heart. You are so loved, child, and I always wonder if you can feel it. Do you understand how you've changed our hearts and how I feel so complete now?

It's the holiday season, and you will learn that I am a bah-humbug. The holidays are so over-hyped and too stressful. I love the spontaneity and no obligations that come with the other seasons, but I am a bit excited to document your first Christmas. You won't care about the toys that we got you and you won't remember the lit-up Christmas tree, but I do hope that we set the tradition of a holiday filled with minimal gifts and lots of quality family time. That despite my grinch ways you'll learn to love our family traditions during this time of the year.

I really could talk about you forever, my sweet man, but since you're STILL NOT SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT I'm signing off for some rest and relaxation.

Nolan, I love you!

Love,

Mommy

Picking out our Christmas tree. December 2011

December 14, 2011