A Trip to Santa's Village

Last Friday night we decided at the spur of the moment to make a trip to the Ohio National Victorian Village display near our house, so that Charlie could visit Santa. Looking back, we should have prepared him for the event by explaining what was going on. The topic of Santa had just never really come up in a formal way at home.

When we got to the little house where Santa was, Charlie was anxious to go in. He politely responded to the elf at the door when asked his name, saying "Charlie Robenalt." We even peeked in the window to see that Santa was in there. But once it was his turn, he stopped right inside the doorway and didn't want to get any closer. Since I knew there was a line of people behind us, I urged him quickly to think of something he might want for Christmas. Again, I was ill prepared, as I should have come up with something that I knew he would be getting. But the first thing that came to mind was that he loves to play with his mega blocks. So I asked him if he liked blocks. Santa heard me, and suggested that maybe he would like lego blocks.

Charlie would not get on Santa's lap for a photo, so we stood together and I got him as close as I could. Once we had left the little house, Charlie looked at me and in a very sad voice said "lego blocks?" I am pretty sure that he thought he got to go home that night with whatever he asked for. Luckily, we got past it without a meltdown, but next time I will be better prepared!

We were also not terribly well prepared for the weather on this last minute outing, and I did not bring a hat and mittens for Charlie. But we had Liam all snuggled up in the stroller, and he didn't get too cold. Charlie enjoyed the train ride back to the parking garage, and he's been playing with his balloon animal (he chose an elephant) all week.

The other day it was snowing lightly when Charlie left for school, and there was a dusting of snow on the driveway. Apparently the snow is not so "icky" to him this year, because he sure enjoyed "crunching" it with his feet. I guess we'll have to get him some good snow boots this year.

We've had success with no pacifier for over a week now. He's only asked John for it once at bedtime, and he hasn't said a word to me about it (although a couple of times I could tell he wanted to). I simply suggested to him early last week that maybe by Christmas time when we got presents he could be a big boy and not use a paci anymore. He used it that night, but not again since then.

Liam has moved out of newborn clothes, and into 3 month sizes. He's been eating like crazy, and I can hardly keep up with him. We're looking forward to a visit from Taylor next week, and then soon it will be Christmas-- our first here in Cincinnati. In the meantime, we'll have orientation at Charlie's new daycare center, and a few other holiday events. I hope everyone out there is having a great holiday season!