Swimming ... Kicking ... Jumpin'!

James has taken to the water again this winter and he's been excited to share with us his new skills and play with his swim classmates in the pool - splashin' and kickin'!  Although some of the class is still "fun time" this class is the transition class where eventually James will be in the water by himself with the instructor so safety and some general water skills are necessary.

Dad's been in the pool each week helping James gain confidence and just last week he was able to float on his own in the pool with the help of a float belt.  He remained steady and had quite the smile on his face.

He's signed up again to start the next session after the New Year and we're excited to see him making strides in his skills and learning to "kick, jump and scoop!"

Santa is Coming!

We weren't sure what to expect last week when Santa was due to make his appearance at both daycare and our annual outing with the Atkinson family for the Holidazzle parade and Macy's display/Santa.

James has been quite fascinated with the jolly ol' man from reading several Christmas themed books at home for the past several weeks.

Last Thursday was daycare's annual winter party and Santa made an appearance earlier in the day before Mom and Dad arrived for the festivities.  James recently transitioned to his new room at daycare and is still getting to know new friends and teachers, but he gave Santa and Mrs. Claus a great smile ... but perhaps that was because they offered to read him a book.

Thursday's party and Santa experience we're quickly followed up by a trip on Saturday evening to downtown Minneapolis to see the Holidazzle parade and visit the Macy's display and see Santa with both Elliot and Louise.  Best plans typically go awry and with the great MN weather we were having downtown was crazy!?!  The boys had left earlier in hopes of catching a free ride on the Northstar train into downtown but the trains were so full they ended up driving into downtown as well.  After we all found spots to park and meeting up we thought we'd visit the display.  Much to our surprise a 1.5 hour wait was what greeted us when we got upstairs.  Waiting that long would be not allowed us to see the parade so instead we ventured to IDS center for dinner.  After everyone's bellies were full we went outside to see the parade.  With boys on the shoulders of their Papas they got great views of the lit up floats and characters.  James' eyes were saucers and baby Louise cuddled close with her Mama!

We quickly darted over to Macy's following the parade for another attempt at the display and rather than waiting forever to weave through the display and due to timing and some restless little boys we decided to visit Santa only instead.  We still had to wait about an hour but when the time came to walk into the room and greet the big man in red James was cool as a cucumber.  This happened to be the only pic in which both the boys were somewhat looking at the camera - though James' expression here is priceless. 

James has been getting into the spirit of the holidays donning his Santa hat at home and telling Momma and Papa that Santa is going to come through the front door (since we don't have a chimney) and is excited for Christmas Eve to come so we can leave Santa cookies and egg nog - yes, it's true Matt's love for nog has rubbed off on James. He loves it!!  He loves playing his drum to Christmas music too! 

We are looking forward to some family time over the long weekend and are excited to see Christmas through the eyes of a child once again.  It's been fun to see him ask questions and take to the holiday and his surroundings.  Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

Transitions

As we prepare for the holidays and for baby #2's arrival in early 2012 the inside of our home has taken on some new looks and James has been adjusting to some changes in his world as well. 

In addition to him moving into the early-preschool room at daycare in the next few weeks and adjusting to new teachers and making some new friends he also has moved into his big boy bed at home.  He has done extremely well with it thus far and hasn't crawled out overnight or fallen out (thankfully!) since we started him in it last week.  It is funny now to hear his feet pitter patter across his floor in the morning and open the door to greet us when he wakes up.  We've started with the box spring and the mattress on the floor to get him used to it all - eventually we'll add the frame too, but for now he's happy to snuggle with his blankets and his new pillow!  We've moved the crib out of his room into the other bedroom and he's already telling us that, "baby is going to sleep there."  I think he's catching on to the changes that are forthcoming here soon!

We decked out the house for the holidays over the weekend as well and James was quite excited about it.  He hung several ornaments on his own and continues to be fascinated by his new "fire truck" ornament and the "Goldy" ornament that just so happen to be hung right at his height so he can continue to admire them.  He's also been running around the house with his Santa hat on and loving wearing it while we read some Christmas themed books that have come out of storage - so perhaps this year he won't be scared of the big man in red?  We aren't holding our breath on that one.

There is still lots to do at the house to prepare for baby #2's arrival, but it feels good to have two big things off our list after this past weekend.  At least now we can take a little rest and enjoy the holiday season as it inches closer.