Toddler Tree Trimming

There's only one word that can be used to describe what it's like to decorate a Christmas tree with a nearly two year old. Patience. I honestly didn't know I could be as patient as I was last weekend when we put the tree up. I plastered a big giant grin on my face as Ella stomped around, crying and wrapped up in lights (her choosing). I had these grand ideas of all decorating the tree together, Ella trying to hang ornaments, sipping hot chocolate, listening to Christmas carols. Next year, I think we'll put the tree up during nap time.

Everything we did set off some sort of toddler-time-bomb-of-rage. When we wouldn't let her wrap the lights around her neck - screams. When we closed one of the bins of decorations - wails (because apparently that meant Christmas was over). Putting the skirt under the tree rather than in the middle of the floor - tears. When Loran hung all of the ornaments by "category" rather than spread them out - more tears (from me).

All in all, we did get it done. We did share some smiles and laughs and took a few photos between the screams and some during...but not everyone needs to see our holiday shame. Loran even cheerfully brought bin upon bin up and down the stairs - I think as a break from his hormonal pregnant wife and rampaging toddler. I should see if he's set up some sort of keg down there.

Ella loves the tree though. She asks for it to be "on" as soon as she gets up. I've found several ornaments relocated to her bedroom. But, it's part of the fun. We only used our non-breakable ornaments this year (and probably for the next 5 or so years). She's only swiped the wrapping of one package, but now leaves them alone. The cat is another story, he is a bow stealer and ribbon chewer - but it's part of the magic of the season.

Ella is also fun in that she really enjoys holiday light displays this year. As we drive around at night, all I hear from the back of the car is..."pretty, wooooow!" repeated in wonder over and over again. It's enough to make my turn my radio off (impressive if you know me) and just listen and savor the sweet little voice that's so genuinely captivated by the lights.

Lily is starting to get painful in her movements. But that's to be expected when you have over three pounds of elbows and knees rolling around your internal organs. As much as it sometimes hurts, I'll miss the movement the most. It's my favorite part of pregnancy, I mean...aside from stretch marks, fears of sneezing and outgrowing maternity clothes... I do love to just sit back and watch my stomach roll back and forth, then poke whatever is sticking out to see if I can figure out what it is. It completely and totally creeps out my sister, Chelsey. The girl who will watch surgery on tv and the internet for fun can't take feeling a baby moving around in utero. At least she says she can't, but her hand is drawn to it. Sucka.