Adventures Of A Thirtysomething Mama

We have had a fun and busy week here.  Christmas with Jackson was wonderful.  Everyone was so excited and my boy was treated very well.  As I suspected, Jack didn’t seem to pay too much attention to his gifts.  He was totally into the wrapping and the boxes.  I got totally carried away with buying gifts for him.  He would have been happy with paper and ribbon.  Oh well…

Can you believe I found a stocking with his name on it!

Santa suit uncle Kris brought from Hong Kong.  Jackson was more interested in the cracker.

Relaxing in his new chair from great grandma Mollie.

My loves…

I am excitedly awaiting the arrival of my brother.  He moved away at 19 to live in Japan.  He has travelled the world and seen things I can only imagine.  He now resides in Hong Kong.  A place I love.  I have only had the pleasure of visiting one time, but I sure wish I could more.

Kris is fortunate enough to be able to come home 2 times each year.  Usually in the spring or summer and always at Christmas.  This time last year he was here waiting along with us for Jackson’s arrival.  He was there for our baby’s birth and was able to spend a few days connecting with him.  Kris thinks the world of Jack and I am going to do everything I can to keep that connection going.  I try to talk about Uncle Kris as much as I can and show Jack pictures.  We had a fabulous time when he was home in the summer.

My dear brother and I have always been close.  This past year and a bit have brought us even closer as our lives have changed and grown.  I think the world of my brother.  When I think of him as I write this tears come to my eyes.  He is a truly wonderful person to know and I am so lucky to have him as my brother.

Anyway, he arrives tomorrow.  I know he is anxiously awaiting time with Jackson.  The new member of our family has brought new light to the holidays.  Jack has given us something to be excited about.  Kris will be here for 2 weeks.  It is going to be a nice way to end my year at home before returning to work.

What a nice day we had yesterday.  My mom came over in the morning and we spent the day baking up a storm.  Mincemeat tarts and sugar cookies…

We had a visit from our dear friends…

…and presents were given.  Gosh, does Heidi know me well.  She placed a special order with  Little Red Caboose, my favourite blogger and crafter, Ella, for a special crown.  Jack will be sporting it for his birthday on January 5th.

My little prince…

 A day spent baking, visiting and sharing our creations with friends.  That’s the way I like to spend my time…

Wednesday was all about celebrating “new”.

I need to get better at taking my camera out of my bag to take photos.  I have every intention when I pack it, but never seem to remember.

Maria and I went out for our last Wednesday together.  She is headed to Toronto next Tuesday to see her family for the holidays and by the time she returns I will be back to work.  I have been feeling sad about it, but I know we will see each other.  We have made a packed to get together once a month for a “baby-free” dinner and then meet up the occasional Fridays when we both don’t work.  As we sat over lunch we exchanged gifts to celebrate not only the holidays, but our new found friendship.  As I have mentioned, numerous times, meeting Maria has been such a highlight of my year.  She is such a fabulous lady and I look forward to many more years of her friendship.

In the evening I attended a winter family potluck at the child care centre I work at.  I was wanting to go for the chance to introduce myself to all the new families that have started the program since I left.  I was feeling a little nervous about the whole thing, but it was good to go.  There were a few familiar faces, all asking why Jackson hadn’t come, so it was nice to catch up.  I am anticipating a lot of work when I return, but connecting with the children and their families is the most important thing to me.

So, a Wednesday celebrating new friendship and new professional beginnings.  I have a feeling there will be a lot of “new” ahead.  After all, it will be a new year. 

I can’t get over how fast the days fly by.  Seems like the older I get the shorter they are.  Maybe it’s just that I am anticipating a few things.  Christmas, a return to work and Jackson’s 1st birthday.  All things I am not feeling ready for. 

Looking back on this time last year I was pregnant, feeling huge, excited for our baby to arrive and completely oblivious to what lay ahead.  We talked about what Christmas would be like with our baby, who would be almost a year old.  Now here we are.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I love Christmas.  We have had fun decorating our house, making plans with friends and awaiting a visit from my dear brother, Kris.  He lives in Hong Kong and comes home 2 times a year, one always being Christmas.  I am excited because this year he will be staying at our house.  He is excited to see Jack and share in his first holiday.

I am counting the days till work begins. 22 days and counting. I know I keep talking about it, but it is on my mind constantly.  I can’t get over how this year has just flown by.  I attended my work’s holiday party last week.  It was nice to see everyone.  I have been informed I am returning to a handful, so I am feeling anxious and a little scared, but I know I will get through it.

We will be celebrating Jack’s birthday on January 5th.  I am looking forward to it.  We are inviting our family and a few close friends, which will be nice.  The 1st of many birthdays…happy, happy times.

I wonder what the new year will hold?  I can’t wait to see.

My dear friend Maria and I have been meeting every Wednesday (except for a few times when our kids were not well) since February.  We met a few years ago when she brought her middle son to the child care centre I work at.  When we both found out we were expecting very close together we exchanged phone numbers and said we should meet for a coffee.  Her 3rd son, Liam, was born 2 weeks after Jack and it was the start of a wonderful friendship. 

Throughout this past year we would go to Cafe Crepe for lunch.  There was a waitress there who served us and was all over our boys.  At first I found it a bit intrusive, as our conversation was constantly being interrupted.  As the months went on we continued to see this lady and she was so happy to see us.  She always remembered our boys’ names and made a big deal when we were there.

This past Wednesday was the last for Maria and I to visit while off on maternity leave.  We wanted to do something for her to remember us, so we framed a photo of Jack and Liam for her.  When we gave it to her, she was so happy.  She showed all her coworkers and kept thanking us.

I learned something from this experience.  I am ashamed to admit I was annoyed by her, but over time I realized, our coming in to have lunch made her smile.  Us doing something so simple made someone else happy.  She genuinely enjoyed watching our boys grow.  She took the time to know us, so I learned I needed to do the same.  We got to know a lovely lady.

Our monthly visit with Angie will not be forgotten… 

I waited patiently for the right time to get out the decorations.  November 27th was the day.  Early, I know, but I couldn’t help it.  For me Christmas is not about the gifts, but about the feeling in the air.  The lights, pretty decorations and the music. 

Jack and I had a lot of fun.  Oh, who am I kidding.  He’s 11 months old and didn’t have a clue what I was doing.  More appropriately, I had fun.  The excitement of having him here this year made it all the greater.  New traditions as a family.

My beloved matryoshka , a few of my favourites, and my Cinderella Storybook from when I was a little girl.

Jack playing by the tree.

Little mouse village.  Jackson loves this.

 Happy Holidays!

Jackson’s 1st Christmas and I was excited for the picture with Santa. 

It all started out fine and dandy.  Waiting in line with grandma.

Went downhill after that.

He sure looked cute in the outfit. 

There’s always next year!