Justin's First Christmas

I think it goes without saying that we've been pretty excited for this Christmas (oh, since . . . last Christmas). We have prepared a few special things for Justin's first ring-around-the-Christmas-tree.

I was lucky enough to find a matching stocking for Justin and got it monogrammed (I may have done the same for Izzers - I told you we were 'those people'). It is hung on our mantle and Justin has already received the new 'Girlfriend'.

The Ornament -When Baby Daddy and I were married, we started a tradition of getting an ornament or two every year in the hopes that we will someday be able to fill a tree with just these ornaments. So far, we have an 'Our first Christmas' ornament, a John Deere Tractor, a Christmas Vacation ornament, a 'Rudolph The RedNosed Reindeer' ornament, and a Stormtrooper (guess whose idea that was). This year we started JFrog's collection - his rattle ornament says "Baby's First Christmas 2010". He will get one every year that reflects his current interests.

Donation - One of the things that we both agree on is that we could give more to others and hope to instill this thought in Tank from the beginning. We have decided to donate a gift to a charity of his choosing. This year we decided upon the University of Iowa Children's Hospital since, well, he's a baby, and we realize that not all parents and babies are as lucky as we are when it comes to health. In the future, we will let Justin choose - whether it be to the Humane Society due to an interest in Izzers, or Touchdowns for Kids due to an interest in football, or anything else that his little heart wishes. We want him to realize that even though we sometimes get caught up in wanting more and thinking that we don't have as much as we 'should', we have more than enough and should share with others.

Other Traditions - Alrighty Confession Time- I do not like mall Santas. We debated taking Justin to see Santa this past week when he was visiting our bank but decided against it. This happens to be one of the things I think mean more to parents than children, especially at this age. Baby Daddy often accuses me of not doing common things simply because they are common, but I really don't see the point of this. Also, paying $20 to get a picture of my baby sitting on the germ-infested lap of an a) pedophile or b) creepy old child-loving guy seems wrong to me. In the future, if Justin wants to see Santa we will make it happen, but until he requests it, we will pass. Call me a fun hater . . .

Christmas Vacation - Justin has already watched (that is: fussed a little and slept through) this, the GREATEST MOVIE EVER. It is a staple in our house, even though Baby Daddy only lets me watch it once with him. He is a fun hater.

Presents - We are both in agreement that Christmas presents will be opened on Christmas morning. No Christmas Eve presents in this household . . . Again, since Justin is too little to understand and is in general a fuss bucket between 8 and 10 pm- which has earned him the latest nickname 'Fustin Justin'- we gave him the new toy early this month. Hey - anything to make my Little Dude Smile when he's fussy.

P.S. Tom Brady - please cut your hair.