Merry Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas from the Deary Family!

Our 2009 Christmas card photo ~ took only two attempts with our camera's timer and wha-la! A lucky shot with Kristina actually smiling.

As I eluded to in the previous post, JD and I were up pretty much all night prepping for Santa's arrival. Around 6:15am, our little angel stumbled out of her bedroom rubbing her eyes and looking for Mama.

I swept her up and brought her to bed with me -- afterall, Mama needed some shuteye before the day's festivities and there was no better time to cuddle with our cutie.

Around 8:30am, Kristina woke up and I knew it was time to start the day. I asked her "Do you think Santa was here?" to which she replied "cookies and milk!" Good memory, kid. We ran out to the kitchen and she looked so shocked to see the cookies and milk gone. Now this is the child who repeatedly told us for 3 weeks that Santa was "scarey" and wouldn't go near any Santa Claus. But to learn he had been here, in our house -- that was ok!

Waking up and finding gifts under the tree.

No parent in all my 40+ years had ever prepared me for what we were in for. What child doesn't rip open gifts? Kristina was in awe with all the gifts under the tree. When I handed her one to open, she ran for her full-functioning kiddie scissors so she could cut the tape on each gift. I soon realized we would be here past Easter if this pace ensued.

After seeing Mama or Papa open big boxes with either keys or scissors, it was only logical that all Christmas gifts should be opened with scissors, too -- right?

After 2 gifts, we realized she was quite overwhelmed. It was now approaching 11am and we were having family come over for Brunch at 1pm. I knew that cooking, showering and cleaning up were going to have to be done at warp speed so opening presents had to be put on hold temporarily.

Kristina "organizing" the brunch platters. Ham and Croation Casserole (thanks, Lisa!!) ~ YUM!

It was a wonderful day filled with family and friends. Nana and Grampa D, along with JD's brother, Bryce, came over. Uncle Bryce brought Kristina a Razor scooter along with a helmet and knee/elbow pads -- just what our daring young angel needed! Nana and Grampa brought lots of nice goodies for Kristina, including a cool Discovery Kids computer. Kristina loves to sit at her computer and "type" away...just like Mama. Watch out -- she may start her very own blog one of these days!

Kristina getting a lift from Uncle Bryce!

Opening the Razor scooter from Uncle Bryce. And without any instruction, she knew how to ride it (just as long as she's going straight, that is!).

To top off the day, we finally hooked up our Skype webcam and then called Grammy and Poppy in FL to wish them a Merry Christmas. We bought them a webcam so it was so great to be able to see each other. It just touched my heart when Kristina leaned forward into the screen to kiss Grammy and Poppy. The feeling multiplied when she then stretched her arms around the computer to "hug" them. I'll definitely have to get a picture of that!

Tired but blissfully happy to celebrate our first Christmas together as a family.

Towards the end of the day, we had to bring Kristina over to JD's parent's house so she could stay there for the night as JD and I both had to work on Saturday, 12/26 (Saturday's are our usual workday). I was so sad driving home without her in the carseat nor having her in her bed to kiss goodnight...

As hectic and exhausting as the day was, it was wonderful. I know Kristina doesn't understand the true meaning of Christmas yet but to us, she was the example. Her spirit is so fresh, so full of energy and so happy. I wish I could bottle it and spread it around the world.

Kristina wearing her first Mickey Mouse Santa hat.

Christmas is not done yet...we plan on celebrating the Russian Christmas on January 7 by having dinner with my parents and JD's parents. We have a Russian stocking hanging on the fireplace for Kristina which she will enjoy at that time (btw...Thank you, Auntie Dawn, for the stocking!). I'm just hoping the tree stays somewhat alive until then!

Our house all lit up to with THREE deer awaiting Santa's arrival. :)