The first Christmas morning in Washougal: Anxiously awaiting Christmas morning Susan, Alex, Jan, Jon, and I went to bed late Christmas Eve night after enjoying a very fussed over and delicious Christmas ham. Alexander loved his first trial of (way too many) carrots. Before dinner Susan presented Alex with his last "Pre Christmas" present... a Black and Decker Junior Chain Saw! Now before anyone calls him too young to safely take down trees with daddy, his chainsaw is only a toy. It does make cool chainsaw noises though and even comes with safety goggles! Don't worry, little Alex isn't getting close to the real chainsaw for about another 20 years!
Even in the midst of 40-50 mile an hour winds, Santa dared a landing at 1416 and left us all with great stocking stuffers under the tree, and in the stockings hung on the stair railings with care via an old cut up climbing rope. Alex put out carrots for Rudolph and his friends, and animal crackers for Santa. All that was left on the plate were two nibbled carrots and some cookie crumbs. On Christmas morning, after skyping with my Mom/Grandma Elle and Dad/Gramps in NY, Alex, Gramma Jan, Susan, and the dogs and I all spent a very relaxing morning & afternoon watching each other's expressions as we opened gifts and told the stories behind the ideas. All the while, the wind raged outside making the Christmas Tree lights flicker a few times. We even lost power for a couple hours. Alexander loved his Stack and Surprise Silly Town from Santa, Rocking Horses from both Gramma and Grandma & Gramps, pajamas, clothes, and books. Later in the day, Alex took a trip in his new conveyance... the daddy trainer (aka baby backpack). To show Susan the surprise I buckled Alex in the backpack downstairs, and walked back up. Almost by the time my foot hit the top step, little dude was sound asleep. He loved to gnaw on the built in pillow... getting ready for teeth! So there he stayed for the half an hour until we ventured outside. Outside, Alex was snuggled in the backpack in his Elmer Fudd hat from Aunt Maria and Uncle Mike. No complaints were heard and Alex and I went outside to play with Titus. Actually no complaints could be heard since he was way to busy gumming the pad that was conveniently placed right in front of his mouth in the carrier. After napping, James and Jalaine came over for dinner. Alex had more carrots and peas, and the rest of us stuffed ourselves silly with food. Food comas followed. It was a very relaxing and special day... with our best Christmas present ever! Time with family, our boy, and friends!
