Post-Christmas Roundup

I didn't mean to be gone for that long; sorry folks. Between traveling for Christmas, the cleaning fit that came upon me once we got home (I don't look those things in the mouth; I just let them take me) and a visit from my parents, I've hardly been on the computer at all. A nice change, actually. While I was away from you, though, many interesting things happened. Lucky for you, I was able to document most of them with photographs!

Item the First:

The penguins found their Christmas spirit:

Sam was delighted with the tree and loved to spend time in his exersaucer just staring at it. He actually helped me decorate. I'd hold up an ornament and ask "How about here?" He'd scream his excitement at the spot (or cry his disappointment) and I'd place or move the bulb accordingly. It was So. Much. Fun. He also loved it when the tree was lit up at night:

He'd grab at the spots the light would make on the floor, like a cat with a laser pointer. Since he's too young to grab the tree on his own and won't likely remember this next year, I sat him on my lap and let him touch the bottom branches. He was so interested in the texture and the way the lights made his little hands turn colors. Watching him explore and discover the tree made me so happy.

Item the Second:

Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus! He sent Sam a present using the USPS.



I'm not kidding, the box came with a return address of "Santa Claus, North Pole." I have no idea who did this but thank you. Sam loves the doggie and we are so grateful for the formula. People have been so kind to us this year (well, not just this year). "Thank you" never feels like enough to say. This was just incredibly awesome.

Item the Third:

Sam quit his job as a drummer in a rock and roll band and got a job as a banker.

Item the Fourth:

When I wasn't cleaning, we goofed off. We actually did this a lot. It was awesome.

Item the Fifth:

NEW CAMERA!!!!!! I am SO EXCITED! Expect many, many more pictures in the future. MANY. Thank you, Mom and Dad Szczubelek! We are STOKED! (Canon Digital Rebel, for those who know about these things. I did not expect anything so nice. And they got us another lens for it that I'm excited to try as well.)

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! I don't know about you but I'm looking forward to a great new year full of broken resolutions (who am I kidding, I'm not making any resolutions) and a happily imperfect life. There is so much to be thankful for; cherish each day.