And the festivities just keep on comin’!
Santa Alex is more than ready for the real big guy to make his arrival, so he’s been pretending to be him at home. : )
Actually, now that we’re officially at (the very end of) Christmas Eve Eve (don’t try to say it’s not a ‘thing’!), I think we’ve squeezed in just about all that we could.
And before I get into those, I want to quickly share a little something I was thinking the other day, about the holidays right after Alex was born. He was between about 4-6 months old that holiday season, but most days I still felt like I was barely surviving, just trying to navigate the whole ‘mom of two’ thing. And when I saw everyone posting all of their fun and festive activities all over their social media, I remember feeling like a complete failure as a mom. Hell, there are still PLENTY of times I still get this feeling now!
So just in case you happen to find yourself in the thick of something similar, or you’re in a tough season of life, here’s just a friendly little reminder that a) you are not alone, b) you are not failing, c) it will get better/easier.
<3 <3
I must say, I think this has definitely been my favorite holiday season yet. Both of the boys are so into everything, and it’s just been so fun to experience all of the joy and excitement with them.
Of course, there’s also been a little fun for the adults, too! Including a cookie exchange with some of the neighborhood gals…
And our 2nd annual neighborhood Christmas party!
I cannot even tell you the last time I laughed as long or as hard as I did that night. With the boys away at my parents for a sleepover, we kept the party going until just shy of 2am that night. Wayyy past my bedtime, but so worth it.
We also had some Christmas party fun in school for both of the boys this week, and I was lucky enough to be able to take a half day from work and visit both of them. First up was Alex’s party!
They had a little visit from Santa, and I nearly fell over when Alex willingly went and actually sat on Santa’s lap. I couldn’t believe it!
Ohhh, the progress we’ve made.
Right after Alex’s party, I raced over to help get things set up in Lucas’s classroom for HIS party. As one of the room moms for the class, I offered to help set up and also brought in some cookies and cupcakes for the kiddos.
And if you follow me on Instagram, then you may recognize these as the cupcakes I had to frost on Wednesday night after already having had a couple of glasses of wine.
Hey, I mean, they worked! ; )
As for Lucas’s party, it was really cute. I LOVE how his teacher is really into low-key holiday parties this year, and their gingerbread house making party was perfect. The kids had a great time decorating and enjoying a couple of snacks, without all of the added chaos that typically follows.
Fast forward to Saturday, and we kept the festivities going with our annual Christmas party with Jay’s side of the family. The boys were able to have some fun doing Christmas crafts and activities, followed by some dinner and another visit from the big man.
And, as in years past, both boys were the lucky recipients of the latest Hess truck.
No surprise, they were big hits!
Finally, we wrapped the weekend up not quite on a festive note, per se, but we took a family trip to the movie theater to go see Frozen II.
It was Alex’s first movie theater experience, and he totally LOVED it! All of us were able to enjoy the entire movie, which I was quite excited about, since I was looking forward to seeing it probably just as much as they were.
And now with that, I’m signing off! I can’t promise when I’ll be back, but until I am, I wish you all the absolute BEST holiday season. I hope it’s filled with plenty of love, laughter, and happiness! <3
Mary Burns says
What a great holiday week! So exciting that Alex finally went up to Santa!!! We took Claire to visit Santa and she had written him a letter. Watching her eyes light up as he read her letter was priceless! She was so proud and excited! I love these little moments! Have a very Merry Christmas!
Lindsay says
I’ve been reading for a long time but never posted. I just want to say thank you! I’m in a similar place with a 6 month old and 2 year old and feeling like I’m failing at Christmas, since we’re all just getting a handle on the everyday messiness of having two kids. It’s good to hear I’m not alone and next year will be better. I really appreciate your honesty about being a mom – it’s a big reason why I keep reading. Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Mary Burns says
Hi Linsay,
You most definitely are not failing & you are not alone! I only have one little girl & can not tell you how many times I have felt that way, so I just wanted to let you know that!;) Have a wonderful Christmas!
Diane says
I was planning to comment almost exactly what Lindsay said!! I have a 6 month old and an almost 3 year old and you have no idea how much I craved hearing what you wrote that we are not alone, it will get easier, and I’m not failing as a mom! It’s SO hard getting used to being the mom of two and there never seems to be enough time (or enough hands!!). I keep telling myself it will get better and won’t be this hard forever, but it’s SO nice to hear it from someone who has been there and can remind me that those words are really true! I love your honesty and agree with Lindsay that it’s one of the main reasons I read your blog. I always look forward to your posts – thank you so much for all you do and all you write! Your blog helps all of us moms out there and is an enjoyable part of my day regularly! :) Merry Christmas and thank you for being YOU! :)
Rachel says
Merry Christmas and thanks for the reminder :-)
Nikki says
I must say reading all the comments just add to the positivity that you bring to this blog. I am 6 months pregnant with baby #2 and my 2 1/2 year old wears me out and tests me already… I am scared for the transition into mom of two! But all the encouraging words have given me a little bit of hope and relief knowing it will be hard but it will be ok and it is normal. Thank you for always being so open and honest in this space, that is one of the main reasons I follow you, I feel like I can relate to you on so many levels. So thank you again and I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
Melissa says
Happy Holidays! I hope you and your family had a great Christmas, yesterday! It looks like it’s been a lot of fun celebrating and I hope you have a great New Year!