Wow, it felt like such a whirlwind of activity this year. Although we stayed at home in Toronto on Christmas Eve (to start giving Lily some of her own traditions), we sure covered some ground on Christmas Day visiting family.
We had some very magical moments that I have to mention here just in case I don't get it written elsewhere. Lily really understood the holiday this year and singing Christmas songs while out walking from Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to Oh Christmas Tree. One of my favorite walks occurred after Christmas. Erik brought Lily in her sled and Charlotte (our dog) down to meet me at the Go Train to walk home all together. About 5 min into our walk Lily started talking very loudly, and saying "Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas to All My Friends", repeatedly. Then she would add in, "Up up and away". Gosh I was so mad that I did not record this as she just kept it up for the rest of the walk home. It was priceless and everyone out at this time quite enjoyed her spirit.
On Christmas Eve we went to my cousin's home and had a sumptuous dinner with close friends and family. There we were all gathered around the table ready to eat when Lily grabbed my hand and said that we all had to hold hands (this started only a few weeks ago). As we all joined hands I went to her and asked her to say something to everyone. Out of this sweet angel's mouth came two lines but they were so very precious. She sang the following, "Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree". I don't think she said much more as we all joined in to finish the next verse.
Lastly, I just have to mention Christmas morning. Poor peanut fell asleep coming home from our Eve dinner so we had no conversation about Santa coming to visit but she did know based on the last door of her advent calendar that Santa would be coming. At 8:00am Lily woke up and called for me. I peaked my head into her room and she asked if Santa came. Of course I am so excited to just see her face when she sees the presents that Santa brought and her stocking. We start going down the stairs and halfway I had her peak out into the living room. She saw her stocking but shouted out "ORANGES mommy...Santa brought me oranges". That's my girl, always noticing food before anything else. I helped her shift her gaze from her stocking to the play table where Santa set up all of her PlayMobile. She had the cottage plus to horse stables and a car ferry just like the one we go on to get to our own cottage. It was all there beautifully displayed and what does she notice? About two feet above on the counter I put out some packets of Lindor and Toblerone. She shouts "Chocolate!"
Lily is precious and I am enjoying all the moments with her. Three is such a fun age and her development is so rapid. She is talking well in full sentences and has a wonderful imagination. We finally got the toilet training done and there is just no turning back now. A few times a week I get the call in the middle of the night that she needs to go pee. I am certain she will be demanding no diaper at night very soon. "I am a big gurl mama".
Here she is with Auntie G lighting candles for Hanuka.
Below is the annual tree trimming party at her Nana and Pappy's House.
The morning excitement with her Advent Calendar.
Sharing moments with her beloved Char Char.
Well that about wraps up our holiday. I am looking forward to 2013. Hoping for lots of snow to play in and perhaps get some skiing lessons with Aunti ME. I don't want to move too fast as Jr Kindergarten is this year and those steps are just too big for me to take right now.
Wishing all of my friends and family a wonderful 2013. May we all be blessed with excellent health and good cheer the year through.
