The Tradition of the Nutcracker

I try to see the Nutcracker every Christmas.  It's a tradition that goes back to my dancing days when I performed in the beautiful ballet every year.  I love the Nutcracker.  I love the music, the beautiful costumes, the sweet story ... but mostly, I love the dancing.  It's such a wonderful part of Christmas for me and this year I got to share the special tradition with my daughter.  

When we told people we were taking our two month old baby to the Nutcracker they said we were crazy.  I have to admit I was a little nervous at the prospect of Laken wailing through the Dance of the Snowflakes ... or spitting up in the middle of the Waltz of the Sugarplum Fairy.  But, I was willing to take that chance and I'm so glad I did.  We managed to get seats in the very back row right in front of a door where we could quickly exit if Laken got fussy.  She slept through the entire first act ... we watched the whole party scene, battle scene and the snowflakes without interruption.  She woke up at intermission ready for a bottle.  

(Please excuse the poor quality of these photos taken from my phone)

We were in and out of the Second Act.  She fussed a little bit and Stephen took her out and walked her around the theater.  When she settled down a bit I took her and stood with her at the back of the theater and watched the show.  It was magical .... probably more magical for me than for her.  Standing there, holding my baby girl (face out so she could see the show) and rocking her to the music I have listened to (and danced to!) my whole life, was a highlight of my year.  It was pure joy to share the Nutcracker with Laken.  Now I would be lying if I said I didn't imagine Laken up on that stage one day.  Of course I would love for her to follow in my footsteps and share my love of all things dance.  I would love to watch her glide and twirl across the stage.  I imagine if she does choose dance she will be better at it than I ever was.  

BUT - and I know this sounds cliche - I will be happy whatever she chooses to do.  If she'd rather kick around a soccer ball than do pirouettes ... or if she prefers wearing baseball cleats to pointe shoes ... that will be ok with me.  

Just, please Laken, whatever you choose to do, humor your mama once a year and go to see the Nutcracker with me! :)

Big Girl in a Bumbo Seat

First Meeting with Santa

Well, our first trip to see Santa almost ended before it got started.  I was so excited for Stephen and I to take Laken up to Bellevue to meet the big guy and get in some Christmas shopping.  I had her outfit all planned out - it was what she was going to wear for Christmas Eve ... a sweet little ruffly red dress, black tights, a red bow, and red velvet slippers.  I bought the dress a long time ago and had imagined her in it for quite some time.  Well, we were very anxious to get out of the house and beat the crowds ... and, to save myself some time I asked Stephen to iron Laken's dress.  Big Mistake.  BIG. I still don't know what I was thinking!

We won't get into who's fault it was ... he still claims that I turned the iron on to full heat and he didn't think he needed to check it ... I really don't remember doing that, but - regardless - I should not have ever put this duty into his hands.  

I think you probably know where this is going...

Stephen took that red hot iron, stuck it to the beautiful red dress, and in an instant, all my visions of Laken in red at Christmas were destroyed.  The iron burned three not-so-small holes into Laken's Christmas dress.  

So, what did she wear to see Santa? 

After the initial shock of the destruction subsided, we surveyed the damaged and concluded that we could probably still take a picture in the dress.  She certainly couldn't wear it for Christmas Eve, but we could probably strategically place her on Santa's lap so the holes wouldn't be seen.  AND, I would get to buy her another dress for Christmas Eve - wins all around!

So we put her in the precious burned-up dress, promised Santa that we weren't putting out cigarette butts on our baby girl's clothing, and got the cutest little Santa picture I have ever seen.  I realize I'm a little biased here, but I was definitely the proud mommy as this picture was being taken.  Is she not the cutest thing you have EVER seen!  Even Santa just sat there and chatted with her after the pictures were done ... not quite ready to give her up.  My little darling girl.

In case you're wondering ... Here's a picture of the burned part of the dress :)

Christmas Baby

Zoolights with the Fam

29!

We made our annual trip to Seattle a couple weekends ago for my birthday.  I turned 29 on December 6th and we rang in the last year of my 20s with some shopping, good food, and family.

Having fun with Daddy in the hotel ...

Downtown Seattle

One of my first times back since leaving my job.  It was fun to wander around the familiar streets ... especially with all the holiday decorations.  I love Seattle.

Lots of smiles from Laken ... See how she uses her hands and wiggles up her body when she's happy? We call that the "full body smile"

Mommy is hoping she will always be this happy to shop!

Dinner at Il Fornaio

This was a learning experience for mom and dad ... gone are the days where we can enjoy a leisurely meal together.  Laken was wide awake all of dinner so we spent most of the time keeping her occupied and happy.  First was feeding time ... 

... then she had to look around and see all the people and pretty things in the restaurant ...

... it's a good thing she's so cute! She had admirers at all the tables around us.

Back at the hotel ... little baby in a big bed

Dessert in bed

On Monday - my actual birthday - we celebrated with my family at Old Spaghetti Factory.  Fun times as always!

Christmas Shopping with Daddy

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Office Holiday Party

 We had A LOT of fun

 Laken was totally mesmerized by this tree.  She loved the bright lights and all the red.

Our best attempt at a family photo