Monday, December 29, 2014

Tis the season

Christmas eve with Grampie Jeffries
Christmas for a 4 year old is an incredibly magical time. It's so fun seeing our family traditions being passed on to the next generation and to watch as the excitement builds in anticipation of the big day. It was especially nice this year to be in Fredericton and not feel rushed. We had plenty of time to spend with family and friends and still managed to find time for naps and puzzles.

Someone was excited to help decorate the tree!
Caleb received the one gift that he had asked for this year - a microscope so that he can see what a germ looks like!  I love that he is such a mix of Alan and I - part scientist, part musician and part his own quirky little self! He also was given some other wonderful gifts like walkie talkies, Star Wars lego, books, craft supplies and a magic kit. Needless to say we've been having a lot of fun around here lately.

As cousin Aly says, Caleb might grow up to be a 'sweater vest' kind of guy! 
Santa's little helper

Caleb and Aly's original Christmas Song (This was sung several times, to several different people, over the holidays)

Aly: What's your favourite thing about Christmas?
Caleb: Spending time with my family
A: What's your second favourite thing about Christmas?
C: Decorating the Christmas tree
A: What's your third favourite thing about Christmas?
C: Giving presents
A: What's your fourth favourite thing about Christmas?
C: Getting presents but I don't really care!

Caleb's 2014 Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,
 I'm Caleb. I would like a microscope for Christmas. I am 4 years old. I like inventing. I like sports. I like concerts, especially when I am in them. I like playing the piano the most and I like singing and guitar.
 I have a new little brother, just so you know. His name is Odin and he is a very good boy.
 We live in Fredericton. I would like a tool set please. We'll leave some cookies for you.
Thank you,
Caleb Jeffries

Even superman needs a nap over the holidays! Thanks to Mary, Jenn and Amelia for the adorable suit! 

Monday, December 22, 2014

Spreading the joy

The happiest and chubbiest little Santa around!! This suit just kills me!


Caleb's first Christmas concert. He played Jingle Bells on the piano and sang Silent Night with his dad
It's Christmas week and the holiday fun has really taken off around here. Christmas parties, concerts, baking, gift making, dinners and more! My favourite moment so far has been taking the kids to St. Ann's Court, a senior care home in Fredericton where my great Aunt Ellie lived for several years. We loaded up on candy canes, dressed Odie up in his Santa suit and set off to spread some holiday joy. We arrived just when everyone was finishing up their lunch and after being introduced by the facility manager, we made our rounds through the tables handing out treats, singing songs and making many people very, very happy. Caleb was amazing - offering up hugs and accepting kisses from strangers. Even little Odin was absolutely perfect - happy to let anyone hold him, sharing some smiles and melting hearts all over the place. Many of the residents said we had made their Christmas, and I couldn't agree more.
After waving us over to her table, this lovely lady told me she would me to take her photo with the baby! I was more than happy to snap this pic and delivered a print to her the next day - free of charge (of course!!)
We were happy to see an old family friend who recognized my voice, which she said sounded just like my mom's!
Making new friends

Friday, December 12, 2014

Advent adventures

Happiness is wearing matching Christmas onesies!
We are doing our 'activity advent' calendar again this year, and day 1 brought about an adorable surprise. Matching Christmas pyjamas. I've been dreaming of a photo like this for years and the reality of it is even better than I could have imagined! I love the activity advent idea, although I admit I am not putting in anywhere near the effort I did last year. It probably has something to do with having a 3 month old baby and a husband who has been away most of the month. But each day, I have been able to pull something off. Thankfully Caleb can't read yet, because I rarely do what the piece of paper says, I just make it up as I go in the morning - making Christmas cards, watching holiday movies, baking, donating gifts to the local toy drive, building a gingerbread house...and who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Day 9 - Family Christmas sing-a-long!
I feel like my life is moving in fast forward these days. My tiny little baby is growing up so quickly!
He is increasingly engaged and interested in everything around him. He just sits back and soaks it all in. Odin's mood overall is really positive, although he can be a bit 'hot and cold' these days.  It is quite amusing to watch him instantly turn from laughter (yes, he can laugh now!!) to tears then back to his signature serious stare. His laughter is the most beautiful sound in the world and it has brought me to tears more than once. We're just all over the place with emotions around here!

We've got a thumb sucker on our hands! 
Time for the exersaucer already?? 

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Family Photo Shoot!

Over Thanksgiving weekend, Aunt Sarah took some family photos for us in O'Dell Park. I absolutely love how they turned out! Hope you enjoy them!!


This one warms my heart! 
 
Proud papa!
Hi dad! 
True love!
And then, not to be outdone, this week my parents decided they should have some photos taken with their grandchildren. Note, no children were invited to take part. We know who their favourites are these days!