Christmas

Well we've made it past the first Christmas were Anya knew what a reindeer was and clearly understood there was something unnatural about sitting on an enormous hirsute stranger's lap and asking for stuff.

Our family, friends and neighbors were absolutely wonderful and generous with Anya. With the exception of Amy being sick and the absence of Amy's half of the family, it really was a great Christmas.

I learned:

• 90% of "The Night Before Christmas" has no meaning to a contemporary American English speaking 2 and 1/6th year old. It's pretty much "blah blah reindeer blah"
• One should always give a child the boring gifts first, or they won't make it past the doll house.
• Even 2 1/6th year-olds love handing out the gifts.
• Christmas ornaments that are simply smaller versions of your child's toys should be put out of the child's reach.
• I really like playing cars with my kid. It feels great to say, "Vroom, Vroom! Reeek. Vroom Vroom," again.
• Anya consistently pronounces "Marsupial" "Sarmupial".
• Having a sick mom/wife for 5 of the 12 days of Christmas pretty much stinks for all involved.
• That being said even after 5 days of being the sole provider, I still enjoyed hanging out with Anya. She pretty much charms the heck out of me all the time.
• If dad is the only one hanging out with and disciplining the kid, MOM suddenly looks like the good/fun one.

I hope everyone else had as good a Christmas as we did.