-Mom going to the Ladies Christmas Brunch at church. This was my second time away from G (the first time was a short trip to Wal-Mart), and it was wonderful. It was so nice to fellowship with the ladies at church, eat some amazing food, and not be tethered to a feeding schedule for a morning. I was surprised by the number of people who expected me to have little man with me, though. He was three weeks old at the time; three week olds have no business in public, especially during this year's terrible flu season. (Think I'm overreacting? You wouldn't if you worked in retail pharmacy :) )
-Taking a Christmas light tour of Madison. To get me out of the house one day, my sweet husband loaded us in the car, took me through the drive thru at Starbucks for a Holiday beverage, and then drove me around town to look at all of the pretty Christmas lights. I got several great ideas for exterior decorating for next year, and look forward to having some Christmas lights outside my home. G was immediately asleep in his car seat, so I got to enjoy quality time and conversation with my husband. Conversations are more fun when they don't revolve around feeding and diapers.
-Doing some light Christmas baking. I had to break in my new kitchen! I love having pretty appliances and nice countertops, and I had a great time making some family favorites. I was thinking that baking will be even more fun in a few years when little man can help me cut out sugar cookies or unwrap Reese's cups for his daddy's favorite Christmas goodie.
-Seeing lots of family. Almost all of G's extended family has stopped by at some time or other during the holiday season. We've had visits from all three grandmothers and grandfathers, two great-grandfathers, two great-grandmothers, two aunts and uncles, a cousin, and two great aunts.
-G's first trip to church. Our ped recommended G not go to church until he was at least 2 months old due to risk of cold, flu, and RSV. We did "cheat" for the Christmas candlelight service at church, and G went with me in his Moby wrap. I sat on the back row in case we needed to make a quick exit, but G loves being snuggled in his Moby, and slept the whole time. I loved being able to attend church for the first time in over a month.
-Getting to fill G's stocking. Since G is so little, there wasn't much under the tree this year. However, he did have his stocking filled with a few toys from mom and dad. He even smiled in response to one of his new toys, which was fun.
We're looking forward to starting Christmas traditions with our little guy in the future. I'd imagine Christmases are going to get much louder around here in the next few years; what fun that will be!
