Elf on A Shelf: What’s His Name?

So I’m learning more and more about Elf on a Shelf for next year with Xander. I’ve heard it’s a great way to get your little one to listen the WHOLE month of December. I’ve even heard how upset the little ones get when the little elfkin disappears for the year. What I’m seeing on Facebook is hilarious though. All of the silly names our kiddos give these elves. What is the name of your elf? What are some fun things you do with them during the month of December?

I’m getting a kick out of how clever some of you parents are, so I’m going to be reposting some ideas:

What Are You Thankful For This Year?

Here’s my top 7:

Having parents, a brother and good friends that are only a phone call away when I need them. From talking about my marriage, to watching Xander, to giving  much-needed advice, I’m grateful I have people I can reach out to.

Having a job that allows me to make important decisions without having to rely on anyone else financially. And, it’s doing a good job of making me feel important and smart and needed these days.

Having Xander. He’s amazing, healthy & happy, the light of my life and just graced me with a Mama yesterday for the first time. I’m glad I decided to become a parent.

My health and the health of my family. I know this time of year can be about remembering those lost. Thankfully, I still have both parents and all of my close family members. Although we had a scare with my mom this year after a pretty serious car accident, she’s come back strong and other than minor health issues the family is looking good to start 2014!

Having a roof over my head. With all of the harsh weather elements that every year seem to get a little more intense, I’m thankful to say it hasn’t directly affected my family yet. (And hopefully won’t). My thoughts are with those in the Phillipines and parts of Illinois that most recently have been affected.

Piper (the dog for those of you who don’t know her). She’s Xander’s best bud and mine too. She stinks, she farts and all she wants to do is eat…but we love her!

Something to look forward to.  Every day I’m excited to see what Xander will do next, excited to see how he’ll grow up and what he’ll look like. What interests will he have? Will he like to read? Will he love music? Food? Sports? This excitement gets me through the days that are hard for me.

What are you thankful for this year?

Sleeping Through the Night

Xander is just over 8 months and STILL isn’t sleeping through the night. I’m curious as to what “through the night” means to be honest. Xander is very strict about his bedtime. If he doesn’t go down between 6:30/7 he gets overtired and cranky FAST. So he goes down early. But then he wakes up between 2 and 4am to have a bottle. Then, goes back down until between 6:30-7:30AM. To me, this is sleeping through the night. I was under the impression that everything over 6 hours was considered sleeping through the night. I mean, he’s sleeping 10 hours without waking up.

What do you consider sleeping through the night and how old were your little ones when they finally did?

Baby’s First Christmas

I couldn’t be more excited for Xander’s first Christmas. I know he won’t know really what’s going on this year, but I’ll still probably go overboard. And the holidays are a great excuse for me to use all this extra shopping to peg it on Christmas. 🙂 I want to start a tradition with him this year and I was thinking of buying a photo ornament and every year putting that Christmas’ visit with Santa in it. What are traditions you’ve done with your kids?

And…with Xander being about 9 months when Christmas comes this year, what are some toy suggestions that would be good? He doesn’t have much interest in crawling and I think will go straight to walking. He’s got a walker and a crawl to walk push walker too. What possibly could we add besides a TON of TOYS!!! I’m also thinking he’ll enjoy unwrapping things, so I may just wrap up a few empty boxes. I’m such an evil mom…but I’ve heard that little ones enjoy the unwrapping the most, why not? 🙂

Happy holidays Moms!