Recap of the Holidays: Part 2

This year, we spent most of our free time in December gathering up gifts for our families in Boston & Detroit, so when Dec. 23rd rolled around, we found ourselves at Toys R' Us with Carly in tow (for those who haven't ever tried to get a babysitter that close to Christmas, it's nearly impossible). So we were the pathetic parents dragging our confused toddler up & down each row of the toy store, waiving potential Santa gifts under her nose to gage a reaction. We got past the legos, the dolls, the dress-up clothes (is she my daughter?), and the leap frog ensembles without as much as a smirk.

Then, my friends, we strolled by the bike section. Holy Toledo, who knew the kid could say "bike" or comprehend the freedom this little machine could bring her? Yet, she promptly climbed out of the shopping cart and trotted over to help herself on a little radio flyer model, where she sat and said "biyyyyahhhkkk" (her accent is reminiscent of Borat's) over and over and over. The scene leaving the store--without the bike, as it was December 23rd and, of course, there were none left except the store model--was a disaster. And, yes, we felt like the worst Santas in the world.

On Christmas Day, Carly finally connected the concept of Santa/HoHoHo/YouBetterBeGoodOrSantaWon'tCome to the pot of gold tucked underneath our tiny tree (my mom always insisted on the largest tree in the lot, while Greg buys the cheapest in the lot). At first, she was confused by the eager expectations of her parents each time she touched a present. After just 2 unwrappings, however, she became a pro. She even helped Sully and Greg unwrap their gifts.

Here are the highlights:

Our tree with all the loot.



Carly meticulously combing Strawberry Shortcake's luscious mane of hair. Some may say this was a mean gift to give her (for obvious reasons).



A new book.



The little people farm, the most exciting of the Toys 'R Us purchases.



Her first Cabbage Patch kid, courtesy of Auntie Bridget & Uncle Kevin. Her name is Allie Luz and her birthday is February 1st (no pressure Bridget, but Carly and I plan on having a birthday party for her next weekend).



And, a week later........courtesy of Amazon Santa.....THE BIKE!!!

Greg's classic fatherhood moment of assembling his oldest child's first bike:



Carly's excitement was only tempered by the realization that it was too icy to take the bad boy outside for a real drive.