Christmas is so much fun with kids. Emma got a kitchen and a real digital kids camera from Santa. Although she saw the kids nativity scene first and she played with it for 10 minutes before we convinced her to open her other presents. I'm glad she liked it. So last year I learned a lesson about Christmas, take all the toys out of packaging before Christmas morning, which I did this year and it was great!! Emma could 
play with her toys immediately and I didn't have to fight with packaging. Well, this year I've learned another lesson for next year, wrap the presents before Christmas Eve. I think Kevin and I crawled into bed at 3am! Uggg. Luckily our kids aren't old enough to wake up at the crack of dawn on Christmas, I think we got up at 9am, which was great. Of course Jackson didn't care if he had presents or not. He just liked chewing on the bows and wrapping paper.
This year I had the kids picture done with Santa at a photography studio. On one of my forums someone mentioned that they had gone and had their kids pictures done and loved them and the prices were reasonable. So I thought, what the heck, I'll go too. I did get more choices to choose from and I didn't have to stand in any long lines, which was nice. We didn't have much luck getting Jackson to smile but at least both of the kids are looking at the camera and they aren't crying.
Ummm, I'd like a camera that takes real pictures and a big kitchen.
At least this year she smiled.
Jackson: Ummm, who are you? Can I chew on that white ball?
I started Jackson on some cereal today. He is a little over 6 months old. Interestingly enough I started Emma on cereal at 4 months old. Even starting Jackson at 6 months seemed to early for me. I think I would prefer just breastfeeding for a few more months and then start solid foods, but everyone keeps wanting me to start the solids. I think it's interesting the difference on how I feel about starting food. I realize now that it's so much easier just to nurse but with Emma I was so excited to start Emma her on solids because it was all so new.
My sweet friend, Nikki, from work and I have been exchanging gifts throughout the year. We started last year when none of our coworkers wanted to do a secret santa gift exchange. We were totally bummed that no one wanted to do the gift exchange so we started giving gifts to each other and we kept it up all year long (Valentines, Birthdays, Easter, Halloween, ect). Nikki is so sweet because she always includes something for Emma. I love bringing home a gift from Nikki that Emma can open, she is always so excited. After we open the gifts we call Nikki at home and thank her for the gifts. Emma has gotten pretty good at talking on the phone and leaving a message saying thanks. Emma got a book today and we called Nikki and she said "Thank you Ms. Nikki, I love the book, it's great." It was so sweet.
