Christmas

R was really into Christmas this year. Not only is he understanding presents this year (and a little bit more about Santa), but he's been really excited about Baby Jesus' Birthday. While in church Christmas Eve, he spontaneously cried out, "Hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray, it's Jesus' birthday!" I was so proud of him. Then today, we went to the post office to mail something, and they had some greeting cards in the post office. R pointed them out and suggested we get a Jesus a birthday card - one that sings. So sweet! I replied that Jesus would probably appreciate it if R just sang to Him, so he sang the birthday song to him.
Santa was very good to R this year. Not because he asked for alot, but because Mommy and Daddy have all these cool toys that we want to play with with him. He got real Legos, which he is loving so far. He got the big Buzz and Woody, which were a big hit on Christmas day, but haven't seen much action since. He got several board games, which we've played, and many books, which we've already read them all several times. He got the Land Before Time movie, because "I LOVE Littlefoot!", and have limited viewing to one time so far. He got some cool race car tracks, a bowling set, and play food. He also got a Wii, which we finally hooked up tonight, and he's pretty excited about. He managed to bowl a 91 completely by himself the first game, and then a 92 the second game. Anytime we tried to help, he stated, "I don't need help. I'm fine." LOL. I'm glad he is able to play by himself already. Hopefully the one game will keep him entertained for awhile.
Overall, a great Christmas. R is already focused on his birthday coming again and the fact that he will be four. I got him a calander today to try to show him when it will be (all the way in September), but not sure that he gets it. At least he's enthusiastic!

Target

Today, I told R we were going to Target to pick up a couple of items. He replied, "Target? Oh I LOVE Target!!!" Not sure where he got this love from, but maybe it was the icee I bought us one time after school. He also does not like Wal-mart, which may be a reflection of my own dislike (but need) for Wal-mart. But he still thinks McDonald's is where the farmer is and begins singing EIEIO everytime we mention McDonald's. Funny how I never noticed that. Silly boy. :)

Dinosaurs

At dinner tonight, hubby mentioned that a certain museum has a dinosaur mummy. R replies, "Dinosaurs aren't for Mommy, they're for Ryan". I almost spit out my dinner I was laughing so hard. Then, R: See the dinosaur on my shirt? Hubby: Yes, that's a nice dinosaur. R: Want to see the dinosaur on my butt? He'll be nice to you. LOL! Good thing we knew he had dinosaur underwear on today otherwise I would be wondering why he had a dinosaur on his butt. :)

Visitng Santa

While R still doesn't like talking to strangers, people in character are a different matter. He went right up to Santa, sat down, and started talking about how there was no snow at his school and he really wanted snow. (He's still upset it didn't snow last week when forecasters predicted it was guaranteed.) Then he and Santa had a discussion about the reindeer. Then Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas. R replied "I have lots of toys at home. I don't need anymore." What a sweet kid! Then Mom volunteered "What about Buzz or Woody?", to which he replied, "I already have a little Buzz, I just need a little Woody." Again, very sweet. Especially considering this little Buzz looks like he came out of a Happy Meal and Grandma-Missy (as R calls her) got it at a garage sale. lol. Santa planned to bring the big Buzz and big Woody for Christmas, but maybe it won't be as big a hit as expected. Guess I need to find a little Woody for a stocking stuffer to cover my bases. lol. Anyway, back to the story - then R smiled for the camera, just like a pro, and we got a great shot. Merry Christmas!

Relationships

So, R asked for a brother today. He first mentioned he wanted to go see his cousins. Then he started asking where his brother was. We tried to explain some relationships within the extended family. He didn't understand why his two female cousins only had sisters (each other) and no brothers. He was finally okay with the fact that Mommy and Daddy both had a brother and a sister (at least one) each. Hopefully that's settled for now, and we won't be asked where babies come from any time soon.
Oh, and last night, R and I went out to get groceries. He knew I was going the wrong way to get to the "food store" (aka HEB). When I told him we were going to Walmart instead, he said "Again?" in a sad, kinda whiny voice, like we go to Walmart all the time. He prefers Target to Walmart (but I think that's because of the popcorn and icee). Then he tells me we should go to the food store and not Walmart. But he was right - Walmart was out of the items I specifically went to get. So, we headed over to HEB anyway. LOL. And he gave me directions to get there. What a great shopping buddy. Too bad neither store sells brothers. :p

Costumes and Christmas

R had a great time over Thanksgiving - got to have his favorite pumpkin pie at my parents' house! Didn't care so much about the turkey, but the pie was great. lol.
He's VERY excited about Christmas, but I think it's mostly because of the presents. He keeps calling it "MY Christmas". He loves the Christmas tree ("his tree"), and knows how to push the button to turn the lights on and off. He decorated the tree in traditional little kid style - all the ornaments in one spot on the low branches. Only had one bulb casualty. He is such a poser though - I pulled out the camera to catch some candid shots of the decorating. As soon as he saw the camera, he starts to put the next ornament on, then pauses, looks at the camera, and smiles mid-action. LOL. Wonder where he learned that from?
Oh, prior to decorating, he decided he needed a "costume". He found his lion party hat, a cloth stuffed wreath, and his jacket and assembled his costume (which consisted of the wreath going around his torso and the jacket draped ever so carefully on one shoulder). He then declared that he was Superman and wanted to go outside barefoot in the cold rain. Being the cool mom that I am (and knowing that colds don't really come from getting a chill in the weather), I let him go out on the deck in the drizzle, which lasted (like I knew it would) all of 30 seconds. Poor Lady thought he went out there to play with her. lol. What a fun boy.