Christmas Holidays and New Years Eve

Calder has had an eventful week or so. Jammed with lots of visitors and lots of firsts.He had his first Christmas and came away completely spoiled! I envy kids today and all the things they get. Although he mostly received clothes, I can just imagine all the toys he will get on future Christmas mornings. Christmas Eve was spent at my parents place and Calder certainly had a great time with his cousins Peter and Olivia. They kept him up and laughing for more than 5 hours! He didn't want to sleep, he just wanted to talk and laugh. Peter had the duties of handing out the first gifts this year, but Calder was so impressed that he has already secretly started to practice for next year. We're not sure if he can handle the duty full-time, but I think he had the potential for pulling out a gift or two next year. He'll be trying it!

Christmas morning was spent opening gifts at home and Calder barely lasted through the stockings, so he napped while his mom and I went through our own gifts. After his nap (he was really tired from all the playtime the night before), we helped him open up all his wonderful gifts. We packed in the car with his grandma and aunt Colleen and travelled to Campbellford for Christmas dinner in the country with my wife's family. Her aunt Karen and Uncle Pat own a truly magnificent home on a farm, rural but close to town, rustic but modern, all it needed was a bit of snow and it would be paradise! We've been there before and enjoy going back. While Calder was fawned over by my wife's relatives, we managed to squeeze in another superb meal that Pat and Karen cooked up. Pat is likeliest the best chef (who isn't a chef) that I have ever had the privilege to know. He's quite a nice guy too! I'm not sure how Pat and Karen divide the dishes, but it was amazing as usual. Quite an accomplishment when they were having trouble tasting dishes because of a cold they had. One day, I will figure out the recipe for his stuffing. Each year I get closer and closer to it. The cooking skills must run in the family as their daughter Samantha made some great desserts (I LOVE trifle). Thanks for the puppy Samantha, Calder loves it.



During the last week, Calder has also begun to get really interested in food, and his feet. Sometimes he confuses the two. His teeth are likely coming in, so there is drool everywhere and he is really starting to fight it when we put him to sleep. Being from a Euro background, I suggested putting some wine or brandy on his soother, but my wife and others just gave me dirty looks. Even people who I know have tried it themselves! Cheeky Monkeys that you are!



Speaking of cheeky monkeys, those words will always remind me of Saturday Night Live now, "were you looking at my bum, you cheeky monkey!".Calder is so cute, and now with his head growing a nice steady stream of hair (enjoy it my son, enjoy it!!!) bathtime is a chance for us to mold his hair into different styles and have a laugh with him.


I hope that this next year is full of joy, health and happiness for you Calder, and for all of you reading this. I've likely kissed my boy goodnight for the last time this year, and seen his smile for the last time this year. Until next year, everyone. Good thing it's only a couple hours away.

Goodnight Calder, Daddy loves you!