Grandma Linda Saves Christmas (Pictures)

The weather was beautiful in Florida this Christmas.

Lola began her celebration by picking the ripe orange from the little tree. Her grandparents had saved it for her.


She liked sitting outside on the bench in 70 degrees and sunshine.


We are just barely awake in this picture of stocking-opening fun.


Lola liked bringing presents to lucky recipients.


Josh and I received this gift, upon which Lola had embroidered a Christmas tree at school. She actually did the embroidery (it was really basic).


Here, Ernie the pug gets into the fun of present-opening with Lola.

Slight Problem: Pictures Lost in Transit

While I was trying to download the pictures from the camera, they were lost (wiped from the camera, while they didn't make it to the laptop). Thank goodness I made a Christmas video for my parents! We lost all the pictures of Lola opening her wonderful gifts from relatives, but I will take some pictures of her playing with her new loot.--K

Oh My Goodness!

At 5:45 tonight, Lola awoke from a deep nap and was given a huge surprise. We let her open her biggest package from Grandpa and Grandma P., because it was too big to fit in the car for our drive to Tallahassee tomorrow. This package proved to hold one of the most amazing three-year-old presents imaginable--a complete Breyer stables--and Lola was euphoric. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! She can't be hauled away from playing with it to thank you on the phone, however.

Too Smart for Oedipus

Lola had an Oedipal moment last night when she declared while we were all sitting on the couch that she was married to Daddy. I did what the development books say you are supposed to do, which is to assert the truth, calmly. "Well, Lola, actually I'm married to Daddy. Daddy is my husband." Lola replied, smiling, "No, he's my husband." Again, I followed the textbook. "I'm married to Daddy, but when you grow up you'll find someone very nice to marry." Lola didn't react as the books said she would, though. Instead, she looked very distressed and wailed, "But I want to stay with YOU," meaning both Daddy and I. Josh said, "Ooh, she is smart." I instantly tried to make it right. "Lola, you're going to stay with us forever. We'll always be your mommy and daddy, and we'll always love you." This tack calmed her immediately. I think the Oedipal instinct is a little more complicated than the books say!

Home for the Holidays

We've been doing a lot of fun things: tree-decorating, gingerbread-baking with friends.