Shamai and Shapai
Uncle Marlon and Me
After my Christmas bath I wore a onesie that said, "#1 on Santa's List"
Shamai makes me laugh
Padrinho Loris and Madrinha Roopali
Cousin Ryan tickling me
Daddy is giving me some sustinance so that I can party on!
Shamai and Mummy
Mummy and Daddy
Shapai and Me on Christmas Day
Shammy, Shappy, and Me
Grammy B. and Mummy...they are wiped out!
Maya's Christmas celebration began on Christmas Eve when she went to Shapai and Shamai's home for dinner. The house was beautifully decorated with a tree, ornaments, and lots of Christmas knick knacks. When we walked in we got the aroma of Shamai's roast. After some appetizers, we sat down for dinner and then got ready to open our presents. Maya was in her usual form, asleep in her car seat. We gathered around the tree and opened the wealth of presents that Santa had brought us. Shapai, Shamai, and Marlon seemed to really like the presents Maya got them. Later on that night, we went for midnight mass at Our Lady of the Valley. Maya looked beautiful in her red dress and red shoes. We had to wake her up to get them on, but after dressing and feeding her, her happy disposition resurfaced. The whole family came to church for the midnight mass and Maya was so well behaved. Despite the incense, loud music, and long sermon, she slept through the entire mass. After midnight mass, it was off to sleepy time so that we could be up early Christmas morning to head over to Grandma and Grandpa Smith's for the opening of presents.
Leaving for work this morning was one of the most difficult experiences I had. Maya was awake and in a playful mood. Thank goodness Grandma Betty was going to take care of her as I could not fathom the thought of leaving her with a stranger. I had power prepped this weekend making easy weekday meals, organizing my closet, wrapping the last of the Christmas presents, and making sure that Maya's stuff was organized. Brad got sick on Saturday night so I was nursing him (back to health) as well.
Maya gets sponge baths every day, but on Saturdays she gets a real bath. We setup our bath station in the kitchen sink and the little angel gets a full immersion bath. When we first started our immersion baths Maya was very skittish and would wiggle a lot, but she has now come to really enjoy her baths. I think Maya will turn out to be a water baby. Once the bath water has been checked, Maya is immersed and with a measuring cup, I pour some water over her head. She is really brave about water dripping into her eyes. Once all the nooks and crannies are washed, it's time to turn over and pour warm water over the back. Maya loves it when her stomach touches the water - it's almost like she's swimming. After washing all the soap off, we wrap up really warm and cuddly and are off to the changing station. Bath time is so much fun!
The Smiths in the Xmas Spirit
Maya, all bundled up and ready to face the cold.
Mummy and Maya at the North Pole
Mummy showing off her snow bunny.
The Smith Family meets Santa Claus
For Maya Rose, the North Pole was located at Travel Town in Burbank. Brad surprised us with a nightime rendevous with none other than Mr. Claus. After a very successful physical therapy appointment, we piled into our trusty Corolla and braved Friday night traffic. Once we got to Travel Town, we piled into a train that took us to the North Pole. On the way we saw lots of reindeer, candy canes, snowmen, and lots and lots of fairy lights. It was 49 degrees so Maya was bundled up in her snow bunny outfit and wrapped in a warm blanket.
Santa Claus recruited a beautiful little elf named Maya Rose. She has a button nose, rosebud lips, three chins, rosy cheeks, a thick head of hair, and chubby arms and legs. At seven weeks this elf is now responding to our voices with giggles and smiles. Maya has a swing that keeps her busy for hours. As she swings back and forth watching the mobile overhead, she listens to what sounds like church music. This swing allows her Mummy and Daddy to eat dinner and watch TV in peace. This swing hypnotizes the little elf and sends her into slumber. Maya is now very animated, laughing when tickled and giggling away at her reflection. Her sleep patterns are getting more consistent and she has increased the amount of milk she has. The eating and resting is a good thing since Santa is going to depend on little Maya these next few days as he races around the world.
Well, this year, Christmas shopping has taken on a whole new dimension. It's been difficult getting to the stores, but thanks to Grandma Betty, I have been able to get quite a bit done. I usually do my shopping through the year as I see things that people may like and try to get everything wrapped way before December 20th. Having just met Maya seven weeks ago, I am now getting an idea of what she will like. The problem with this is that I am reliving my entire childhood through her. My shopping cart has been piled with dolls, a doll house, a radio flyer wagon, a kitchen set, shoes, clothes for a toddler, and all sorts of ridiculous stuff. Thank goodness my brain restarted itself and helped me rationalize the situation and put the stuff back on shelves. Instead, I settled for some rattles, books, lots of cute infant onesies, a red velvet dress with shoes to match, a porcelain ballerina pig piggy bank, and some learning toys.
