The Uptons: Merry Christmas!

Christmas in our house was...interesting this year. We had a great time preparing for Christmas. Sydney learned about baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph by reading books. She also learned about Santa and how he brings toys. Once the house was decorated, she loved looking at the Christmas ornaments, snowmen, Nativity scene, and stockings.

2011 Christmas tree

Sydney posing in front of the tree

Since she is a little older, we were able to do more Christmas things with her. It was nice that Sydney understood more than last year. I know she still has a lot to learn, but she got the basic concept of things for sure. We started the season off in Morehead City for their lighting of the tree ceremony. They had carolers, hot chocolate, and Santa. I was apprehensive about how she would react to Santa. Last year she was basically oblivious and we were able to get the token pictures. I had convinced myself she would be terrified this year and we would get the quintessential screaming picture. Instead, she sat right on his lap and seemed rather intrigued. She definitely wasn't overly bubbly with him, more interested. We got some cute pictures although she wasn't very smiley. Morehead City also held their annual Flotilla while we were there. Local boat owners decorate their boats with lights and they have a "parade" after sunset. Unfortunately it was freezing cold, so we didn't stay for the entire thing (although it wasn't as great as I had hoped either).

Sitting on Santa's lap

Santa

MHC Christmas tree

One of the flotilla boats

While in Morehead, we also took some time to go to the beach for a few minutes as well as a local park during the beautiful daytime weather. Sydney had a blast looking at the ocean and seagulls, swinging, exploring, and just walking in general.

Posing on a dolphin

On the beach

Playing at the park

Swingin'

Checking things out

Sweet baby girl

We also took Sydney to Pullen Park for the Holiday Express. Pullen Park is the oldest public park in North Carolina and recently reopened after major renovations. We have brought Sydney before, but the Holiday Express was really neat. We pre-bought tickets, which sold out to control the number of people that came. It was super cold, so we didn't stay an overly long time, but it's something we will definitely do again. We started off by riding the train; around the track had been decorated with Christmas decorations and lights. Afterward, we took Sydney to sit on Santa's lap...with the same reaction as the Morehead Santa. I can foresee us making this an annual thing as I'm sure she will enjoy it more each year as she grows.

Waiting to ride the train

Patient waiter (paci helps!)

Cold family

Sydney and Mommy on the train

Not so sure about this...

Lemme check you out

We had grand plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Our plan was to spend the 23 and 24th with my parents in Clemmons and Christmas with Blake's family. Well, my mom (Sydney's Nana) ended up with bronchitis and an upper respiratory infection and her doctor recommended we stay away. Needless to say, we were all incredibly disappointed. Well, Christmas Eve night, Sydney woke up very upset in the middle of the night, which is incredibly not normal for her. At 6:30 we decided to go ahead and see what Santa brought her. It was like a taste of Christmases to come- being woken up in the wee hours to see what Santa brought! Sydney LOVED looking all of her toys and the distraction seemed to help her. She had trouble napping throughout the day even though she was beyond exhausted. We made a last minute decision to bring her in to Urgent Care, especially because her pediatrician was going to be closed the following day. The doctor on call diagnosed her with an ear infection (which turned out to be a misdiagnosis when we followed up with her pediatrician). That night she slept well, but I think that was because the doctor also recommended Zyrtec. Christmas night we did see Blake's family for a bit, but not for a super long time because his mom (Sydney's MeMe) was also sick. Needless to say, we celebrated later with both sets of grandparents, but it definitely wasn't the Christmas we planned for.