Saturday, December 26, 2009

Fletch's First Christmas

With Fletch in the lead for number of presents under the Christmas tree, he was ready to go when he woke up Christmas morning.We all sat down in front of the Christmas tree to prepare for the fun. Fletch did amazingly well at opening his first present.
After the first present was opened, he sort of lost interest. Mommy had to help him out with the rest of his gifts. By the look on his face, he seemed to love everything he received. It was a wonderful day for all three of us, regardless of what was under the Christmas tree. Fletch is our favorite gift this year!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas from The Shocks

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Fletch's First Snow

Fletch experienced his first snowfall last Saturday. I think he is a little indifferent at this point, but I'm sure he'll enjoy it when he can actually play in it. We attended Sammy's birthday party at the clubhouse, so while we walked over I snapped a shot of Fletch with Daddy in the snow: I put the sweater Uncle Chris gave on Fletch. It's pretty darn cute and he'll be growing into it this winter season. I even found some small mittens at BRU that fit Fletch. Unfortunately Fletch doesn't have any fur on his face to keep it warm like Daddy (but I'm okay with that).

Friday, December 4, 2009

Our Little Elf


I took Fletch to see Santa during the day today, to avoid the catastrophe of holiday weekend mall madness. Santa was on break...er...I mean feeding his reindeer when we got there. However, it was only a short wait until the man himself came "Ho Ho Ho"-ing around the corner. Fletch did great and didn't freak out when I handed him over to the big guy. His-Jollyness was quite fond of Fletch as well. I wonder what Fletch asked for? I'm hoping it wasn't for his two front teeth. Mama is still breastfeeding :) It took us a total of five minutes. I purchased the smallest package, which also included a free ornament for $20. Not bad in these over-inflated times. Hopefully it will arrive in time to hang it on the tree this year. Here is a preview of the ornament: