The Christmas Season is in full swing and it's easy to appreciate the magic of the holiday since we are all healthy and we made it through another week without visiting the hospital. To get in the spirit at school, my class made paper chains, designed Santa's workshops to hang on our windows, and crafted Advent wreaths and ornaments to adorn our classroom. We also put up our class Christmas tree and lights which we gather around and turn on at the end of every day to sing a Christmas carol. I feel lucky to teach a class of seven- and eight-year-olds because there is still a magical feeling in the air at the mere mention of Father Christmas.
Today, we took Jackson to meet Santa Claus who was waiting in his 'grotto' at Jackson's nursery. The nursery and school have five different buildings so there was enough room for many activities and a special room decorated just for Santa and his helpers where, after waiting in a line for about twenty minutes, Jackson met Santa and we got to take his picture. He also got a wrapped present from Santa. Jackson took his time walking towards Santa and I served as a barrier between him and his new friend, but even though he was a bit leery of Kris Kringle, he didn't cry. Instead, he just watched the Jolly Old Elf intently and took everything in with a discerning stare. We were really happy with the entire experience because Santa took his time to talk with Jackson and with a big stairway leading to Santa, we couldn't hear any of the other kids waiting in line. It was a similar set-up to Ralphie's climb in A Christmas Story, but with a more jovial Santa.
After we made our visit to the grotto, we enjoyed German sausages, visited the Year 6 Business Club stalls, went to the craft and activity tables where Jackson made a gift tag (and allowed himself an impromptu tour of the classrooms), and we listened to Christmas carols by a pianist--and Jackson wasn't afraid to start dancing in the middle of the hall (gymnasium). There were also raffle tickets to buy, a cake sale, mulled wine and hot chocolate for sale, and a Yankee Candle gift stall run by some of the parents.
The best part of the day was when Jackson saw his teachers, he gave all of them a hug and one of them even said that I am the "luckiest mom in the world." She said that Jackson "always eats every bite of his meals, smiles all the time, and is always happy." Wow! What a wonderful compliment and a fulfilling feeling to hear how content our little baby is when he's out on his own in the world without his mommy or daddy to lean on.
Tomorrow Jackson will be turning 14-months-old and we are so proud of him and everything that he has learned to do. He will always be our little baby, but we can see many traits of his boyish, toddler side coming through, especially since he started walking. We are so grateful for our perfect, lovable, caring little boy!
Smiling by the Christmas tree at Ashbridge
Jackson's first visit to a real Santa's grotto
Ashbridge Nursery decked out for Christmas
Jackson gave us a tour of the pets and pointed to his favourite rabbits
Our beautiful baby boy
Developmental updates: Jackson has developed a 'shocked' face when he is surprised by something or someone--especially when we sneak up on him. His sociable side has blossomed even more and we saw this as he boldly approached all of the children of his same height and stood face-to-face, trying to talk to them at the Christmas event today. There was one girl in particular today that he really wanted to befriend and despite her efforts to ignore him, he went to 'talk' to her three times and even moved her hair out of her eyes with his left index finger. Smooth, Jackson. After she smiled and finally interacted with him, then he went on his way. Jackson also tried to make friends with a boy in the local carpet and flooring store today. (We went back to put an order in for carpeting for our stairs and landing. All of that should be done next Saturday so tune in for the before and after photos.) The final example I saw of Jackson becoming friendlier with his peers was when he entered nursery on Monday, he walked over to Liliana and gave her a hug, rested his head on her shoulder and kept hugging her for about 30 seconds! It was heartwarming to say the least. He must have waited all weekend to finally do that. He is still giving us hugs and has started holding our hands when he wants us to go walking with him. Jackson is also giving 'kisses' to us and leaning in toward us so we can sit forehead-to-forehead with him. His latest favourite song is Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Jackson's done very well this week and has switched completely to only drinking whole milk, leaving the formula in the dust (pun intended). He likes to share his toys with us and to hand us various objects he finds throughout the house. Jackson also had his first experience of clearing out a kitchen cupboard of its entire contents and he chose to start with the Tupperware. He actually managed to put two pieces back before he called it quits and headed up the stairs to bed.
If you see Sammie Miles Davis, Jr. and Bella, give them my love.
