First Visit to Santa and Christmas Program

Jillian had her first holiday program last Wednesday. She was so excited about the night and when we got there she ran around, hyper and happy. But soon it ended. The tears came. We tried to calm her down by taking her outside but it got worse because she thought she was missing the program (it hadn't started yet). She finally got back to normal but then it was time to begin. All the kids went to the back of the church and out some doors to file in for their big entrance. Her class was announced and started filing in but where was Jillian? Bringing up the rear, crying in the arms of her teacher.


The first song she cried through, started to rally towards the end of the second. By the third and last song she was fine, jumping up in the air and landing on her bottom.


Earlier in the night she met Santa, her first time ever. Boy, she was ready. She was shaking with excitement. She kept a big smile on her face. I think she forgot to tell him what she wants - a skateboard - but he'll get the message.

Disneyland!

(Jillian holds on to Mater's tooth)

We decided to take Jillian to Disneyland for her 3rd birthday. Well, actually, before her 3rd birthday so we wouldn't have to pay for her. We went for 3 days. Jillian's Mima and Papa made this happen for us and came with us for Jillian's first visit. We stayed at the Grand Californian and had adjoining rooms. That made going to the parks so easy. We also had a few visitors. Ethan and Adam came on our first day and the Stephens family joined us on the last day.

Jillian's first ride was supposed to be Dumbo but it broke down! This is from a later ride. We went to Casey Jr., the train ride right next door. Dumbo became ride #2.

The cousins together. They got along really well. Those boys have energy!

The grandparents and grandkids are ready to go!

Jillian loved meeting the characters. She didn't get her mom's fear of costumed characters.

Jason, Jillian, Emma and Doug. We were so happy they could join us!

We loved the World of Color show at California Adventure. It was beautiful and fun to watch Jillian get excited at each music and scene change.

Jillian's first character encounter with Alice.

The gang in front of Mima's favorite ride, Matterhorn.

Beginning our adventure on Day 2. We got in early and it wasn't very busy.

Moving to the 3 Year Old Classroom & A Night Without Daddy

So the school wants to move Jillian to the 3 year old classroom this week. We were/are nervous as it has only been 2 months in the 2 year old classroom. She tried out a visit today to the 3 year old class. We prepped her and her teachers prepped her. I went out to the playground to pick her up and she runs over to me and says, I kid you not, "Mom, I actually think I'm going to like this." I asked her to repeat it to make sure I heard her correctly. She had such a great time with the 3 year olds and so we feel much better about this move!

Tonight Jason has a happy hour with friends so it is just Mommy and Jillian. I called Olive Garden for a dinner pick up (can you believe I still have giftcard money for there?! That is the only reason I did it!!) and it came with chocolate milk. Jillian was in heaven. She drank it all before we even got home. Now she is watching Toy Story and eating Mac and Cheese. We're going to pick up Jason at 8 and she is so excited to put on her jammies and ride in the car to get her Daddy!

1st Shiner

A couple weekends ago Jillian was being adorable, walking upstairs and into her bedroom for her nap with her eyes closed. She was pretending she was asleep. Well as we get into her bedroom she trips (on nothing - she's not graceful) and falls eye first into the metal folding chair we keep in her bedroom. I freak out. She cries. Dad keeps a cool head and checks her out. 5 minutes later she is fine. I am still a mess. She got a small cut from where she hit and a heck of a shiner!

Jillian Dresses Herself

For about a week or so Jillian has expressed an interest to dress herself. This includes selecting the actual garments, removing her pjs and putting on her new clothes. She can usually take off her socks and pants no problem. Taking off the shirt is usually a greater challenge and often results in some grumbling and whining. If we offer help she is quick to turn up the volume on the whining but will finally give in.

Putting on the new clothes is always a challenge. This is definitely not my favorite way she shows her independence. Her pants don't make it past her diaper and it is so sad to see her hopping around trying to pull them up. She gets lost in her shirt and doesn't get the concept of a front or a back. Same for pants, actually. Shoes and socks are her strong suit. She can get on most pairs but it can take a few tries depending on her patience and concentration levels.

The best part is to see what she picks out. This photo is from her first day choosing her entire outfit. Classic!

Papa's Birthday

Yesterday we celebrated (my dad) Papa's birthday. We went to Casa de Bandini in Carlsbad and sat on their outdoor patio. All the kids got antsy and ran around, stopping occasionally to sit with Papa. When the free birthday dessert came out the kids came running back. I'm not sure he got very much of his birthday flan.

Friends Come to Visit

Yesterday Emma (and Marie) and Rachel (and Heather) came to visit us. The girls had not been over in a really long time and now everyone was old enough to play with all of Jillian's fun toys. Jillian was not interested in being a hostess. She did interact with her guests but she often played in another room. She would be thrilled one minute to show them something and then distracted by Snow White the next. It was still super fun to have guests. Thanks for coming over!