Noah as a stripper?

I work three 10 hour shifts as a nanny, so when I am at my own house it feels like there is always something I need to be doing. My list of projects is usually pretty long, especially this time of year. The other day was no exception.

I was finishing up our Christmas crafts, typing up something on the computer, and talking to Marci on the phone - all at the same time. As I finished the typing, I walked into the kitchen to find Noah had taken off all of his clothes.

Standing there in a diaper, he was pretty proud of himself, especially since his shirt was a onesie that should have involved snaps and pulling it over his head. I think he just pulled everything down, but either way I realized I should probably focus a little more on my kid, and less on my "to do" list. I don't think he was necessarily trying to get my attention, but he got it just the same. Hopefully this won't be come a habit for him, or at least not out in public.

nap time

At the house where I am a nanny, they have a playroom upstairs. In the corner of the room is a large basket filled with stuffed animals, mostly characters from Winnie the Pooh. This week Noah dumped over the basket and was playing with all of the animals while I read a book to Alyx. Soon he walked over to the light switch, just an inch or two too short to turn it off.

He was pretty insistent that he wanted the room darker, so after a few whiny moments, I reached over and flipped the switch. He then turn around and said "Night, night."

I looked, and the little Poohs, Tiggers, and Piglets were all laying down, scattered across the floor, as if they were ready to go to sleep. He even had a blanket out to cover them. I guess he thought they looked tired.

eat it, then wear it

I've always thought most toddlers live on a diet of chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. That's it. Noah is not much different, although he will venture out now and again. One night this week he ate his whole plate of ham and potatoes so when he asked for some tortilla chips I thought it was ok. There was pretty much just crumbs at the bottom of the bag so I trimmed it down to a few inches and then handed him the whole thing. He decided to dump the chips on his tray and wear the bag as a hat while he ate. Why? What about that bag of chips looked like a hat to him? By the end, it was bath night for sure.

The Tree

We put our Christmas tree up the day after Thanks- giving and so far it remains standing. The ornaments have moved to many different branches, and some end up in the kitchen, but for the most part Noah has done well with it. Last year it was behind the couch in the corner so this is his first chance to actually stand next to it.

When we had all the boxes out for decorating he really wanted to help. Of course most of what he played with was breakable, but he didn't know that. At one point he was hanging off my back as I looked through a box on the floor. Thanks for the help, Noah.

Marc and I think we will probably teach Noah from the start that Santa is a fictional character. He's fun to talk about, just like Mickey Mouse or the dog Blue. The real meaning of Christmas is much deeper, and it's more important to us that he learn about that instead. Of course if the occasional present from Santa ends up under the tree I'm sure no one will complain.

Does Mickey send gifts?