Santa Claus

We went to the mall tonight to take Sam's picture with Santa. While we were waiting in line, Sam started babbling -- ba-ba, da-da, ga-ga! That may not sound like a big deal, but it was amazing. You can't really get a feel for how is voice is going to sound when he is just squealing and blowing raspberries. It was the cutest little voice, and I didn't want him to stop.

When it was our turn in line, the "photographers" were preoccupied with the previous family. I walked up to Santa and tried to hand Sam over. Santa was a little nervous and said, "Don't hand him to me until they are ready to take the picture if you think he is going to cry." I said that I didn't think that was going to happen. You can tell from the picture that Sam wasn't scared. And, yes, I realize that he is wearing shorts. Christmas in Texas -- it was in the 70's today.

When we came home, Sam started laughing at everything. It was so cute. Unfortunately, he gets the hiccups every time he laughs. It almost makes me feel guilty.

It was our 10th anniversary last night. Ian and Roya came over and baby-sat. We went out for sushi. It was nice to be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the meal. It was the first "date" that we'd been on since he was born. Sam slept for a little while for them, but woke up and played before we came home. His present to us was sleeping through the night! I couldn't think of anything that I wanted more.

-- Emily