Tag Archives: Heidi

A necessary dose of baby

I have more coming, but to satisfy my own needs for a dose of baby James (yes, I’m in severe withdrawal at the moment), I have some delightful pictures of the little guy, who is unbelievably turning 1 year old this January.

1 year old?? Wasn’t he just, like, born?

He’s safely back in Alaska, and the next time we see him he will probably be walking. Talking. Even running! I’ve always laughed a little at the people who say longingly “they grow up so fast!”, but I am now undoubtedly one of them. Because part of me wishes James could stay at this age forever.

One day he won’t be saying “ba!” anymore. Or making the hilarious nodding/head jerking motion when he’s really, really excited about that next bite of food. Or yanking indiscriminately at pant legs with those fat little hands to pull himself into a standing position. He may even thin out, and then what baby rolls will I be able to grab? The mere thought makes me want to burst into tears. There’s nothing like a velvety, fatty, baby thigh to make the world seem like a brighter place (see here for more on that matter).

Though I know Heidi is right when she says he’ll just become cute in other ways as he grows up, I have an alternate plan: since Heidi’s child-bearing days are certainly not over, I am hoping that she and Mike will produce a clone of baby James–one per year.

Over and over again, so that there is an unending supply of little 11-month-olds saying ‘ba’ and bobbing their heads.

Isn’t that the best plan ever? Now I just have to find a mad scientist to give me a helping hand.

Let me know if you all have any leads. Or if I’ve finally creeped you out enough that you’re never returning–I realize that’s a distinct possibility with every post I write.

But let’s get to the visuals!

Captions are provided by my dear husband, who is equally as in love with this baby as I am.

Well yes, I see your point, but I read an article in the New York Times saying the exact opposite. Do you read the Times?

Oh! I didn’t realize we were taking pictures! Hang on while I get this stoplight out of my mouth . . .

This. Is. The. Best. Apple. I’ve. Ever. Had. Period.

You can hold me . . . if you want.

How many times have I told you not to kiss me in public, Mom! Goosssh!

I pretty much got this under control.

Where Santa’s letters actually go

In the village of North Pole, Alaska, lives a man named Santa Claus.

Or so the story goes.

Fun fact–the town of North Pole is actually South of Fairbanks, where Heidi lives. So she can claim with utmost authority “I live North of North Pole.” Of course, North of the North Pole is a different matter.

As I’ve mentioned before, the town hosts a very large Christmas store, where you can purchase Alaska paraphenalia, crêches, ornaments, Christmas trees . . .

. . . and even visit with the fenced-in reindeer out back. Hello Prancer. Or is it Dancer? Sorry. . . you all look the same to me.

While we were there in September, we decided to get an ornament. There were so many choices that it was a difficult task.

The felt sweater or the little wooden sled? The snowflake or the moose?

Thankfully, little James had a clear opinion.

Posted on some of the walls and columns of the store . . . letters to Santa!

I guess they come somewhere after all. I heard that parents can pay “Santa” to actually answer these letters. I wonder what Santa’s going rate is these days. Anyway, I wanted to put up a couple of these letters as we enter the Christmas season for your enjoyment and amusement.

Can I please

have three Junie B. Jones. And some Junie B. books. One stupid smelly bus, the christmas one, and a monster under her bed plus some beads. Thanks. Love,

Abagaile.

Pleas
Pleas
Pleas
Pleas
Pleas
Get Me
a Castle
Pleas
Dan
Marinoe
Jersy

Dear Santa, am I beaing good for Christmas? I hope I am. Do you have little Elves? How are you doing? How old are you? Here’s a Chistmas list

E-Kare
Fisher Price sweet streets
play CD
Lizzemicd
a pitcher of you and Mrs. Clas and elves
from Erin kinney

Dear, Santa

I have been a little naghty This year I am sorry. If I end up getting any thing this year I would love to have a puppy, I would help out more at the house. Santa I would not ask for anything els for the rest of the year.

Love,

Mackenzie

It will be a while before this little guy writes his first letter to the Big Fat Bearded Man.

Lookin’ good in that hat there, James.

Do I have to keep wearing this?

So–did you guys ever write letters to Santa? And did you believe in him? And do your kids write letters to Santa? And how much is Santa charging these days for a response?