Christmas Day is finally here!

Today is Dean's second Christmas, but definitely the first that he actually understands as he was only six months old last year. I wondered whether or not he would know how to "unwrap" his presents on Christmas morning so we allowed him to open one gift on Christmas Eve (which we will continue as a tradition with holiday pajamas - but this Christmas Eve he opened slippers).
At first, he didn't know what to think. Sure, these things he unwrapped looked like Elmo, but if they aren't dolls, what are they?





Oh! SLIPPERS! (a.k.a. "Mo Shoes" in the eyes and words of a one-year-old.)

Well, needless to say, he did just fine after the initial slipper-opening session and wanted to open all of his gifts (and anyone else's) immediately thereafter. In order to bide his time until Santa's arrival and until Christmas morning of course, we all hopped in the car and went sight-seeing in our neighborhood. Dean LOVED looking at all the decorated houses and loved any inflatable snowmen or Santas he saw, most of all. He would shout "no-man, no-man!" or "Tanta, Tanta!" from the backseat in excitement throughout the whole car ride. What a cutie.







When I woke Dean up at 8am Christmas morning the first thing he said was, "ni-night? Sleep?" Apparently he was still tired, but the moment I reminded him that now Santa had come and he could open presents, he was wide-awake. He valiantly marched down our stairs (okay, perhaps "valiantly" is a bit of an exaggeration as his tired little body practically fumbled and stumbled the whole way down in a daze)and into the wonderland of toys in the living room. I think he was a little overwhelmed because instead of attacking the toys, his usual routine, he just stared in disbelief.



But, don't get me wrong, with just the slightest nudge he was well on his way.





He even opened my presents if I wasn't looking!











See? Case and point.

Christmas was a success and Dean had a blast.

And "What about Eli" you inquire?




Well, He enjoyed it too...at least, I think he did.




Oh, and hey, before the day is done... what is any holiday without a good head injury?




Dean was hard at play when he tripped on one of his new toys and landed face-first into the coffee table.



Ouch - but don't worry, Daddy and Elmo made that knot on his forehead seem like fun!

Merry Christmas everyone!