All I want for Christmas is…EVERYTHING!

Between the Cowley and Blanchard Christmas festivities, our little Kori walked away with a mountain of goodies. We want to thank everyone for making Kori’s first Christmas so special. We’ve all had our fair share of quality versus quantity debates....I don’t run into too many situations where more is better but I can honestly say that this one ended in a big fat sister kisser or tie to laymen.  From teething tools and clothes to Activity Lions and pink convertibles, all the gifts were great and are promised to get much use. She’s been awake for a total of 8 hours these last two days if that tells you anything. If you’re going to go, go hard I guess!

Christmas morning has always been Christmas morning, but as you “grow up” it tends to lose a little bit of its luster. Anyway, my first Christmas as a parent brought those little kiddy ants back in my pants.  Stacey may word it differently but I’m sure she will agree with me on that one. Personally, I was pretty excited to put on the dad hat and get to work.  At some point, my mind allowed me to stop what I was doing and assess. What did I see? Oh you know…some nerd holding a camera and a video camera trying to operate both at the same time while narrating.  It would have been nice if someone had whispered, “Pst! You know that video camera can take pictures too!” I think it was easier back in the day when the video cameras were as big as a suitcase. At least with those you were only looking out of one lens and forced to use one electronic device at a time.  But then again it was such a pain in the you know what to rewind the entire tape and hook it up to the TV for a replay....thank goodness for digital I guess.  Forgive me with some of the pictures/videos if they seem a little off center…it was my first Christmas tooJ

We didn’t have any raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens, but, in the spirit of Julie Andrews and her list of favorite things, I thought I might list a few of my favorite moments from the past two weeks excluding the obvious football, food, and booze riff.

I’ll start with our trip to St. Louis…

·         Nothing specific, but I really enjoyed sharing her with the extended family. It’s always a proud moment when I introduce her to someone new but it’s even better when its family and she’s in her Christmas best. I’ll assume time spent with Uncle Nick, Aunt Jaime, Great Uncle Jer-O, Memaw, and Great Zma is considered. It always stings a bit to take her away. (What do you do when the dog bites or the bee stings? I simply remember my favorite things. You see the effect my mother in-law has on me. Referencing the Sound of Music? C’mon, Tom!)

·         Watching Bailey and Kori square off in what could only be described as “showdown.” They sort of collaborate to form the unique atmosphere of bliss and betrayal. Again, I’m on the fence with this one. Dynamic Duo or Bitter Rivals?

·         Kicking it with some ole high school buddies. I almost miss getting made fun of that much in one sitting. Who doesn’t enjoy having all their imperfections, new and old, brought to the inner circle’s attention?

(Do I dare continue after filling up a page worth already? I shouldn’t but I’m gonna. Certainly, there are moments I’ve overlooked in St. Louis, but I’m going to head back to Tulsa for now.)

·         You know? I never thought I would admit this but I had fun at church the other night. They had a candle light ceremony at Asbury on Christmas Eve that all of us attended. Don’t be fooled! I’m no season ticket holder when it comes to church…more of a fair weathered fan if we’re being honest. Maybe I had the right mindset or toy (Kori) in my lap, but I was moved.

·         Grandpa Blanchard kicking off his new “Twas the Night Before Christmas” tradition.

·         Unwrapping the gifties with the little one and putting them together.

·         Reliving the day I proposed to my B-E-A-utiful wife. Three years ago Sunday. (Brownie Pts.)

Wrapping it up! Apologies all over if I left you out. If you stay tuned, I’m sure it’ll come to me in a later blog. In conclusion, it was a great Christmas and I know they are only going to get better. Fade to black…

         I apologize for the sideways pictures, for some reason my computer won't let me rotate them
 Ready to go to church on Christmas Eve

     

 Grandpa Blanchard reading the Night Before Christmas

I hope these will hold her over till her b-day in July