I apologize for the long lag between posts. Something strange seems to happen between October and January where time puts on its seat belt and decides to take a ride on the Autobon. Or, maybe it's something about time flying when your having fun. To do a quick recap, we had a very nice Thanksgiving at home and made a feast for the whole 2.5 of us. Then preparations began for our trip to California for Christmas. Just before we left we had our own mini-Christmas at home. Mateo got to pull things from his stocking for the first time (from Santa, of course).
Santa left him things he might enjoy on an airplane: Play-Doh, a book, a puzzle, and some new Hot Wheels, one of which was an airplane. We then headed to the airport and I think Mateo's favorite part of the entire trip (including Christmas and all) was getting to ride on the bus that takes you from the economy lot to the airport terminal. No kidding. This kid loves buses, trucks, and trains like no tomorrow, and boarding this bus was a dream come true. Too bad it's only a 5 minute ride. Now, as a mom, I was anxious about going on a plane ride with a toddler who isn't quite known for sitting still...well, I don't know many that do at this point. But when Mateo saw the plane pull up to the gate, we might as well have been boarding the bus again. He couldn't wait! And to our surprise, he was great on plane. I think all the distractions I brought as well as a portable DVD player (thanks, mom!) helped a little. Our stay at grandma Karen and grandpa Robert's house was truly appreciated. I always feel like royalty there. Karen must have been a gourmet chef in her past life and every meal was a treat. Here are more pics of our stay.
Daddy and Mateo on the dock. Ducks would swim our way in hopes of some of bread and I think Mateo could spend his whole day feeding them and be happy.
Matt's dad and step mom live near San Diego but happened to be on their way to Sacramento for Christmas so we were able to see them for lunch. We went for Chinese food and Mateo had the best time using chop sticks to eat his noodles. I have to say, he was not bad at it!
We got to meet Mateo's newest cousin, Mia, who was already 6-months old. I have to say, I think she was the mellowist, most easy-going baby I've ever met. Oh, and of course really cute.
My mom and cousins also made their way up from LA, so we really got to see everyone this year (minus uncle Oren who decided to stay home with his new puppy). I think my mom got into her new role as grandma and did a good job spoiling Mateo (no complaints from anyone!). And more pics...
Matt dressed up (as he does annually) as Santa. He does a great job as St. Nick and some of the kids were excited to see him, and some terrified (Mateo included). Maybe next year we'll get him on his lap.
It was a treat for Mateo to run around with his cousins. There were 5 kids ages 3 and under this year. Oh my! I think I'm going to call this Christmas "The Year of the Truck" as I think Mateo got around 8 trucks...so many I couldn't fit them all in my suitcase for the trip home.
Matt and Karen also took Mateo to see his great grandma, below, and stopped in San Mateo to visit his cousin Nolan. It was another great Christmas and I want to thank everyone who made it as special as it was. Our trip home was long and tiresome, but it was good to see ol' Bebe again.
Our little guy turned 2 on January 10th! I still have a hard time believing it, but when I ask Mateo how old he is and he exclaims, "two!" and tries to hold up 2 fingers, I guess it sinks in a little. We had a small gathering at our house again this year. The theme was Mod Monkey, as you can see here. I got a little ambitious and nostalgic from my ol' cake decorating days and free-handed monkeys on little cupcakes for the big people and a giant cupcake for the birthday boy!
I also held the annual Mateo trivia quiz. As some may remember, last year it came down to a heated battle between grandma Karen and my pal Jenn. This year my friend Anne took the prize with a score of just 2.5 (out of 7). But, for the record, Karen was the ultimate winner with a score of 6. But since she was not able to come (answers came via telephone) this year and winner needed to be present, Anne got the prize! :o)
Mmmm, giant cupcake time!
We had a monkey pinata that I had some difficulty figuring out...but we got it open and out came a bunch of candy and bouncy balls. At that point, I don't know who was having more fun: the adults throwing bouncy balls in the kitchen or Mateo chasing after them.
Happy 2nd birthday, Mateo! We love you!
