The holidays already were so fun having an infant; everyone is excited to celebrate the first Christmas with your first child. It really was magical, unforgettable, and overwhelming all at one. After Thanksgiving I immediately got into Holiday Mode. It was fun bringing Jack to the Grove for a mommy and baby day out. I purchased his holiday outfit at Janie and Jack. I wanted to buy everything. I was determined to do all the holiday staples; lighting of the holiday trees, visit to Santa, and as many holiday activities as possible.
Jack was turning 6 months, and I have to say… this has been my favorite month by far since he has been born. Developmentally, Jack was turning into a little boy. He has more curly hair, he is not turning from front to back on his tummy, and he just more alert. Jack is now trying to sit up alone, still wobbly, but trying. Jack sleeps at 9pm until 6am, and is taking 3 naps. He is fully on solids now. We have tried just about all the essential power foods, pureed and soft for Jack to try. But towards the end of December Jack said his first word while he was taking a bath- He said “Dada”.
There were so many special moments during this month. I will hopefully never forget it. Something I would like to tell moms that I learned around the holidays with my newborn was- “do what you want”. The holidays can have a lot of pressure; “where should you go?”; “what holiday party should you attend?”; “how much should you spend on holiday gifts?”- It can be exhausting. I just decided to be honest, and tell everyone what I could and could not do, and it made everything so easy.
I know I have a ton of lists on Baby Bustle; but during December this was a must-
FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOMENTS-
- Jack was totally eating “Earth’s Best” organic baby products, and fresh pureed fruit/vegetable baby food.
- Our first baby- Christmas tree. Jack lit up when the entire tree was dressed; but he sat on his play mat while I trimmed the tree.
- We celebrated my parents Anniversary at the Raymond. It was so adorable. It had a great cozy cottage holiday vibe. I just love seeing my immediate family with jack.
- Family Family Family- On December 8th my eldest sister Michelle planned a 20 cousin meet up in Studio City. This was wonderful because every cousin at this point had met Jack.
- Our Holiday Christmas Card shoot. I remember Toro being with us, and that is all that mattered.
- Mommy and Me- it was great having my Mommy and Me friends during the holidays. There is so much support and love.
- Santa- On December 16th Jack had his first ever Santa encounter. I could not have thought of a better way, than to do this with my childhood best friend Kara and her son Peyton. This was a very very special night.
- The Tree Lighting- On December 20th, Jack, Ryan, and I went to the Grove and watched the tree lighting. This was so much fun, and a great family outing.
- He turned 6- December 21st Jack Turned 6 months officially, and his Santa outfit was priceless.
- Pre-Christmas Dinner- We had dinner at his Uncle Charlie’s house, and it was nice to see Jack with one of Ryan’s good friend, his god father.
- My Mom made something special- on Christmas Eve my mother presented the most special present I have received to date. Jack had a special personalized stocking (See my other entry).
- Cooking on Christmas Eve- This was so fun; Ryan made steaks at my parents’ house, I made a scalloped potato dish, with charred carrots, and brocollini. While we cooked the family took care of Jack while holiday music played. We ate dinner as a family, opened up presents and went to midnight mass like we have for 39 years
- Christmas Morning- Presents and Breakfast. Opening up that first present with Jack was great. He got a great big white chair from his grandma, and too many toys from Santa. Ryan and I had a boozy Christmas morning. We made cheesy eggs, biscuits and gravy, bacon, and pancakes. It is a new holiday tradition. Conroy style.
- Christmas evening- We went to the Santos family where, Jack enjoyed his first Christmas with the family. We ended the night at Uncle Charlies- stuffed.
- The day after Christmas- we saw my best friends from Highschool, and all of them got to see Jack at the same time.
