DECEMBER 2007
Continuing the Christmas theme, it was my work’s Kids Christmas Party at the beginning of the month. We took Callum and asked Nicola and Bradleigh to come along too. The two kids seemed to really enjoy it. Bradleigh really got into the spirit of things and got quite excited when Santa was talking to them all. Check out the photo galleries for some pics.
Callum loved seeing all the Christmas Decorations… especially the houses that put lights outside. We planned to make an effort with the front of the house next year once we have a Christmas Tree in the bay window, but as Callum liked the lights so much we did go get some lights to put in the window so that they could be seen from the outside. Callum did not know that we had done it and when we took him outside when it was dark so that he could see them he stared quietly for a few moments and then gasped loudly saying “that’s sign language for Christmas!”.
Callum was really into the idea of Christmas this year. Every day he asked how many days were there left. It was wonderful. The excited build up is what makes Christmas with kids so special.
We helped build the excitement. Little things, like the three of us curling up together on the settee under a blanket watching Polar Express, served to get Callum really in the mood for Christmas.
Callum's Christmas Play at Nursery was lovely, he was a singing reindeer. As well as my Mum and Dad, we invited Auntie Dawny along too. Callum loved being able to show his school off to Auntie Dawny and after his play he danced around in front of her.
We were really looking forward to going down to see Shaun’s family in Milton Keynes, but when the day came Callum was too poorly to go. He had come down with a sickness bug that was going around. He was coughing well again too. So Callum and I stayed at home while Shaun went down (he was taking his Mum down as she was staying there over Christmas).
Christmas Eve saw us at the Doctors having Callum checked out. A stronger dose of antibiotics were prescribed and he quickly showed signs of improvement.
Christmas Eve night was laughable. We got Callum to bed ok, but he was still not so well. During the day his excitement for Christmas had outweighed the fact that he didn’t feel too well and he had managed to do ok. At night it was a different story as he ‘dipped’ and wasn’t too good. Me and Shaun were busily trying to do the last minute Christmas jobs that we parents have to do, but every time we had our hands full Callum would wake up and start shouting us. It really made for a memorable night!
Christmas morning should have been an early start with Callum waking up excitedly. However, he had been so disturbed during the night that he was shattered! At 9am we were busy trying to wake him up to get him to go downstairs with us to see if Santa had been!
Eventually Callum woke up and we went downstairs. His face was a picture when he saw the mass of pressies under the tree sprawling out across the living room. It took him quite some time to work through them all!
We went to my Mum and Dad’s for Christmas lunch, our Andy was there too. As much as I have enjoyed cooking Christmas Dinner the last couple of years, it was lovely to be going back home. I’m hoping to be doing it again next year though.
Boxing Day was also spent at my Mum and Dad’s, Andy and Luke came too. Callum and Luke really enjoyed spending the day together. The downside was that Shaun started 4 nightshifts that night, so it kind of felt the Christmas was already over once Shaun went home in the afternoon to get a little sleep before work. Callum and I were staying at my Mum and Dad's well into the evening before getting ready to go home… although when push came to shove I had to go home alone as Callum wanted to stay over at Grandma and Grandad’s! Uncle Andy and Luke stayed too.
With Shaun at work at night and in bed during the day, me and Callum spent a lot of time with my Mum and Dad over Christmas.
The party season continued with a birthday party invite for Callum. He went to a school friend’s party on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year. He went dressed as Spiderman, the costume is reversible and he went as Black Spiderman… he looked great but wouldn’t wear the mask and the gloves soon came off!
At least Shaun wasn’t working New Year’s Eve. We very rarely go out at New Year (though choice), but this year we had planned to and Callum was staying at my Mum and Dad’s. We didn’t stay out too late because Shaun had to work New Year’s Day, but at least it made up for not seeing much of each other over Christmas. It think we’ll stay in next year though… I’d much rather be together as a family at New Year, I missed Callum too much.
Well, that’s 2007 over and done with. Best wishes to all as we see what 2008 brings.
Take care,
Amanda xXx
