Merry Christmas Sweetie! As you can see from the picture Daddy got us matching Christmas sock monkey PJ's. Don't we look cuddly? You are not nearly as afraid of Santa this year, however you still requested someone sleep with you. Christmas morning you were very excited to dive right into present opening. It makes me a teeny bit sad. I miss the way you wanted to stop and play with every new thing you opened. This year, you're chomping at the bit to move on to the next one.

You said you got everything you wanted, so I guess Santa and your parents did pretty good. Sunday we went to Nana and Papa's house and had Christmas there, and today Grandpa and Grandma Denise came over late morning. He read you the "poop story" that Aunt Allison sent you for Christmas. It's about a little mole who has someone poop on his head, and he's trying to solve the mystery of whodunit. Both you and Grandpa were in stitches. I added the video of him reading it, I hope it works.

Once again you have been a very good girl this year. Daddy and I are so proud of you. I hope you weren' t dissappointed that Mama had to work on Christmas day. I was just happy I could be there in the morning to see you when you first took in everything. That's the best moment.

First I have to give a little background. Last year in Preschool, I heard about Max all the time. Max did this, Max had to go in timeout. Everyday, there was a story about all the bad stuff Max did. So when I found out he was going to be in your Kindy class I was a little annoyed and apprehensive. He was such a distraction last year, and I didn't really want to have that again. Well, I don't know what they did with him over the summer, but he is a different kid this year. He still doesn't listen real well, but it's more because he's too busy and not because he's trying to be obnoxious. He even gave me a hug at the Christmas party.

Anyway, your teacher, Mrs. Bowman, pulled me aside and said, "Did Elise tell you about what happened today?" I said "No". Well, apparently you and another student didn't hear the bell at recess and got left outside. When it was discovered that you were missing, the Aide went out and found the two of you still on the playground. You were a little upset because you realized that you missed the bell. But the funny part is, the other student was Max! When I asked you what happened you told me that you were having so much fun, you didn't hear the bell, and would I stop asking about it because I was making you feel embarrassed. Okay, so maybe it's just funny to me, but I felt like signing, "Elise and Max sitting in a tree..." You know the rest.

I had to quickly record this for posterity and to have this on record for future use. And because it was just too dang cute. Tonight when I tucked you in, we had this conversation.

E: I love you, Mama.
M: I love you too. Promise, you'll love me forever.
E: I promise.
M: Pinky swear.
E: Pinky swear. **pinkies entwined**
M: I hope so. Someday, you'll be a teenager, and you'll probably think I'm a big dummy.
E: Why?
M: Because when you're a teenager you'll want to do all these things, and sometimes I'll tell you you can't. And I'll make you do things you won't want to do.
E: What things do teenagers do?
M: Well, they have a lot of homework. And they play sports, and have jobs, and drive cars. They like boys.
E: I don't wanna like boys. **nose wrinkle**
M: But when you're a teenager you will. When you're a teenager, you'll probably even want to kiss boys.
E: **tears starting** I DON"T WANNA BE A TEENAGER!! I DON"T WANT TO KISS BOYS!! I ONLY WANT TO KISS MY DADDY!! **really crying now**

At this point, you are sobbing, and I'm trying to comfort you while I'm laughing. I called Daddy up there and related the conversation to him, and we both snuggled you and reassured you that you wouldn't be a teenager for a long time.