Of course there is food, the normal ham, turkey, and mashed potatoes, but then, there were tamales. And oh my yum. The family friend that makes them for us makes them special for Jose's mom, and puts extra chicken and sauce so it isn't dry. They were deliciously beautiful.
The one random thing about their food choices--I finally noticed--is that there aren't vegetables. We had a salad but that's it. It's very strange for those of us that pop open a can of corn or green beans for every meal.
The food starts at 8ish and then there are games and of course music and dancing. There is always a "white elephant" gift exchange, and I put that in quotes because the gifts don't actually qualify as white elephants. They are AWESOME. We went home with a glass pyrex bowl set, and there was a big blanket, and an adele cd and a nativity. There were only like 4 true qualifying as white elephant gifts, and the 3 grandpas that were there left with lip gloss or nail polish. :)
I was truly hoping Luca would be cooperative last night, but alas that was not the case. He was happy for the first two hours, maybe. I think that is a stretch though. He got held by basically everyone there, and fawned over the whole time, of course.
After those first few hours he lost it. Granted it was louder than life, what with there being 19 brown people upstairs playing an animal sound game. I took him downstairs, tried to nurse him, give him a bottle, his bink, a diaper change, swing him in his car seat, rock him, sing to him, shush him, give him to Jose, nothing worked for the kid. He wanted nothing. Eventually I just laid him on the floor (my phone had fallen under the chair I was in, so I was getting it) and of course he got happy and was for a while. I wish babies could use words and just tell us to leave them the freak alone. I swear it is happening more and more with Luca, he just wants me to put him down, and it takes me forever to realize that and do it! If only.
At one point this sweet guy from the party came down with a canister of mixed nuts and used it as a rattle to calm Luca. Which actually worked for a few minutes too. And he just stood there shakin away. It was adorable. He said he watches his four month old grandson everyday and he bought a rattle for him and he really liked it, so he figured he would give it a shot. And he was right! It still counts in my brain even though it was only a few minutes.
I was truly hoping Luca would be cooperative last night, but alas that was not the case. He was happy for the first two hours, maybe. I think that is a stretch though. He got held by basically everyone there, and fawned over the whole time, of course.
After those first few hours he lost it. Granted it was louder than life, what with there being 19 brown people upstairs playing an animal sound game. I took him downstairs, tried to nurse him, give him a bottle, his bink, a diaper change, swing him in his car seat, rock him, sing to him, shush him, give him to Jose, nothing worked for the kid. He wanted nothing. Eventually I just laid him on the floor (my phone had fallen under the chair I was in, so I was getting it) and of course he got happy and was for a while. I wish babies could use words and just tell us to leave them the freak alone. I swear it is happening more and more with Luca, he just wants me to put him down, and it takes me forever to realize that and do it! If only.
The party wasn't supposed to be over until like 2-3 but since Luca was having such a hard time we left at midnight, and the girls really appreciated that. When we asked them if they wanted to go with us they jumped off the couch like rockets and were ready to go within 30 seconds. I am glad I am not alone in not having the time of my life at these things. They are the only kids (well now Luca too) so they just get bored all alone. They need more cousins.
From there we went back to Jose's parents to open gifts there, and it was great. We got great gifts, and are grateful for them and everything they do for us--they do a lot. Sometimes too much. But we really do appreciate it. It is a blessing to have them close, even though I feel differently sometimes, it is true.
Luca finally fell asleep on the way to their house, and stayed asleep until we got home, and I got into bed...of course. Then he needed to eat and be changed. Babies have the best timing.
I hope you all enjoy your Christmas, and remember the true meaning! It should be with us all year long.
From there we went back to Jose's parents to open gifts there, and it was great. We got great gifts, and are grateful for them and everything they do for us--they do a lot. Sometimes too much. But we really do appreciate it. It is a blessing to have them close, even though I feel differently sometimes, it is true.
Luca finally fell asleep on the way to their house, and stayed asleep until we got home, and I got into bed...of course. Then he needed to eat and be changed. Babies have the best timing.
I hope you all enjoy your Christmas, and remember the true meaning! It should be with us all year long.
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