Christmas Rats

First things first, we arrived home from Minnesota this afternoon and Ezra got to open his gift from me for Christmas. I had forgotten to give it to him before we left. The gift from me is the little red piano on the right. On the left you see Spiderman, and this amazing gift was given to Ezra from Britney, a friend of ours who is one of Ezra's favorite people. Here he enjoys his gifts in the bathroom after a long tubby (bath).

I love it! We had a wonderful Christmas, presents aside. We got to spend time with my mom, who is SO good with Ezra: she got him to take a nap AND fall asleep at night without fuss. Whoa. I can't do that. Courtesy of her talents at baby whispering I got to go to see Benjamin Button (pretty good) and go out on New Year's.
My friend Jayme (the talented photographer who took the shot of me in the headline of this blog) took me to a dance party in an art gallery/ware house that was pretty off the hook. I had a good time, danced some, had a coupla cocktails, you know. The only thing I didn't like was that the theme of the party was Sexy and everyone was wearing super fancy clothes and high shoes (well, the women were). The men were in tuxes and ties and vests and everyone looked so grand. I love to get dressed up and look grand BUT I didn't bring any fancy stuff so I felt a little drab in my dirty jeans and galoshes. Some guy who looked kinda homeless asked me to dance. Hmm.
Anyway I had a good time and stayed up too late and was pretty out of it after our 4 hour flight. I think I'll wait til next New Year's to go out again. Pish posh, I prefer to sleep.

Previous to the dance party we visited my Grandma Bunny. I call Ezra Bunny often so this was a little confusing. I think she found it flattering. We had a little get together of Ottmans, and here's a shot of all in attendance:

We have Josh, his wife Nicole, their daughter Emily, (Great) Grandma Bunny, Ali, her main squeeze, Jeff, Raia, Mumsy, Chelsea, Ezra, Uncle Roger, and Aunt Beckie (parents of Josh and Ali). It was a full house! Photographer: Debbie (Bunny's daughter).

Here are the Bunnies together:

Before Grandma Bunny's house we were up at Paradise Lost Lake visiting my Pops and bro, Nate (Grandpa and Uncle to Ez). Grandpa got Ezra a book about dogs that he loves (I think his first word may be dog, stay tuned). He also got him a ball that rolls around by itself and says things like "Roll me!" I'm a little creeped out by it, but Ezra seems to like it. Uncle Nate got Ez a rubber snake, "...so Ezra won't be afraid of snakes!" A brilliant present, he chewed on it a lot today during the flight. Just what my purse was missing, fake serpents. Ezra had a great time clawing at Nate's face and darting for the stereo to adjust all the knobs. So far crawling stage is a little exhausting.

Here's a picture of Grandpa and Ezra reading the new dog book, Ezra holds the other present from Nate, a rubber turtle:

Of all the presents Ezra received all he really wants is to suck on my nose:

Auntie Raia and Uncle Jeff carted us across the state twice! Not only this but they also gave Ezra lots of kisses and a super handy seat that attaches to the table, called the Phil & Ted Metoo seat that is super handy. Tonight we went over to Kristine's house for dinner and I just brought it along, threw it in the bicycle basket, and we were so set. I like it too because with a high chair Ezra seems so separated from the table, whereas with this seat he is more a part of the action. They also got him so really groovy bendable utensils.

I said it wasn't about the presents but I can't help report: I got a gorgeous red cardigan from Raia and Jeff, a super nifty camera from my Dad, a lovely sparkly shawl from my mom as well as a rain coat (this is the first time I have owned a rain coat and galoshes living in Portland), and Nate picked out some flashy gold and black earrings for me. What a splendor! The greatest part for sure was being with family, eating great food, and having so many loving arms to hold Ezra.

I am happy to report that the snow is gone here. I am unhappy to report that it is raining raining raining. Yes, I will be making great use of my rain coat. It is nice to be home, this afternoon we went over to Kristine's and saw some friends. She has these Christmas rats that I think are hilarious and I wanted to get a picture with them so I got my chance today:



They kind of look like sharks, we were remarking. Well, happy new year to everyone, let 2009 be a year a patience, kindness, understanding, and no more monkeys in the white house.