Dad + Days Off + Camera

So earlier I mentioned that this holiday season allows folks to be around so much more, with vacation to use up, work shut downs, etc. It also gives dads more time at home. Now what does a dad do at home with his daughter for a week? Well, whatever she wants. But if she is happily playing and you throw in a digital camera, I'm guessing that he annoys the heck out of everyone! Thank goodness Cara isn't old enough to be annoyed.

Christmas morning

Cara woke up Christmas morning just like normal... little did she know that a present opening riot was to break out in her living room!

"Would could be in this shiny treasure?"


"I love Christmas!"


"Who's more fun than Uncle Paul? Noone!"

Michele's visit

The Christmas season is great. Vacation days and holidays make a lot of friends and family available. The days leading up to Christmas brought Michele into town, which brought a bunch of fun people to see her. As you can see, Cara loves hanging out with Michele!

Cara and Michele


These girls are so fun, eh Cara?

Christmas Swap

Today we had some friends over for a Christmas swap. It was a great time, with some wacky, though not completely unruly swapping. We started a fun style last year with a timer... it is great! Last year there was diving and chop blocks, but I think having the kids in the room toned it down. It could also have been the fact that everyone seemed to choose really great gifts for the swap too!
Some good food rounded out the night... well, rounded me out for the night anyways. It is amazing that these kids are getting cuter and cuter! Here are some shots of the little rats.

Cara looks wary of this crew... smart baby!


Jamie and Ben, dancing the night away


I have heard of putting YOUR foot in your mouth, but...


Super Zach!


Ben doing what Ben does, smiling!


Hmmm, what do THEY have?


Don't interrupt her when she is opening presents!

"Hi Dada"

CRAZY morning today. I got Cara out of her crib after she had a great night's sleep. We played on the floor for a bit until it was breakfast time. Brigid made a bottle and gave it to Cara on the couch.
I sat on the couch next to Brigid and Cara. Cara was sitting on Brigid's lap, being burped. She was very happy, having been fed and still feeling good from her solid night's sleep. She was getting patted on the back, looking around and just generally playing.
Since I was sitting beside them, Cara was looking right at me. She got her left arm going in a spasm that could certainly be mistaken for a wave, since she has been waving a bit lately. She looked me right in the eyes said "Hi Dada." Brigid and I looked at each other in awe, then back at Cara who simply had no idea. It was really more like "Haaaeeee daDA" but it was close enough for me. There is no doubt that it was some random syllables put together but IT WAS AWESOME. Not wanting her to miss the significance, I freaked out with praise and kisses -- standard fatherly over-reactions.
So I put it to the Internet at large: HOW SMART IS THIS KID?
Can kids get scholarships for Mensa?

Santa!!!!!

Cara saw Santa at his home away from home today, the Mall at Rockingham Park. She was smiling and laughing the whole time, with no idea that a crazy old man all dressed in red was right behind her. When she found out, she was curious... not freaked, as I expected. Maybe I am projecting... maybe I am the only one freaked out by the whole process.