Bubba's First Christmas (photo with Santa)

Today, we took Bubba to the mall to get his picture taken with Santa.

I just love how chill he looks, like "Whaaaaat? I'm just hangin' with my homie here; maybe you know him?" Dang that's a cute baby!

We had to do it twice, because the first time the photographer cut off the top of Santa's head in every photo. Luckily the girl who was printing the pictures was really nice about it. I have a feeling if that surly photographer (and I'm using that term loosely) was in charge, it would have been a "take it or leave it" situation.

Little man was so good! He didn't whimper or cry or act fussy at all. I've been really looking forward to doing this since forever! Seriously, holidays are one of the biggest perks of having kids if you ask me. I looked forward to getting to dress up a child of my own for photos on Santa's knee every year when I'd see the kids in the mall, and how excited they get. Something about their innocence, and excitement, and the magic of it all makes me feel all gooey and warm and happy inside.

On Saturday, my husband treated me to a mental health day. I just feel so drained sometimes, like I've lost ME. I don't scrapbook, I don't read, I don't bake... all I do is feed the baby, change the baby, pump, wash bottles... I got kinda frustrated last week and had a mini meltdown about it. I knew that having hobbies was important, but I guess I never realized how important it was for me until I wasn't able to do them anymore.

Cicely left a scrapbook magazine in our car the day we took our pictures, and I found it the other day. I hadn't looked at one in months! I found myself saddened that I didn't recognize a lot of the brands or products that are current, when before I was always up on the latest and greatest. I also found that I was totally inspired to make something, and felt sad that I didn't have the time or energy to get started.

My husband took me to Scrapbooks Etc, and just let me shop. I got a rubber stamp with a date/calendar thing on one side and a spot for journaling on the other, a set of Scenic Route acrylic stamps for making labels, a bunch of patterned paper, some cardstock that is embossed with dots, mini pom pom trim (so cute!) and the COOLEST scalloped circle punch. That sucker is HUGE! It makes a three inch scalloped circle. I can't wait to try it out.

I also replaced my broken Fiskars circle punch at Joann, and we went to the mall to get my husband a new pair of sunglasses and to pick up a gift for my father in law. It was nice to get out of the house and do stuff that I enjoyed, just like normal. My husband took today off work so we could go to the mall to see Santa. I also thought I had a doctor's appointment this morning and drove all the way across town only to be told that it is NEXT Tuesday. Oops! At least I didn't drag him and the baby with me, haha!

Here's to a good rest of the week!