I think I'm officially done Christmas shopping for Annika. Kohl's had bounce houses on sale 50% off last week so I ran down the street and got one for her. She's going to LOVE it! I have some other shopping left to do. I know exactly what I want so it's more of a buying excursion than a shopping trip.

We had a nice weekend. Saturday we had lunch out together, did some grocery shopping, cleaned the house, etc. It was a pretty low-key day. Sunday, Kris went to visit his family and help his Dad get situated back at home after his knee surgery and hospital stay. Annika stayed home with me and helped me bake cookies all day with Mary and Amanda. We made four different kinds of cookies. We are not the best cookie makers, that is for sure. I think we need to stop experimenting and just stick to the tried and true recipes of old. Oh well. Sugar is sugar. :) Annika was such a good girl too. She was content to play by herself most of the day. I think the open floor plan of our house is nice with that respect. She can play in the living room with her toys and still see mom in the kitchen since it's basically all one big room. She also took 2 long naps during the day (1 1/2 hours minimum each) so I didn't have to worry about her then either. She took her naps on our bed and I left the door cracked open each time. When she woke up, she crawled off the bed and came downstairs to find me. It was pretty cute how she'd toddle downstairs and into the kitchen rubbing her eyes. We'd cuddle for a few minutes while she finished waking up and then she was off to play with her toys again. Mary had to leave early to head to the airport for a business trip. Amanda stayed into the evening and her boyfriend Dean came over too so we could all have dinner together. Kris grilled us yummy, yummy steaks.

Last night Annika and I had a quiet evening at home. We read a bunch of books and played most of the night. At one point Annika was resting on my lap in the recliner, watching the end of Sesame Street when she decided we needed to kiss. That's all well and good, except that she still kisses with her tongue and teeth. She's licking me all over mouth and chin and then biting at the same time. I don't know how she does it but I'm sure it looks like I'm being mauled. Of course, I'm laughing the whole time so she giggles too. I'm probably just egging her on with the giggling. How do I teach her to kiss nicely?!? :)

I got the new winter catalog for the parks & recreation department in town. I found a music class Kris and Annika can take together on Tuesdays this winter. That along with their ECFE class on Fridays and me home on Wednesdays should break up the week nicely for them. There is also a baby swimming class on Monday nights I want to sign up for. That's in the evenings so Annika and I will take that together. I think she's going to love it! I can't wait! Must get back to work now. Have a good week!