First Christmas

The holidays were wonderful, but admittedly a bit tiring. We did quite a bit of traveling in the month of December ...but it was great everyone got to see Victoria.

The girls had a great Christmas. Katerina really understood Santa Claus this year and was thrilled with all the gifts he gave her. Victoria was also content with a couple of the toys that she received, including this giraffe that squeaks. Unfortunately, Victoria got a cold over the holidays which made it difficult for her to sleep. Luckily she was in a great mood though...she seemed to really get into the holiday spirit.

3 months old

Victoria is 3 months old! Milestones include:

She laughs and giggles

She "coos" a lot, almost like she is telling a story

She enjoys tummy time

She has started daycare

She got her first cold

And I think she recognizes her Baba, Mommy and big sister Katerina. In fact she will follow Katerina with her eyes and will smile when she sees her. It is so adorable.

Back to work--starting school

And so it began...I went back to work on the Monday before Thanksgiving. Mike watched Victoria for those two days and then she started "school" the Monday after Thanksgiving.

It was difficult going back, but I am slowly getting back into "work mode" and bottle washing mode. The mornings in the Christakis household are a bit crazy trying to get us all up and ready to go. And dropping off and picking up two kids from school is a bit of a challenge, especially on Monday mornings when you need to bring in washed sheets and blankets and Friday afternoons when you take sheets and blankets home...it's a lot to carry!

Victoria seems to be adjusting well, albeit the cold she got on day 3 of school. She is also very fortunate because she often gets visits from her big sister Katerina during the day. Here is a picture of Victoria on her first day of school:

hand, hand, fingers, thumb...binky or none?

Katerina was a binky girl as a baby...still is, although binkies are only for bedtime. It was great when she was teething, or tired or cranky. Granted we still need to take it away (a project for after the holidays), but I'm glad she has had it.

Victoria on the other hand doesn't seem to be very interested in the binky. She loves to suck on her nuckles, or her thumb. Every once in awhile she will take the binky, but not like Katerina did.

So what is better? I know there are some kids that manage without either, but both girls as babies have had a strong sucking reflex, so I think Victoria needs something. Ultimately I guess it is not up to me what Victoria chooses...even at 9 weeks she has a mind of her own.

Parent/Teacher Conference

We had our annual parent/teacher conference with Katerina's teacher today. Here are the highlights:

She is outgoing

She is empathetic toward other kids

She loves doing art projects (hint hint...for those looking for x-mass gift ideas)

She loves reading stories and will often recite stories to her friends

She is considered the other "teacher" in the class, helping her friends

She understands the concept of taking turns

She knows her colors, counting, shapes etc.

Way to go Katerina! We are so proud of you.

Leaves

We spent Sunday morning raking/mowing the leaves in our yard. Katerina loved jumping in the leaves and having me "hide" her legs as I raked piles. Victoria enjoyed the fresh air as well and took a nice little nap.

Vacation in Western New York

The Christakis family took a mini-vacation in Western New York this past week. It began with me going to Alfred for a board meeting, Mike going to a Bill's game and Aunt Aileen and Uncle Bill watching the girls.

Then the next day, Katerina, Mike and I went to the Strong Museum of Play...she loved it. It is such a great place, with so much to do for kids of all ages. The only things she didn't like were the train ride and the ride on the carousel. She cried half way through both rides...oh well...roller coasters may not be in her future any time soon.

Then on Wednesday, Yiayia and Papou came back from Greece and we spent the net few days visiting with them. It was a fun relaxing week.