Monday, December 29, 2008

Whew!


Christmas was wonderful this year. I cannot even begin to compare how much easier it was for Payton this year. The nice thing is, if she's having trouble coping she'll either go in a room by herself or she'll cry for 10-15 minutes, get it out of her system, and be okay. Christmas day was probably the longest for her and I got so tickled at her. By the end of the day she was completely zoned out in space and just sat there. The next day, she continued to zone out (while Koen played with every new toy he and his sister got) and she finally snapped out of it by mid-afternoon. It's nice to finally see that it just takes her body longer to process all the happenings that go on around her. Bob, Koen, and I can process it as it happens....but Payton, she still can be processing it for quite some time. I guess her mind can't just take it all in at once.

We made it through three Christmas parties, one birthday party, and even a suprise announcement that there will be another new little baby on the Littlejohn side of the family. Koen really got into unwrapping the presents this year, and unlike Payton, really paid attention to what was inside the package. All Payton cares about is ripping open the paper :) We got tickled at her because my grandparents put their packages in boxes that were already decorated, so they didn't need any wrapping paper. Payton separated the packages out and moved those boxes in the other room because they did not have any paper on them......and anytime someone told her one of them was her presents, she refused to open it and said "No, it's not mine!" and would give it to her cousin. For her, it's not what's on the inside that counts....it's definitely the wrapping paper!

Tonight, Bob's mom and niece are coming to visit. Payton doesn't have a clue yet because I knew if I told her she would get way too anxious about it. She is going to be ecstatic when she sees them tonight (and ofcourse so will Koen)! But, the neighbors will likely hear Payton's scream of joy as soon as she sees them.

Here's some pics:

8 comments:

Tes said...

Great bunch of kiddos and looks like a lot of fun. To funny about the decorated boxes!

Unknown said...

Love the pics and I have to say Ava Jewel is the same way with the paper, loved it! Tara you kids are beautiful, I just love Payton's smile. I'm glad your holidays went so well!!

Michelle said...

Everyone looks so happy, especially Payton! What a joy to have her be able to enjoy her life so much more.

Julie said...

Love the pics. Your title to your post are my sentiments exactly. By the way who is the teen in the pics? She could pass as Lexi's twin.

Tara said...

That's my niece, Carlee. I always joke and say "everyone needs a Carlee". She's such a big help.

Heather said...

Glad you all had a great Christmas!
Great pictures.
:) Happy New Year!!!

Penny said...

Beautiful pictures!

Jen said...

Louie was the same way about the wrapping paper! What a sweet family...love the pictures!