No Sheep, No Starfish of Bethlehem

A few weeks ago, I was pleased to find out that Olivia had a part in the children's Christmas pageant at our church. Olivia, along with the rest of the preschoolers, was chosen to be an angel. No speaking parts to memorize or recite. No cues. No exits or entrances. Just sit on the stage and be cute. Surely, my two-year-old could handle this role.

Then at the last rehearsal before the big show, the chaplain's wife offered Olivia the role of a lifetime, the Star of Bethlehem.

It was an adorable gold star costume where only her face would show. She would be center stage after Jesus' birth. I was delighted. Olivia wasn't impressed.

After trying on the costume, she immediately took it off and said "no." Another girl quickly took the star costume and put it on. Olivia cried out "Olivia be starfish." It's too late, little girl. Ah, Olivia, this is a tough life lesson learned. You gave up the star costume. You've been demoted to the herd.

Next Olivia was offered the role of sheep. She put on the soft white costume and danced around. She sat on stage and petted the boy dressed as the camel next to her. I was excited for her to be a sheep.

Sunday morning we arrived ready for her sheep debut. As soon as we walked into the chapel Olivia screamed "No sheep!"

She refused to wear the costume, despite coaxing from Benny and I and peer pressure from the other children. Instead she sat in the pew and petted her costume laying on her lap while occasionally yelling "No sheep!"

In her first Christmas pageant, Olivia was not a sheep, angel or starfish. Instead she was a stubborn two-year-old who refused to follow directions. It was the perfect role for her.

Still Scared of Santa

I was reading an article titled "Who the h#@l is that? Taking your tot to meet the big guy for the first time? You've got to read this!" in December's Parenting magazine. The writer had a list of "do's and don'ts" for taking your child for the annual photo op with the big man in the red suit. She wrote that you shouldn't push them, let them watch other children climb on Santa's lap and bring your baby's lovey.

Hmmm. Benny and I followed none of this advice when Olivia had her picture taken with Santa on my birthday a few weeks ago. We simply placed our screaming and kicking child on Santa's lap and instructed the photographer to shoot. This was the result.

Olivia and Santa 2011

It's in line with Olivia's typical reaction to Santa.

Olivia and Santa 2009

Olivia and Santa 2010

This year, after the photo, Olivia ran to Benny's arms. Benny asked Olivia to give Santa a high five (which she did) and then an elf handed her a present. She was delighted. Benny told Olivia to tell Santa thanks for her gift.
"Thank you. Thank you very much," she said before running off with her present.

Maybe next year, she won't be quite as scared of Santa.

30 Weeks

Only 10 more weeks ... but more likely 12 weeks left to go until Baby Valentino/a's arrival.