An Uxpected Break

Before my entire family had made it into town for Christmas, Claire and I, along with my sister's family and my parents, went ice skating at the Cottonwood Heights Rec Center. It was a free "Skate with Santa" afternoon and was a total blast.

I was a little nervous to skate while holding Claire (Erik was off working), but I figured as long as I went very slow, everything would be fine. Well, the challenge for the afternoon was not skating, but getting Claire to let me to hold her. She was literally attached to my Mom's hip and would not let go. I am so glad she loves her, but come on! She's supposed to love me more. :)

Since I couldn't get Claire to warm up to me (so weird), I went off to skate with my nieces and nephew and Claire watched from the sideline. Every year it is more and more fun to do things with them and this year was no different. We skated around trying to do tricks and took a billion pictures to try and capture the perfect ones (so like my family). I love how they bring out the little kid in me and make me want to act silly even when I look stupid. Sometimes it's nice to put being a Mom on the back burner and act like a kid again. I have to admit that I am a little excited to embarrass Claire when she's older. Doesn't every parent enjoy that?

About an hour into skating, Claire finally let me hold her. She missed her nap that afternoon and was very particular with which activities would keep her happy and which ones would bring on a temper tantrum. Standing on the ice with Mommy, fine. A very slow stroll about three feet down the ice, fine. 

Putting her down to get a standing picture with Mommy, I don't think so. That was not on Claire's agenda for the day. So what exactly did Claire prefer to do that afternoon? Climb on the railing with her Mormor/Morfar and watch from afar. I welcomed the short break and forgave her for this one instance, but it better not become a habit. :)