Merry Christmas!

Play group Christmas party

It was a bit more subdued affair than planned because of the weather, but in the end, Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) was able to brave the snow and make an appearance. Dylan wouldn't pose with him for a picture though. My cinnamon cranberry bread was a hit even though I didn't think it turned out as well as it normally does. I'd been hoarding cranberries since my last trip home just for use for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I thought this event was cranberry-worthy. Too bad cranberry translates into Italian as "red American swamp berry." Try offering "red American swamp berry bread" to people. Buon appetito!

Dylan eating pizza with his bud Kyne.

Notice how the girls have no fear of Babbo Natale while the boys cowered with their mammas. Next to Santa are the two fantastic teachers. They really are pros.

Wintered out!

This is the second major snowstorm we've had in a week and between snow, ice and record low temps, I'm really wintered out. I'm not a winter person in the best of years, but this year is really doing me in. And how's a girl supposed to dry her laundry when the temperature in the house feels almost as cold as outside? Our boiler was not meant for use in Siberia. Sigh. Dreaming of living in a warmer climate! Dylan is dying to play outside but I left his snow suit up in the mountains. Poor little guy. He's climbing the walls with cabin fever.

My car is out there somewhere under the snow

Balcony view

La mamma è bella bella

I was trying to get Dylan to tell the story of how he fell on Sunday and almost cracked his forehead open on his nonna's crystal coffee table, but he wouldn't take the bait. He's speaking less and less English! When I started talking to him in Italian, he responded right away. I asked him "What's mommy like?" and he said "Beautiful beautiful." I said "Mommy is beautiful?" and he said "Mommy is beautiful beautiful."

Dylan refusing to speak English from Michelle Marie on Vimeo.

Trimming the tree

Trying to be helpful

He likes this one particular "Santa's cell phone" ornament. When you push a button, Santa says things like "These roaming charges over Australia are killing me!"

First time sledding!

It was a long weekend to celebrate Sant'Ambrogio (Milan's patron saint) and the Immaculate Conception holiday so we went up to the mountains. There was tons of snow. Dylan had a great time sledding. Until he got cold and wet. More pics and lots of videos here. I can't believe this kid is almost two. This time last year I COULD believe he was almost one as it seemed like one of the longest years of my life (sorry Dyl - nothing personal!), but this year has flown. He's so fun. I'm really looking forward to the holidays with him this year since we can actually put up a tree without fear that he will toddle into it precariously and knock it over or try to eat the lights. Well, less fear than last year.