Christmas + Toby Turns 3

Aimee didn't like me at first. I couldn't provide food like mommy. I didn't cuddle like mommy. I didn't smell like mommy. Basically, I wasn't mommy, and thus, I wasn't good enough for her. There were really only 2 people in the world that she liked--Mommy and Big Brother Toby.

Thankfully, I've joined the elite inner circle of People Aimee Loves. This is how she looks at me now. It's magically magnificent. We really fell in love with each other in Europe.
Toby was an elf/deliverer on Christmas Eve at my Aunt Nancy's house. He happily/excitedly would respond to "give this one to _______" by delivering it with a smile and what could best be described as a giddy jig. Then, after many successful deliveries, Nance said "give this one to Toby" and he just stopped in confusion. Finally, he looked at Nancy and inquired "is this MY pwesent???" It was awesome.
He awoke Christmas morning to find this on the floor in between the living room and the tree.
Thank you, Craigslist for making it affordable. All wood... and awesome. I'm not sure who's had more fun so far, me or Toby!
The official Christmas photo of our first Christmas as a family of 4.
Brunch at Grambee's and Papi's has become a really great tradition. Grambee made one of my faves this year: German pancakes. Aimee is a lustful little glutton. I'm just a happy fat glutton.
After that, it was on to GG's and Grampa Bob's for our traditional Christmas Evening dinner and present extravaganza. Cousin Marley graciously allowed Aimee a photo-op in Marley's new car.
This is what stole the show, though. Grampa Bob built a train table for The Tobe.
Here's Toby on his first approach of his own personal Island of Sodor. Thomas the Tank Engine in hand, the excitement still hasn't subsided.
Toby's birthday was the 28th. As if Grampa Bob hadn't already fashioned enough furniture for the kiddo's bedroom, he also built Tobe's first big boy bed... an AWESOME racecar. We were unsure if he'd sleep in it, as he's only ever slept in his crib. But as soon as we got it up to his room (after 10pm on his Birthday Eve), he hopped in and demanded to sleep in it. And he slept all night. Then he napped in it on his birthday. Bye-bye, crib! Hello big boy bed!
While Tobe took his birthday nap, Robyn needed some last-minute party & cake supplies, so me and my baby girl took a walk to our amazing new Kroger. I can't say enough about how good it is that she likes me now.
Behold the birthday train cakes. (L to R) James has a coal car, Thomas is hauling zoo animals, Percy is hauling a load of sugar, and Gordon has dinosaurs for the fair at Tidmouth onloan from the Creation Museum.
We asked Toby which train he wanted to eat. Unsurprisingly, he chose Percy. Specifically, Percy's head, which was actually a little disturbing.