Damien Celebrates "Discovers" Santa

Last year, Damien was too small to get Christmas. This year, he was still a little too young, but he liked opening presents and getting gifts. He did pretty well with the tree, he would occasionally decide to relocate some of the ornaments around the house, but for the most part left it alone. Despite Mommy's best efforts to rein her shopping impulses in, Damien ended up with a lot of loot. One of his bigger presents was a talking Elmo doll, since Damien has recently been enjoying watching a little bit of Sesame Street here and there. He loved it. He also received some bath toys, some dinosaur magnets, some kitchen food for his little kitchen, and many books, cars and ornaments. As an added bonus, D's Aunt Pamela was up to spend the holidays, and it was great to have her. It took D a few days to warm up - he seemed nervous that her presence meant Mommy and Daddy were going to leave, but once he did, he smothered her with kisses.

Checking out his Elmo doll.

He immediately pointed to the eyes, said "ball" and then proceeded to try to eat them!

Happy with his new toy.

Loving his Aunt Pam.

Oh, the ever more present skeptical look - You mean I can't have whatever I want?

Damien's Second Christmas in Lyon

One Christmas was not enough for little Damien. He got two Christmas celebrations. After Christmas in Paris, little D took the high speed train from Paris to Lyon in First Class (after waiting over an hour for the late train in the FREEZING train station). The day after his arrival in Lyon, little D was greeted by more cousins! This time Papa's cousins Benu and Maude and their respective children (Collen, Timothee, Lola and Zoe). The little cousins were excited to meet little D and he was quite intrigued as well. After the initial meet and greet, the little cousins began chanting presents, presents (in French of course) and so presents were exchanged. Afterwards, the marvelous Chef Maurice prepared us another gormet meal of chicken with crawfish, potato gratin, fried potatoes (for the lactose intollerant Momma) and chicken/roasted chestnut puree. After the big meal, the entire clan huddled around the TV to watch a hilarious French comedy that was gifted to Momma and Papa.

Grandma Colette introducing Damien to Mathias' little cousins.

My big American cousin is soo funny.

Cousin Maud with little D. She's expecting her third child (and barely shows it - little French babies!).

Zoe with little D.

Damien has now discovered how to put his hands in his mouth. He now spends a good deal of the day gnawing on his hands and trying to stick his whole hand in his mouth.

The Christmas loot!

Distributing presents.

Grandma Colette and Chef Maurice with the fabulous Christmas lunch.

Cuddling with cousins.

Damien's First Christmas

Damien celebrated his very first Christmas in Paris, France with his French family - oh la la. Damien started off the day leisurely doing his eat, poop, play, sleep cycle at Lal's apartment. Around mid-day he got suited up in his trusty bear suit again (after which he pooped just to show everyone who was boss) and hitched a ride on Papa down to his great uncle Jean-Christian's place to meet up with the rest of the family. The pit stop at Jean-Christian's included a little refuel for Damien and Momma and Papa (who couldn't wait for the ever sliding lunch time). In case anyone forgot who was running the show, Damien pooped again as soon as we put his bear suit on to leave! That little guy.

After the pit stop, Damien tested the French public transportation system by taking the metro to a regional train that led to the nice suburbs of Paris. There Damien was welcomed into the home of his great Aunt Anne and met many of his second cousins. After yet another large multi-course meal we "did" Christmas around the tree opening presents while singing Christmas songs in English!! Damien was a present magnet and scored lots of nice presents from handmade dolls and clothing, to French lullabye book and CD. After posing for some family photos, it was time to brave the freezing cold and take the train and metro back to Lal's apartment where the entire Craig crew passed out from the day's activities.

Damien in his Christmas outfit.

Damien, the adorable little bear.

Momma and her baby bear.

Stopping for a little snack.

Checking out the streets of Paris

Taking the metro.

Taking the regional train.

Uncle G and cousins Lauren and Eudoxie.

Christmas Lunch with the family.

Taking a siesta on Papa.

Chillin after another big meal.

Playing with cousin Lauren

Colette and her boys!

Damien's Pre-Christmas Visit With Great-Grandma Nelda

Shortly before heading off to France for the holidays, little D took another trip out to Sacramento to see Great-Grandmother Nelda for a little pre-Christmas brunch celebration. To get ready for the occassion, little D suited up in his Christmas get up (as Papa likes to call outfits) and took it for a test drive. Results - adorable. Nelda was super happy to see her littlest boy.

Great Christmas Photo!
Gotta love the matching red vests, it was not planned.

I'm not exactly sure about this outfit mom, does it mak me look fat?