christmas list

Thanksgiving has quickly given way to Christmas over here. Our Christmas tree is set up, and Luke and I are talking about Pere Noel (Father Christmas) all the time. He has asked for just one thing: a "marvel" tower, which is a marble tower. Unbeknowst to Luke, Nana has purchased this very wonderful wooden "marvel" tower for him and it's sitting in our garage!

I am knitting a few items for Luke and have ordered some accompanying books. I don't want to give him too many things, but also *adore* how delighted and thrilled he is with surprises. I think that my "big" gift might be a scooter. But, the ideas also change daily. Last week, I was all set to get him a fire station.

For those of you who might be thinking about sending something Luke's way, I have been keeping a list of toys that I'm either looking at, considering, or think that Luke would be interested in. It's at: http://amzn.com/w/3KIUNCQ0PS03A.

Right now, he loves:
- Books of all kinds, and especially about trains
- His train set (although it would be hard to buy trains for him, because he is *very* well outfitted)
- Scooting, either on a scooter tricycle at school or pretending to "skateboard." He has a wonderful tricycle but isn't yet captivated by pedaling. I'm thinking of getting him a Razor-type scooter.
- Things with wheels: trucks, fire engines, cars, etc. He is big time into things with wheels lately.
- Craft projects/supplies. After a long lull in art projects, we've started doing lots of "experiments" like coloring pasta and making crayon shavings. We're well outfitted with craft supplies, but anything new and art-related always delights him. His favorite color is (still) black.
- Things with Thomas on it. Sesa has done a tremendous job of delighting Luke with Thomas stickers, sports bottles, and colorforms, and boy, does Luke LOVE his Thomas regalia!
- Games. Lately, he's interested in games that you can play with other people. He plays hide and seek at school and red light/green light. I think he might be ready for Candyland or another type of 3-year old (no reading required) game.

And, to my delight, I think he will soon be ready for a "boy dollhouse," e.g., a tree house or fire station play set. He is on the cusp of more complex pretend play and is super-creative, so I think that with a few new playthings, he might have fun acting out little scenarios! Of course, Mama always dreamed of having her own dollhouse, so perhaps this one is a bit of projection.

The role reversal, where I get to play Santa, is so much fun, and I am thoroughly enjoying being preoccupied with toys and what might delight Luke. It's a nice counterbalance to the other, heavier, things going on in life, lately.