There are a few days a year that I anticipate with lots of excitement...our anniversary, Lainey's birthday, Jamie's birthday, and this day... when the Christmas decor comes out of the boxes, it's considered socially acceptable to play Christmas music (even though I happen to think it's appropriate in July) we drink hot chocolate and everything looks warm and welcoming with the glow of Christmas lights.
I remember being in kindergarten, coming home from school, and finding that my mom had gotten our Christmas records down from their bright, red box on the top shelf of the hall closet. It was such an exciting day because I knew the tree decorating would soon follow. And yes Seth...I said records! You probably have no idea what those are! My point is that my love for all things Christmas started a very long time ago and now I am having the greatest time passing that joy on to Lainey.
We went Saturday to a tree farm and enjoyed all the festivities including Santa. Lainey is actually quite scared of him but there was a large, ceramic golden retriever right next to him. Mrs. Claus lured her over to see the dog and I was able to snap a picture with the three of them. I have a feeling this may be as close as she gets to the guy in the big, red suit! That's all right with me because Santa is just a game we play. Lainey carefully carries baby Jesus from our nativity around the house and says "hesus" and "bebe." I love watching her learn why it is that Christmas is so special. I hope all of you enjoy the next few weeks in anticipation of the special day when we celebrate the birth of "bebe hesus."
I love Christmas morning. This year was even better to see the joy on Lainey's face. She is a little young to understand the anticipation of Christmas but she definitely understood this is a great day when she saw the perfect little table that her daddy made for her next to her new miniture kitchen. She gasped, said "wow", and headed straight for one of her new chairs. She climbed up and immediately began to play. Jamie and I had such fun showing Lainey the new treasures and felt so blessed at the gift of family. We always enjoyed Christmas morning before, but this brings a new joy. What a blessing Lainey is. I am truly grateful every day that I get to be her mom. This day in particular is one I won't forget. Hope you enjoy the pictures.
This new little friend prompted a new word. Something like "elphan."
Jamie's creation and the new kitchen. What a great dad. Lainey is a very blessed little girl to have such an amazing daddy.
A classic toy we thought might be some fun. Lainey loves faces and giggles every time daddy puts a funny face on. Good ole Mr. Potato Head...I wonder who thought of this concept...it really is strange!
We had a fun game night at Papa and Mawny's on Christmas. Lainey, Maddie and Isaiah wore their matching outfits from Mawny.
The day after Christmas we spent time with Jamie's family. Lainey and Silas had a great time opening presents and trying out their new toys. This picture is of their new little stools that Grandpa and Grandma painted their names on. We had a great day playing games and eating too much (thanks to Debra's chocolate chip cheesecake that is amazing!) but we missed aunt Crystal who was home not feeling well.
Lainey's new dollhouse from Uncle Brian, Aunt Crystal and Silas, that she LOVES
Snugglin with grandpa
