Christmas!

This Christmas was amazing - I even almost started crying at one point (when I was "helping Santa" fill Annie's stocking) because of how happy I am - sometimes it just blows me away how lucky we are to have all that we do - a beautiful, healthy and happy baby, wonderful families who we ENJOY spending time with, and amazing friends! It all hits me especially at this time of year, and did even more so than normal now that we have Annie.

Ben's parents watched Annie on the 23rd (my birthday) since we were going out, and we all got together at their house on Christmas Eve morning, which meant we had to wake up earlier than we usually do if Annie is home... luckily I got a nap later!

I'll let the photos tell the story here!

Annie was all ready! She loved this bear that played Christmas tunes

She first got to open her stocking made by Grandma!

And opening another one of her presents

It was a hit!

Watching the snow fall

After presents, we got to work preparing brunch - we did some fondue and breakfast pizzas

Annie was a BIG fan of the frozen hash browns

Our contribution

The table (I like Annie peeking out in the corner)

After brunch, Annie and I both went to take a nap - hers lasted 3 HOURS - longest nap of her life! While she napped, we played some game I can't remember - it had to do with words and letters.

Stockings - the "little kids", and grandchildren :) Once you have a kid, you don't get a stocking anymore.

There she is, with that bear again!

Santa butt

And then we went home and relaxed that night - we were all pretty exhausted!

The Christmas tree in the dark morning light

SANTA CAME!!! Somewhere I saw the idea to do 4 presents on Christmas with the theme "want, need, wear, read" - so we went with that this year. It seems like a great way to limit gifts, especially with the abundance of gifts Annie will likely always get from grandparents, aunts and uncles. The "wants" were even kind of lame - a bead maze that someone else gave her for a baby shower present brought up from the basement, and a $5 pull toy that came with the Christmas books :) Good thing she doesn't know the difference at all!

As I expected, one of her favorites was her new straw sippy cup - took her a few tries to figure out NOT to tip this one up, but she seemed to be getting it!

Santa filled Annie's stocking with a few of her favorite things: tissue paper, a tupperware filled with cheerios, a diaper (she enjoys carrying them around the house), a bow, and a sprinkles container

then we went down to my parents to spend the day with them and my Grandma - no presents since Liz wasn't there, just a good meal and hanging out!

Even got a quick visit with Erin and Nick!

Annie destroyed all Grandma's hard work in stacking up her cups

Best toy of the day was my Grandma's walker!

yummm

The yule log crackled away while we enjoyed dinner

Annie was pretty thrilled to be trying out Aunt Liz's rocking chair

She REALLY, really wanted the camera

I made some of my favorite cookies, which I have made before as a part of my epic cookie baking extravaganza

Annie tried on Grandma's dress from when she was a baby - it fit!

And thus ended our Christmas celebration, until this Friday!