Sweet Pea's First Christmas (x 5)

CAUTION: I believe this post sets some sort of record regarding the number of pictures included. With it being Sweet Pea's first Christmas, I took an unbelievable number of pictures! It was definitely a whirlwind of excitement. We are so incredibly blessed.

On Christmas Eve, our neighbors came over and we swapped gifts - the wee one's first unwrapping experience! As I would have expected, everything went straight to her mouth! She especially enjoyed the tissue paper (and bows...and the wrapping paper...)

Our first real celebration was with Brad's family - his mom, Grandmother, and aunt and uncle came over on Christmas Eve. We ate some delicious food and were able to visit. We all really enjoyed watching Katie play with the wrapping paper and tissue paper!!

Mommy and sweet girl

Family picture

Sweet Pea got money to put in her education accounts - you can tell she feels quite comfortable holding that cash! :)

"This is SO fun, Mommy!!"

I wanted to start a tradition of having one present from myself and Brad that she can open on Christmas Eve - so this is the first of many years!

She loved the bag!! It was PJs that say "Baby's First Christmas" on them, as well as a baby book about Christmas

Lovin' on Sadie

Sporting her new jammies on Christmas Eve!!

So begins Christmas Day - our first Christmas morning as a family of 3! Brad and I woke up before Baby K did, which is very unusual! I guess we were just really excited! She ended up waking up at around 7:45, so we started our morning! We would end up having 4 Christmases by the end of the day. Lots of family, food, fun, and presents to open!!

Christmas morning....it looks like Santa came!!

This is what I found when I went to get her up!

Even Sadie found that Santa had left her some goodies in her stocking!

We helped Baby K get a look at her loot!

Our sweet girls :)

She is figuring out all the fun stuff that Santa brought her!

Doesn't she look so big standing at her play table? I know she will be pulling up on it in no time!

She's really concentrating on opening this present!

She looks so excited to see this present - that expression is priceless!!

Thanks to Aunt Tanja for some awesome Titans gear!!

My favorite picture of the day, I think - Baby K posing with all of her Christmas morning goodies!!

Christmas morning with Mommy, 2009

And so begins Christmas #3 - heading to my mom's house (or Cee Cee to Baby K)! It seems that Santa even went there too! We all had stockings there and some fun gifts too! My mom also made her infamous hammies, so we ate too many of those too :)

"Merry Christmas, Cee Cee!!"

Can you find Sweet Pea?? :)

I love her expression in this one too...

Cee Cee got her a Care Bears DVD and cute pink hat - this picture makes me laugh!

So excited about the Elmo doll that Uncle Will gave her! It was Will's when he was little!

My mom gave us his and hers marshmallow guns! I can hardly wait to get out in our yard and shoot Brad with some little marshmallows (and Sadie can't wait to eat them!)!!

The best family photo to date! Love it!

Next, we headed to Christmas #4 with my Meme and my mom's family. We ate some yummy food (seems we do that almost all day!) and had a great time seeing everyone. Everyone was so generous this year and really picked out great presents!

Baby K hanging out on the couch - Daddy added the magic touch of the bow :)

Meme got a Snuggie - and I am fairly certain it was her favorite present of the entire day!!! We all got a good laugh for sure!

Our final Christmas with my dad's side of the family. We got there and ate again :) Once again, delicious food! One of my favorite traditions of the holiday season is that my grandfather reads the Christmas story out of the Bible that has been in my family for close to 150 years. He lights a candle that my uncle made when he was a young boy. After the reading, we go around and talk about the past year and our hopes for the upcoming year. I love hearing about everyone's blessings and challenges, as well as their hopes for the future. Even though Baby K slept through the Bible reading this year, I am glad she got to be a part of it, and I can't wait to do it again next year!!

Apparently she was excited about her "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornament :)

All the girls wearing goofy hats!

And of course, the guys couldn't escape the hats! Here's the guys (except Will)!

Baby K snuggling with her new blanket that Brad and I gave her. She was so incredibly tired but having so much fun being the center of attention! I love this picture.

What an amazing Christmas...it seems like it went by so quickly! It's hard to believe that it's already over. I can't believe how time is flying by - and I have a feeling that it is only going to go by faster!

I wanted to finish this post with the Christmas story that we read every year. I think, while it is so great to find that perfect gift for each person, it is truly important to remember what the day is all about. So here is Luke 2:1-14 (KJV)...

[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. [2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) [3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. [4] And Joseph went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) [5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. [6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. [7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. [8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them: and they were sore afraid. [10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. [12] And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, [14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Second Annual GNO Ornament Exchange

This year I got together with some girlfriends for our second annual ornament exchange! Once again, we got together for a delicious dinner at Red Pony and enjoyed some wine, great food, and of course, wonderful company. I think it had been the first time we all got together for dinner in a year! After we ate, we all drew names and got the ornament that person brought. I ended up with a really neat ornament that holds a special place on the tree. Here is a picture of the group of ladies! We actually sat at the same table as last year, so we have those same rooster paintings behind us :)

Annual Limo Lights Tour

About a week or so before Christmas, my brother, Will, scheduled his annual limo lights tour. We piled in and headed out to see all the neat lights - including a stop at George Jones' house! We had fun visiting and eating some yummy food before heading out - and then again after our adventure! Thanks to Grandma (Brad's mom), we were also able to have a night out 'by ourselves' (i.e. Baby K stayed at home!). Here are a few pictures from the evening...

Me with the bro - I absolutely love this picture!!

Me, Brad, & Will

And of course we had to get a picture in front of the tree :)

Merry Christmas to All & ....

Mommy's Little Helper

Since Baby K is obviously an efficient sitter now, I decided to take her grocery shopping with me and let her sit in the cart! Typically, I try to go by myself to grocery shop (what a way for some alone time!), but every so often I will take her. Usually she falls asleep in the car, so I just put her carrier on the cart. But she loved sitting in the cart like a big baby and getting to see everything. She smiled and talked to all the people we saw and played with her toys too! She is growing up too fast, for sure!

Cutie Patootie

Sweet Pea has started making this hilarious grin - so cute! And for a bonus, she sometimes snorts! :)

She loves to use her playmat as a jungle gym now!

Out shopping for the 2 angel babies we got off the Angel Tree

Remember when she was so tiny in this chair?? Man, she's growing too quickly!

Tutu Cute (& Festive)!

I had bought a bunch of different colors of tulle for me to make Baby K a tutu. Well, I finally made a Christmas one - it actually was not that difficult! I had been eyeing several over the months, but they cost anywhere from $30 to $50 and I thought that was silly. So I did it myself. For probably about $8. It actually ended up being a little bit big because of the elastic stretching out with all of the tulle on it, so maybe it will even fit around her torso next Christmas for a picture for our card! I also made a onesie with iron on jewels in the shape of an ornament to go with the tutu - I haven't put that on her yet for any pictures but hope to in the next few days. Sadie even wanted to be in some of the pictures!!

Look at those two - hilarious!!

The Little Saint Nick Visit

Earlier this month, Baby K had her very first visit with the Big Guy in Red! I didn't get the package of pictures that included a digital file of it and have yet to scan it, so these pictures will have to do. Hopefully one day I will get it scanned and be sure to post it :) She did great with Santa - there wasn't even one tear! She really just checked him out - that big beard and soft red jacket. I think she was actually quite comfy in his arms. And you will be happy to know that Santa uses the little hand sanitizers from Bath & Body Works. Mrs. Claus must buy them for him ;) He used the hand sanitizer before I handed the wee one to him and said, "New policy." I was happy to know Santa is being diligent about not spreading germs! Anyway, here are some pictures from after the visit with Santa. I wonder how long Baby K's wish list is??

She was all smiles after the visit - I wish she had smiled in the actual pic with Santa!

"Mom, I've had enough of this bow!"

I love this progression of pictures...she clearly did not want that bow on her head!

And it ended up on her face, so of course I took it off.

She looks much happier and quite pleased with herself :)

Shindigs & Celebrations

I just wanted to do a post that shows yes, I do dress up....and so does Brad from time to time (other than going to work of course)! Here we are about to head to his company Holiday Open House. It was great to visit with some of his coworkers and their significant others outside of work (for him) and for me to just see them and get to visit!

My friend, Tanja, and her sister had a Christmas party at their house. Brad stayed home with Baby K so that I could go and enjoy the evening. It was great fun! And yes...I have the same dress on. Gotta get my money's worth! :) And the neat part is...I think we have pictures together like this from about 20 years ago...

Wrapping & Decorating Time (Inside Edition)

Either she is looking for Santa or looking for the UPS man to bring more presents!

The first gift tag with all three of our names!

She loved playing with the empty rolls from the wrapping paper!

...and the stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

Our tree with all the goodies under it! We typically have it in the family room, but this year we moved it into our 'formal living room' so that Baby K wouldn't be tempted to pull it down on herself as she is becoming rather proficient at the scooting/rolling/beginning of crawling!

Decorating Time (Outside Edition)

We like our Christmas decorations to be up as long as possible, but we like to wait until after Thanksgiving. Lucky for us, it was quite balmy the weekend after Thanksgiving so it made it more pleasant to be outside to put the lights up (well, for Brad to put the lights up). We went to Home Depot and bought the rest of the things we needed (Katie just wore a onesie...at the end of November!) and then came home and got started. All the girls were really just there to give Brad moral support and make sure he stayed safe as he was climbing on the ladder and such to make sure our house was prepped for the holidays. Once he finished outside, we did the inside (another post to come about that, of course) and then had pizza for dinner...sounds like a tradition in the making for sure!!

Getting the lights around the columns (with the help of Sadie)

Moral support, and looking cute too!

This year Brad wanted to put colored LED lights around our deck - this is the best picture I was able to get!

Close up of the front door - I love the wreath...I got in on SUPER clearance at the end of the season last year!

....the finished product! Good work, Brad!

Happy Turkey Day!

I know I am still wayyyy behind on posting, but I am doing my best! We had a great Thanksgiving this year. We enjoyed Brad taking the whole week off and were actually able to go to Memphis for an early holiday party with some of his coworkers! When we got home, I got to cooking. I made a green bean casserole and gingered butternut squash, as well as peanut butter cookies with hershey's kisses in them :) I even sported my new apron that my mom got me for my birthday!

On Thanksgiving day, we went to my Meme's house and got together with the whole family to visit and eat some delicious food. After leaving there, we came home and Brad's mom and grandmother came over for Thanksgiving dinner. We feel so blessed that our family lives so close! Here are a few pictures, so enjoy!

Just call me Martha...ha!

Family picture on Thanksgiving Day!

Look at this sweet baby...how precious is she??

Never Again

While it did seem to fly by, it was a big relief to no longer be a metal mouth. I had braces for the SECOND time - that's right, I had them for 2.5 years in high school the first time. And then I got them June 25, 2008. Well, I got to celebrate this past Thanksgiving braces-free!! Here I am my last night with braces, and then just hours after getting them off. I will never ever have them again. Ever. Period. The only bad part is I really liked all the ladies in my orthodontist office, and my orthodontist was fabulous. Our bank account thanks me for being finished though :)

BFFs

Over Thanksgiving, I got together with some of my bestest friends from high school. We caught up on what's happening in each of our lives, ate some delicious brunch, and reminisced the old days. I am truly blessed to have such great friends from throughout the years. And I know no matter where we are, whenever we come together, it's like we haven't missed a beat. I am definitely one lucky girl.

Squeaky Clean

Bathing Baby K in her baby bathtub has become quite the challenge, so we decided it was time to just fill the big tub up a little bit and let her kick around in there. Needless to say, she absolutely loved it! She loves to kick and splash - it makes her even happier when she splashes mommy and daddy! I need to get a non-skid liner for the tub, as well as a guard to put over the water spout for when she starts sitting in the tub...I don't want her to hit her head on it! Another item I know exists and may look for is a chair to put in the bathtub so she can sit and play and not worry about slipping and falling. I wonder if her Bumbo seat would work in the tub - is worth a shot for sure! It might float though, which would make it a bit more difficult. Anyway, Baby K loves bathtime! It will be so fun to go swimming with her next summer!

Friends & Fun: My Birthday

The weekend after my birthday we got together with some of our friends to celebrate...a night out baby-free!! While I love spending time with Baby K, I do also love some time as a couple socializing with friends! We had a great time for sure...thanks to everyone that came!

After eating dinner

Me & the hubster

Hooray for great friends!

Happy Birthday to Me!

In playing catch up, the next big day was my birthday! The big 2-6. I was able to start the day by sleeping in - Brad worked from home and got up with Baby K, so that was great. That evening, we went to dinner with family at the the same restaurant Brad and I went to for our celebration last year! Brad got me the yummiest cake (it is always a must for each of our birthdays). I got the cutest apron, a gift card for a massage, and money to reimburse my account for clothes I had bought. I am such a lucky girl to be surrounded by such loving family!

Birthday celebration 2009

Birthday celebration 2008 - with Baby K in my belly!

I Think I Can, I Think I Can...

...I think I can! Catch up, that is! I have a lot to post about, including Baby K's first Turkey Day, visit with Santa, and modeling in front of the tree. For now, here are some oh-so-cute pictures. And stay tuned to read my "catch up" posts and keep up with us during the holidays!

It's hard to believe these pictures were taken almost a month ago! Where in the world does the time go!