Christmas

Where do I begin. Christmas was different this year. We have never celebrated with our baby girl and we have never celebrated without our Moms. Making this year a little bitter sweet. However, God reminds us of our blessings daily. And Miriam does too!

This year we spent Christmas Eve at my dad's house and attended church in the early evening. Miriam did well sitting on my lap watching and she loved the music. We tried to get a few pictures of the girls all dressed up but it was a little difficult.

On Christmas morning, Lee came to my dad's after getting off work. We had breakfast and then opened gifts. Miriam's favorite was the wrapping paper and the cute card her daddy got her. After I fished all the paper out of her mouth, she reluctantly moved on to her real gifts. After presents it was off to nap time for baby and daddy. Unfortunately, because of all the morning excitement, MJ refused to take her morning nap (which made for a lively night).

In the afternoon Kyle, Lindsey and cousin Niah came over for a bit. It was really amusing watching Niah and MJ share the toys. They are growing so fast.

Then on Friday my aunts came up (from Santa Barbara) and over (from Louisiana) for a visit. On Saturday, The Aunts took us all to Build-A-Bear for a family bonding day. It was a lot of fun. With Miriam being to small to actually pick out and build her own, I had to step in for her. After showing a 10 month old various different bears, dogs, a monkey, a zebra she finally hinted to building a cute little bunny.


We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that this new year brings you all peace, love and joy. Happy New Year!

Guitar Hero

Miriam has decided that her new favorite toy is Daddy's guitar. It started by Lee just playing for her, at first she just stared at him. Slowly she began to crawl towards him while playing. Then we began to find her in whatever room the guitar was last just pounding out a few chords. And now she wont let him play without her strumming along. So now we just leave it out for her. She will be holding auditions for whoever might want to join her new rock band. :o)

Santa

And the introduction to Christmas continued today with a chance to meet Santa. Miriam was a very good sport, she didn't cry at all. (But she didn't smile either) Santa thought Miriam was so cute he even postponed his lunch break to take a photo with her. Thanks Santa!

O Christmas Tree

For the last five years Lee and I have had a tradition of going to Rowell Ranch the weekend after Thanksgiving, to get our Christmas tree. Today we took Miriam on her first Christmas tree adventure. I say it's an adventure because I have been known to cause my family to go insane and freeze, while I search the lot for the "perfect" tree. This year was no different. We bundled MJ up and walked her down the aisles of the big beautiful Nobles. She took it all in with wide eyes and a smile.

Our Little Santa Baby - ready for the adventure. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the lot, but it's worth it.

MJ laughing at Mommy shaking the branches.

Earlier this morning, Daddy taught MJ how to count down the days 'til Jesus Birthday!

We are looking forward to teaching Miriam Jade the true meaning of Christmas, throughout the years and sharing with her our little traditions. It's true what they say, when you look at something through a child's eyes - it's so much better. This year is going to be lots of fun!!!