Christmas 2013

Kiera's first Christmas was a huge success! Lily was an excellent Holiday Helper as she guided Kiera through the festivities. From cookie baking, reindeer and Santa prep on Christmas Eve to the fine art of unwrapping and feasting, the sisters were in it together from start to finish!

Christmas Eve was fabulous. Kiera practiced her Christmas carols, Lily set out cookies and reindeer food, and the two spent some time snuggling under the Christmas tree. (OK, that last bit was a lie. That picture is totally staged and you can even see my hand reaching out for Kiera's head as it made its way to the floor)

 

 

The trees! Ours on the left, Kiki and Po's on the right.

 

 

Our tree sporting a very special new ornament!

 

Santa came! He was careful to wipe his boots on the mat we provided. He obviously enjoyed the brownies and carrots we left (carrots, in case he had gotten sick of sugar by the time he got to us. We left reindeer food for the team outside!) and even left some cookies behind (way to show off that will power, Santa Baby!) Lily was thrilled with her red tricycle! Classic! Kiera also went straight to enjoying her new play mat.

 

A few cups of coffee and some breakfast casserole later, we went to Kiki and Po's for more celebration. Kiera got to spend cuddle time with Great Grampa, while the rest of us opened gifts and feasted on rib roast AND turkey with all the fixins!

 

 

Baby Girl appreciates the good life. Ahhhhhhhh.

 

We went home after 2:00 dinner for Christmas Round 3 with Meema, Peepa and Aunt Heather. More gifts and more food!

 

A day full of cuddles and snuggles!

 

 

These are a few of my favorite things! A BEAUTIFUL emerald ring from Jason. Hot dawg that boy done good! I had to send it off today to be sized. My finger feels naked already! A magnolia attachment for the Happy Everything platter, a Keurig, more of my perfume (I was running way low!) and some fabulous gift cards to fabulous places!

 

 

Kiera's First Christmas 2013

 

And to all, a good night!

 

As this year comes to a close I am overwhelmed at all with which Jason and I have been blessed. A warm and lovely home, two beautiful daughters, friends to celebrate alongside and a wonderful family that showers us with so much love. Looking at the growing pile of paper-filled trash bags and empty boxes near the front door would normally stress me out to no end (no joke, it's creeping up the walls), but it is nothing more than a glorious reminder of the care taken to set up our Nativity scene just right, the smell of the house as we baked cookies for loved ones, the joy on my daughters' faces as they unwrapped gifts, their excitement as we found small hints of Santa's presence in our home, the satisfaction of dining together on some of the most delicious food the Season has to offer (back to Square 1 on losing that baby weight!) and the overwhelming love shown to us through so much giving. God bless the trash bags and dirty dishes. God bless all of it. I am thankful.

 

Best wishes to you and yours during this wonderful and Holy time!