Maddie's First Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas. Maddie and I woke everyone up at 7 to begin our Christmas activities (we were on a schedule since she goes down for nap #1 at 9). She loved her presents and had a great day of playing. We made a turkey feast to enjoy that night (along with 2 different pies) and finished the day by watching the movie Wall-E (very cute movie my brother gave me).

Bonding with Uncle Jon.

Maddie being chased by 2 people and 1 dog that adore her.

She actually kept the headband on the entire morning. I think she looks adorable in it but she hates anything on her head.

"What's up Jo?"

Dressed for the Christmas Eve service (thanks for the adorable dress Genny!)

Santa gave Maddie a walker. She loves it!

Uncle Jon teaching Maddie how to shift.

She's a quick learner. Maybe next year we'll send her to his racing school.

Opening her stocking. Notice JoJo licking his lips.

She needed a little leverage.

Brunch. (I don't want to you to think I was still in my sweats for dinner)

"Look what Santa brought me!"

"Who wants to play?"

"I'm having so much fun!!!"

Christmas Traditions

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. I really like traditions and hope to pass some along to Maddie. Two of my favorite holiday traditions growing up was building a gingerbread house every year with my mom and stringing popcorn for our Christmas tree with my dad. I have not continued the popcorn tradition (I'm still trying to convince Jon it doesn't ruin the look of the tree) but this year I decided to revive the gingerbread house.

I put Maddie in the Bjorn so she could participate.

She wasn't all that interested in our activities so I gave her a Gerber biscuit to munch on.

What a mess!

The house needed a little mending.






My mom made Maddie an advent calender. This is another family tradition.



Every year we have friends over to celebrate Christmas with dinner. I've done it for about seven years now (I think I served my favorite lasagna 5 of those years :)) Maddie's playing with her friend Grace.

I bought JoJo a new bed. We don't usually have a bed for him because he always tears it up and makes a mess. Well, he started to sleep on our couch so I decided to break down and get him a bed (luckily Costco has pet beds at a decent price). JoJo loves it and didn't move from the bed the entire day.

Maddie was sad JoJo wouldn't play with her anymore.

She got his attention by taking his toy.

Maddie has a good grip.

He's finally getting some attention in this house. He loves his uncle Jon.

Christmas card teaser

I've been snapping a lot of pics of our little girl lately, attempting to take the perfect picture for our Christmas card. Of course I'm not posting the pictures we chose, but here were some of the runner ups.

Brunch with Santa

This is why Jojo follows us around ALL DAY LONG! I have noticed that he naps when Maddie naps so he doesn't miss out on time with his baby.
Ok, so this one was a staged. I just couldn't resist. I remember a picture of me sitting in a pan and thought I'd recreate it.

Up to no good.

All the way in. I was holding the sliding shelf with my foot. I guess it's time to installed the cabinet locks.