Merry Christmas

It was right around this time last year that Peter and I found out we were pregnant.  Peter was loading his car for the airport for a work trip to California, it was 4 am, and I had a feeling I might be pregnant. So, early that morning, I pulled myself out of bed and was able to send Peter off to California with some wonderful news! Meanwhile, I was home with several days to freak out about the unknown ahead. :)

Now here we are, one year later with our little girl celebrating the holidays with us. While she might not be aware of what's happening, we're both enjoying celebrating the birth of Christ and starting some of our own Christmas traditions.  Here are a few...

Santa Pics! We went to get a Santa pic for Laney in exchange for a food donation and it was adorable! The teenage boys taking the picture seemed to think that if you clap really loud you can get an infant to smile...ummm...I'm glad they don't need to know how to care for infants.  Then the next day, I learned that a different Santa fuels up at the same Safeway as we do! You might be inclined to think, "Oh fun! So magical!", but there is something about seeing Santa driving a dodgy, brown minivan with mold growing on the windows that really loses the magic... Now I know what Santa needs for Christmas!

Lights!  Christmas lights are one of my favorite things! They really brighten up the darkening days.  Peter and I thought we should take Laney to see some lights.  Then, we realized that she stares at the lights on the microwave or our neighbor's chandelier with bright eyes and awe. Why would we pay to see Zoolights, when we can sit with a warm mug of hot cocoa and stare at the lights on our microwave.  Magical!  (Next year we'll be a little more ambitious, but for this year the Christmas tree and microwave will do)

Music!  I love the power music has to evoke memories and impact emotions. This is one tradition that we value greatly in our home. I think I have Christmas music playing much of the day. Plus, Peter's been giving Laney private guitar lessons for months now. Holiday music is a fun and special way to celebrate this season. Our home wouldn't be the same without it.

Presents!  Who doesn't love to receive gifts! Actually, a newborn probably doesn't mind either way. So we decided for her first Christmas that we'd get Laney a sweet little personalized Christmas ornament with her name. Shhhhh...don't tell her.  We'll leave any other spoiling to her grandparents.  :)

Christmas Tree! We've gotten a Christmas tree every year and this year was no different.  In the past, we've driven out into the woods to find the perfect "Charlie Brown" tree, but this year we decided to venture out to Home Depot in search of that perfect tree!  Low and behold...we found it!  As you can see, Laney is ecstatic! :)

Christmas Books! Every evening Peter is responsible for putting Laney to bed.  The routine is quiet play, put on pjs, and read a book. It's one of my favorite times because during "quiet play" I always hear sweet baby giggles (which I don't really think qualify as quiet..) from downstairs and I love walking past and glancing in to see them both laying on the floor reading a fun book. This year, I went to the library and checked out a handful of holiday stories. While Go Dog Go is Peter's favorite, it's nice to mix in some Christmas stories as well.

I'm sure we'll develop more traditions as Christmas approaches and over the years, but for now, I'll sit here listening to Christmas music, next to my Christmas tree while Laney stares at those magical microwave lights and enjoy this holiday season.  A very Merry Christmas to you and God bless you this holiday season. :)