Jingle Bells

Christmas was great this year. We are so blessed to have family and friends to surround us during the holidays. Stella and I have enjoyed reading about baby Jesus over and over and I've enjoyed hearing her talk about "Mary, Jofeph and baby Jesus" for the past month. Things were actually peaceful and calm this year...it didn't seem too busy or hurried. Here's our little family at Mimi's house for Christmas Eve lunch, with Sawyer on the way. It kind of looks like my belly is getting ready to drop any minute...at least that's how I feel :)

Stella at Nena and PaPa's with all of the cousins on Christmas Eve.
Christmas morning was so fun. My first present was Stella sleeping until 8:20! The kitchen was actually from Nena and Papa, but we set it up for Christmas morning so she could play with her toys that went along with it.

She played with her little cupcakes for hours...handing them to each person in the room...after the first 30 minutes, I realized she gave each person the same one every time...my little thinker...

Only 6 weeks to go!!!

Then, the snow came...and that meant Michal leaving to go to work for the entire night. At least he didn't have to head out too soon on Christmas.

Stella automatically stood still after she got this on and said "cheese"...how did she know I was wanting a picture? :)
Our house that kind of blended in with the white sky...

After Christmas and snow fun, we went to Jake's Firemen Birthday party. We had a tour and got to see the firetrucks!

Then, we went home and did our favorite thing...luckily I caught her in mid air.

Merry Christmas everybody!

Random

Well, I am 33 weeks and my book says the baby has entered "the finishing period." Those were sweet words to read! :) He weighs at least 4 1/2 lbs. and is more than 17 inches long! I can't believe I'm almost 8 months pregnant and we haven't even started his room! WOW! I guess since we had to move Stella's room, we spent most of our time in there....now it's time to cross things off the baby checklist!

The past several weeks have been full...since it's been so cold outside, I attempted to make my first Gingerbread House with just Stella...the days can be r-e-a-l-l-y long sometimes. Here are a few things I learned during the process.

1- forget about pictures when there's icing involved

2-don't bring out the candy part until it's time to open them and put them on!

3- why didn't I call Mom, who was next door during the process?

4- go potty before...Stella was really excited, so while I was holding the sides of the house up...she... well...let's just say I had to wash the slip cover on the chair.

5- cherish the memories being made : )

Here are a few songs Stella's been singing over and over...especially Away in a Manger.

Merry Christmas!

Stella's 2!

Stella had such a great birthday...from the parade on Wednesday, all the way to Saturday. Sunday morning she woke up and said "Where's present?". I think she likes to celebrate all week, like me :) Here she is after a long day snacking on goldfish. I love that little face :) Opening a guitar from Grandma and Uncle Mack!Little friends :)

I think she liked her cake!!

My first tiered cake and invite by McSwain Design. Great picture too Wendy! :)

Here are just a few of Stella's 2 year old pictures taken by Lucy. More are on my Facebook page if you want to see them all. These are some of my faves. :)

Stella's Big Day!

You would have thought it was Christmas morning at our house on December 1st...instead it was Stella's b-day. We intentionally were going to give her the ridiculously cute car for Christmas, but thought she could enjoy it for a few weeks early instead.

Looking in the rear view mirror....look at the clouds outside...so pretty!

Sitting in her ride with Jimbo, the clown, who comes out each week in her Gymboree class!

After our big morning, we headed to Gymboree, came home for lunch, took our naps, then headed off to the Mt. Holly parade! We had such a great time, despite the cold! If it wasn't cold, I guess it wouldn't have felt like Christmas was here!

Stella enjoyed waving to all the people passing by...
We had such a fun day!

Can she really be two years old?? Wow.