Every now and then, there is a moment that makes you thankful for all you have. This Christmas was one of those for me. I am grateful for having such a wonderful husband & daughter, and family.

Christmas was a little different this year. Because Leah had fifths and Crissie is pregnant we weren't able to get together as a big group. Everyone got together with them without us, and then we got together without them. My brother's family usually can't make it up for the holidays because Pete works for UPS, so we are used to missing them, but it just didn't feel like Christmas. We will make sure next year is better.

Leah was excited about Santa (or at least the new toys under the tree Christmas morning) and all the other gifts she received. She is happy to have new things to play with, she was starting to outgrow a lot of what she had.

And... In the spirit of giving, we gave Leah her first fast food cheeseburger today. She loved it.

Pleading the 5th

In the midst of the holiday season, Leah (and possibly Joe) has caught fifth disease. At first we thought it was just another cold or maybe her incoming molar was bothering her, but two little girls at the sitter's had it so that is most likely the case. For the most part she has been in a good mood but has woken up at night when the Motrin wears off. Since she's sick, she had also been sleeping more. Sleeping in until 8 instead of 6! This probably means we won't see much family for Christmas but it is only one day, one holiday and there will be many others.

Merry Christmas to everyone & happy New Year!

Can you tell me where my baby went? Because this little girl is way too big.

I can not believe how big Leah is getting. She is full of words now and loves to pretend. She also loves to copy you. For months Joe and I have been the ones to chase her around the house, but earlier this week she started chasing me back. How adorable. She never ceases to amaze me.

This is the time we have been waiting for. Leah can finally communicate most of her wants. It is such a relief to know why she is upset or crying, even if we have to tell her no. Looking back to when she was a newborn, I remember chalking a few crying fit up as gas because nothing else seemed to be wrong.

It is fun seeing how excited she gets about new toys, Christmas lights or her favorite foods. Sometimes when I watch her I realize what a special time in her (and my) life this is, because this is when so many things are new & magical.

Holiday Season

We are in full holiday swing! Last week we put our tree up. It was very cold and very windy so we went to a lot up the street instead of cutting one down. We will start that tradition next year. Leah loves the tree, lights and all the decorations! She has gotten into the habit of saying "hi" to everything, it's really cute. I am looking forward to baking cookies and seeing Leah's face on Christmas morning - those should both be a blast!

Our Gingerbread House

Every year Jenni makes a gingerbread house with Jake and it has become part of our family's tradition. So, this year I decided to put one together with Leah. Here is the story in pictures.

Oh, this is going to be cool!

Notice the upside down shingles?

CANDY!!!!

Ok, let me try.

Aaand - we're done. Note to self: Don't try to cover-up upside down shingles.

I'm done!

Leah woke us up at 5:30 this morning, yelling "I'm done!" from her crib. Thankfully, she went back to sleep until 7. When Joe went in to get her, this is how he found her pacifiers.

We made it!

We made it through hosting Joe's family for Thanksgiving dinner AND now I can say we made it through Leah getting tubes in her ears.

Thanksgiving was fun, a lot of work but well worth it. It was nice to see everyone and see just how many people our house can hold. Unfortunately, Jim started feeling bad before he got here and while he was here it looked like he caught the same virus Leah & Joe had a month ago. Pink eye & everything. Debbie was coming down with something before they left. We hope they both feel better soon.

Leah had tubes put in this morning. I was a little worried about not giving her anything to eat before the procedure because breakfast is usually her biggest meal but she did fine. She is such a good baby, I don't know why I worry about anything with her. The doctor said her ears looked "pretty nasty" so I am glad we decided to go ahead and get tubes. We had no idea she had an ear infection.

I am too lazy to post pictures here tonight, so check them out on Picasa (link to the right).