Three Dogs and a Baby! Remi's 1st Christmas

For Remi's first Christmas, we were surrounded by family...their dogs...and we truly enjoyed celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus. So many get caught up in the the hustle and bustle that they forget what it's truly all about. This year, we took time to reflect and celebrate Jesus' birthday!!

My parents, neice & nephew arrived on Sunday, Dec. 20th and the festivities began. We shopped all day Monday, then on Tuesday we took Chan & Vannah ice skating and ended the day by building my first gingerbread houses! WHAT FUN...a new found family tradition!! Then on Wednesday we anxiously awaited my sister and brother-in-law's arrival by baking A LOT of cookies. Once everyone arrived, we officially had a FULL HOUSE!!! Six adults...2 teenagers...a baby...and three dogs! WOW!!!

On Thursday, Christmas Eve, we baked more cookies and just enjoyed being with family. Randy's dad, grandma and brother joined us for dinner. At 11 p.m., most of us went to the Christmas Eve service at my church and it was just wonderful...a very nice way to start Christmas Day. Christmas Day was spent in our PJs, just relaxing and enjoying all the gifts that Santa had brought!! :)

It was very loud and chaotic at times but honestly the best time ever. I soaked it all in!! Unfortunately, after weather reports expected a very snowy week while they were here from Bama, we didn't have any snow at all :(((( But, at least there was snow on the ground for their arrival.

Remi'a first Christmas was wonderful and she turned 8 months old on Christmas Day. She is such a happy baby, full of smiles and giggles! She was very excited by all the paper and bows but most of all her cousins! There was nothing that Vannah & Chan couldn't do that wouldn't make her smile and laugh. We loved it! They were also a HUGE help...changing diapers and playing with Remi the entire week! We're sure going to miss them.

Here are some pics from the week. We hope you all enjoyed your Christmas as much as we did. We have Randy's cousin and his family arriving from Maryland on Wednesday...let the holiday fun continue :)

From our family to yours...Merry Christmas!

Santa Baby!

We did it! We got up early and out of the house by 7:45 a.m. to see Santa at Somerset Collection and it was well worth it! You see, the Somerset Santa is so popular that they give out appt. times when you can sit on the big guy's lap. We arrived at 8, and our appt. was at 9. I like to think I'm "particular" not crazy :) As neurotic as people may think I am, I just want the best for my little girl!!! She's pretty special, you know.

Remi did GREAT! She was more interested in her two front teeth than the big guy. She didn't cry...she was perfect! What a great first visit :) We're Looking forward to the rest of the holidays and our family's arrival from Alabama on next Sunday. We are so excited for this Christmas! We hope you're enjoying the holidays as much as we are.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

The holiday's are upon us and Winter has arrived here in Michigan. Today - snowy and blistery cold! Since staying inside every single day isn't an option, I'm trying to figure out just how to take a baby out in the cold. Since I wasn't born & raised in Michigan, I find it hard to take my little baby out in the freezing temps! Randy says it's fine...she'll be okay! Or sometimes I'll get the infamous..."when I was a kid!" Yes, it's already starting!! I know, I know..."up hill, in the snow..." :) HA HA! Anywho...I'm learning and Remi thinks its fun to open her mouth when we're outside and eat the cold air! I think she's pretty cute!!! :)

We've decked the halls at Chateau Partin and are the holiday's are in full swing. This weekend we're planning a visit to the big man himself. I hope he's ready 'cause we've got a baby who's infatuated with pulling hair...just ask her BFF, Audrey! OUCH! She's also teething pretty bad with two top teeth coming in. These have been much worse than when the bottom two came in. She's working hard on almost everything to tear it apart with her tiny little chompers!!!

So, here's a few pics until next week. Hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying the holiday's so far. Tis the season!!