We had ourselves a merry little Christmas

Wasn’t I just celebrating Christmas with my bald 11-month-old baby? Where did the past year go? Yet, once again, the passage of time has accelerated and we find ourselves looking in the rear-view mirror at yet another Christmas gone by. Presents were opened, dinner was eaten, but most of all, our family had a wonderful time celebrating together.

Last year, Baby B was more into the wrapping paper and boxes than anything else. But what a difference a year can make! This year, she could recognize Santa and knew who he was, but didn’t quite understand that he’s the jolly fellow who brings presents to your house. (Thus we didn’t leave any cookies or milk out for him this year; I knew she would throw a fit when she saw cookies sitting out and she wasn’t allowed to eat them herself. Next year….) This year, opening presents was much different because she understood the idea of opening the present, and she loved ripping the paper off, often with explosive giggles at each tear. But she also understood (very well) that what was inside the wrapping paper was quite interesting, as well. Which is why opening gifts took us nearly three hours, because every time she’d open a gift, she’d want to take it out of the box and play with it for a while. And can you blame her for wanting to? (Admit it: You wish you could do the same thing with your favorite presents, too!)

Still, the important thing is that she (and we) had so much fun throughout the day, both with our gift-opening and when we went to visit my parents for the afternoon/evening. I would say her favorite gifts were her wagon from The Husband’s dad — she opened probably half her gifts while sitting in the wagon — and her DoodlePros (one bigger and one travel size that we’ll keep in the car). She also seemed to really like her handmade, unfinished wood train set.

More than anything, I think this pic sums up Baby B’s fun at Christmas this year. I love her more than words could ever capture. She’s why I don’t mind getting up in the morning. She’s why I don’t mind going to work each day. She’s why I want to be a better person, so I can set a good example for her. My pride and joy. My wonderful daughter.