Welcoming in the Christmas season...

This year we decided to cut down our own Christmas tree. Eli was really excited. He understands so much more of what's going on compared to last year. The whole drive up to Jemez he kept excitedly saying, "cut Christmas tree!" People make such a hype about babies firsts, but I don't think it gets really fun until the end of the second year. He is developed enough to participate in activities, instead of just drooling and eating the wrapping paper. 

  

Above/Left picture: Me at 36 weeks pregnant

As our family is growing it's become more and more important for me to begin family traditions. I come from a family with a lot of traditions and customs, especially around the holidays and being a parent myself now I'm realizing how much of the "holiday spirit" comes from proactive parenting- something I totally took for granted as a kid. Initially, I was pretty bummed at not being able to travel home over the holiday season due to Baby #2's impending entrance into the world. However, as I've had the opportunity to plan and create my own holiday itinerary I'm quite enjoying having the "power." I set the mood. I can make things as spiritual or secular as I want, when I want. I'm naturally quite sentimental and I really want my kids to have the magical and Christ-centered kinds of memories I had growing up.

Below/Right picture: Eli's typical face when I tell him, "no."

Above picture: I seriously can't get enough of Eli's excited face! I'm somewhat ashamed to be one of those obsessed-with-my-kids-cuteness parents, but the closer I get to having another baby the more time and energy I spend on Eli. As much as a know a sibling will benefit Eli, I mourn the approaching loss of my one-on-one time with him. I really love being with him so much and I worry about the change a new baby will bring to our family dynamics.

Eli loves wearing his snowsuit and rain boots. The suit (from REI) I found at Savers for $3- a bargain I raved about for at least a week- and the boots were bought for me when I was 2 while visiting England with my parents. I was wearing them when I first met the love of my life, my dear husband. I love the cheesy, sweetness of now having our son wear them.

When we chose a tree Eli was so excited he stood guard, walking round and round saying things like, "pretty tree" and "big hug tree." When we eventually cut it down he became somewhat concerned and repeatedly told us that it was "broke" and pointed back at the stump.

While David was securing the tree to the car, Eli told me he wanted an "Eli baby tree." So we searched the forest for the perfect teeny, tiny tree. Once he chose it, I cut it and he ran it back to the car telling David to put it on the top of the car with the big tree. I love how everything he sees us do he wants to do too.

 

Exhausted and hungry, we are finally done...