Christmas Morning

Just a warning--I didn't weed any of these out.

Every Christmas since Fiona was born I've been excited about firsts:  her actual first Christmas, last Christmas when she would be excited about cookies and presents etc.  This Christmas I was looking forward to her anticipation and excitement...and enjoyed her actually REALLY wanting something that Santa brought.  (That sounds weird and materialistic in writing...oops.)


Christmas Morning1 from Katie Bird on Vimeo.


Christmas Morning2 from Katie Bird on Vimeo.


Christmas Morning3 from Katie Bird on Vimeo.

Christmas Morning4 from Katie Bird on Vimeo.

I'm also constantly amazed at how different my girls are--from such a young age.  I still remember how much trouble Fiona had opening presents on her first birthday.  I don't know if Evie's just a better observer or what, but I don't think she had to be shown once what she was supposed to do.

Evie will also pick up the beat and start dancing...to anything.  Sometimes if it's quiet she'll dance to the clock.  In these videos, she'll start dancing whenever her farm starts playing.  She even found some rhythm in her grandmas snoring one morning...

Missing Pieces

Fiona: Momma, momma, I can't find my red hammer for getting the dinosaur.
Me: What hammer?
F: The red one?
Me (still confused): Your hammer is with your hammer toy.
F: No, it isn't.
Me (remembering seeing some very small, unfamiliar pieces when finally "organizing" toy baskets for the first time since Christmas): Is it big or tiny?
F: Tiny.
Awesome.

Luckily, it was found.  The toy measures approximately 1 square centimeter.  I thought at her age whatever pieces were around were okay.  Looks like it's time to get some real organization for some of these toys. 

Friends

The other day I was talking about how bummed I was that time was going so quickly, and I wouldn't have time to do all the crafty things I wanted to do for/with Fiona for Christmas (sorry Evie...you're still too young.  I tried wrapping presents with you today and you just ate wrapping paper and unraveled all my ribbon.)  One of the things I really wanted to do was make an advent calendar.  Today this came in the mail...and I cried...in the best kind of way.  There is no way I can express how much this friendship means to me, and I know too often I take it for granted.

Thanks, Emily. 

Allie and Kateri Visit!

Allie and my sweet God-daughter Kateri came to visit over Jon's birthday, and we had an awesome time!  My only complaint is that it was far too short!  The whole weekend consisted mostly of playing, eating and enjoying some adult beverages--for the adults, of course.

Jon enjoying life.

After playing so well together over the summer, I was so excited for Fiona to see Kateri again--and they did not disappoint! (minus some sharing issues Fi is currently having, but I can't help but cut her a little bit of slack with Evie getting into everything she plays with...it's just a phase, right?  right?!  With Leah thrown in the mix too, I have a feeling these crazy girls are going to be quite good friends. 

I don't think Jon could have been happier having his sister here...and me too!  Thanks for visiting, and come again soon!

Who looks more excited?

Because this is what they're doing:


 

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have SO SO much to be thankful for this year and had a wonderful time celebrating with the Joe Birds and the Danahers.

We've done lots of work on the house lately.  That combined with a festive start of the holiday season really is making our house seem like a home.  There's finally a light at the end of the tunnel.  Thank you, God for all we've been given this year--good and bad.  It's truly been amazing.

Also, Jon cooked the best turkey I've every had in my life.  Seriously--it was insanely delicious.  Go JB!  I had no idea a dairy-free Thanksgiving could be so good.  Yum.

9 Months!

I know it's not really a milestone, but for some reason, Evie hitting 9 months makes her birthday seem like it's just around the corner?  How is that possible?!

Anyway, since I've been stinking at blogging lately, here the latest of that lovely little munchkin.

She now has two teeth, climbs on everything, waves at everyone, cries when she sees me if I'm not holding her, finally sleeps for 8+ hour stretches at night, loves giving kisses (I love it when Fiona asks for a kiss!) and in general is absolutely delicious and delightful.  She also finally learned how clap.  Not sure why it took so long, but I think she just figured it out yesterday, and is pretty excited about her new trick.  She also continues to be very serious--especially for strangers (and the camera).  The fact that she loves waving at them so much makes her stare-down that much funnier.

 Oh, and this is her other favorite expression.  Accompanied by, "ooo, ooo, ooo, oooo."