Christmas Highlights

It probably goes without saying, but Christmas was extra special for our family in 2008. In our quest to have children over the past few years, holidays have always been tough. This year, we felt blessed beyond measure. Isabel added a little extra joy to all of the festivities for us as well as both of our families.

On Christmas eve, we went to church at 5:00 p.m. Richard and I have always loved going to the 11:00 p.m. service, but we were quite sure that would not work too well this year. Isabel was truly an angel during the hour and a half service. We couldn't have asked for a better behaved child. My favorite part every year is when they turn out the lights and we sing "Silent Night" while holding lit candles. It's beautiful and makes me cry every time. This year, I sobbed a little harder as I saw the wonder on Ibby's face as she looked around at all the glowing candles. It was truly a magical moment. After church, it was home for some pictures in front of the tree. Next year, we will have to remember that picture taking would work much better BEFORE church. As it was, she was hungry and tired and had discovered the bow that mom had placed in her hair hours before (which luckily had gone undetected through the service). Here is a picture of Ibby's triumph once she extracted the bow.



On Christmas morning, we had breakfast as usual. After eating a hearty meal, we asked Isabel to go to the Christmas tree, which she dutifully did. She was pleased to discover lots of presents there including a Bitty Baby, stroller, booster chair, crib, and other accessories plus a set of dishes and pots and pans. But what good are the kitchen utensils without a kitchen? That was the last surprise, set up in the family room and hidden under blankets. She started playing with it immediately, whipping all sorts of goodies, and she would have played with it all day if we would have let her, but we had to get to Grandma Sandy's house.





There were even more gifts to open at Grandma's house. Isabel loved her new Dora futon from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kris. And it's clear that she was really excited about Elmo Live from Grandma Sandy and Aunt Sue. Once he was unwrapped, she gave him a big fat kiss right on his orange nose.




And what did Santa bring for Richard and me? You know, there were no presents under the tree for us this year. We couldn't think of a thing we wanted since we had already received the greatest gift of all, our beautiful (and smart and funny) daughter.

Oh, and one more picture. Before bed, Isabel discovered that she fits in her baby's crib. The baby doll looks none too comfortable though. Silly girl!