Full of Love

We are so blessed!  Our little cutie-tutie is 8 months old today. Alexa has such a sweet disposition. She loves to give kisses and hugs. We have developed a routine before bed of picking-up each of her stuffed animals one-by-one so she can hug them. She also loves to laugh. She laughs at the dogs, she laugh's at Daddy's funny faces and sometimes she laughs at nothing. She has never been a fussy baby. Even through her latest teething phase, she was in good spirits. She has five teeth already. I am completely mesmerized by everything she does.

Alexa has yet to crawl. In fact, I think she might be one that skips crawling altogether. I expect her to be walking in no time. She is right on track with developmental milestones and once again has surpassed the height and weight averages. She is in-between sizes 12 to 18 months.

She says Mama, Dada, and tries to copy the sounds that we make. Our hearts are full of love for our little girl. 

All Things Christmas

Hark! The herald angels sing, glory to the new born king! Christmas is my favorite times of year. I get to spend extra time with friends and family, my home feels a little cozier with all of the decorations, and the holiday music that can be heard throughout my house brings me an everlasting joy.

I am blessed to be married to a man who enjoys all things Christmas just as much as I do. When I pulled out the lights on Thanksgiving Day, he went right to work putting them up on the outside of our house. Even after having to go to Home Depot twice during our lighting ceremony, he never complained and appeared to be jollier than old Saint Nick.

Of course, this year’s Christmas will be even brighter and memorable with Alexa. At six months, she is filled with wonderment. She seems mesmerized by the lights and loves to touch the live Christmas tree. Her favorite thing is ripping and eating paper which will certainly make opening gifts so much fun. 

Besides all the Christmas glitter and sparkles, Alexa is very interested in eating. She welcomes anything that she can put in her mouth. At 18 pounds and 27 inches long, she definitely has a healthy appetite. Her favorite foods would have to be carrots and bananas. I’m expanding her pallet by introducing her to some mashed cauliflower, lentil beans and pasta. I also intend to give Alexa a little bit of the Prime Rib broth we’re having on Christmas day which is a tradition in Rich’s family.

Speaking of traditions, we want to start some of our own Christmas traditions that we can share with our daughter. While living in San Diego, Rich and I would visit the Hotel Del Coronado at Christmas time. We would go ice skating on the rink that was right on the beach all while enjoying the beautiful lights and the smells of pine and cinnamon. We would also drive around the neighborhoods  and look at all the fascinating Christmas lights displays. I have my own tradition of watching the Sound of Music and It’s a Wonderful Life which I have done for the last umpteen years.  

 I know many of you have established some great traditions and I would love to know what favorite Christmas traditions you share with your family?

 As our family celebrates the birth of our savior, we hope however you celebrate; you have all the timeless treasures of Christmas... the warmth of home, the love of family and endless blessings in the New Year.

Merry 

Christmas!