Christmas!

I think every woman who has struggled with fertility has "those things" that they think and dream about happening once they have a child. You know-those things/times/occasions that may or may not be important or significant for anyone else, but you just find yourself imagining how it will be with a little person in tow. I had a few of those things: first time going up to camp with the baby, first time packing all of baby's gear for a road trip, first time pushing my baby in a stroller on a nice day, first conversation with fellow friends/mothers about dirty diapers and night time feedings and yes....the first Christmas with a baby. These are all things that I thought about, planned for, imagined even before Alex was conceived. Of course, it made events like going to camp and Christmas bitter sweet because, while I didn't have a child, I still hoped and wished that I would have one for the next year. Yep, bittersweet alright.

This Christmas was spectacular. I can't really say much more than that. It was tremendous on so many different levels. Of course, you kind of always worry that you built something up too much in your head. But Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were awesome. Not only could we share the day with Alex, but we were able to introduce her to all of the old family's traditions...the things that made Christmas special when I was a kid. I saw Christmas differently this year because of it. It gained some of that magic back, some of that excitement and anticipation. I could go into a long diatribe about the parties and the food and the presents, but really, I would rather let the pictures speak for themselves!

 Continuing the tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve

 Big Christmas Eve party at noni and grandpa's house

 Lots of people...more downstairs

 Tiring night!

 Christmas morning!

 With all her new toys-Alex still loves mommy's slippers

 Santa came...ridiculousness ;)

 Buried in gifts

 One of Alex's favorite presents....Mega Bloks!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

Alexandra and her books-she LOVES her books!

It won't be long 'till she's walking!

Pictures from our amateur photo shoot...we were on a quest to find Christmas card pictures. What we learned: it's very hard to get a 10 month old to smile when she doesn't want to!

Checking out some pressies

<3

...at least up here it is! It has been snowing here since Sunday morning and has yet to let up....and we had a snow day today-yay!!!! So I used this extra day off for running some errands. We have three parties to go to this weekend, so I had to get a bunch of stuff for them. Now I don't have to trudge out after work to get it all done! I don't really mind all the snow before and during the Holiday season...it really does add to the excitement and feeling of Christmas. It's having snow after January 1st that I DO mind! I wish we could fast forward to Spring after all the holidays. I would be fine with completely skipping February and March. We can't skip January anymore, since that's Alexandra's birthday month ;)

So...our baby is going to be one next month! I can't believe it, I really can't :0 Since she hit about six months, time has just flown. I need it to slow down a little! As I excited as I am for all that she is able to do and going to be able to do, I need more time to absorb it all. I am, however, super excited for Christmas with her. Two Christmases ago-I was pretty unhappy. I had a miscarriage about four days before Christmas Eve and remember being at the mall after it happened. It seemed as though everywhere I looked, there were families shopping or mothers out buying their kids toys. I felt like I was on the outside looking in. It was a very lonely place to be. I still remember that feeling and, no matter how many kids we have, will always remember it. But that's ok. I had the experience for a reason. Maybe I can help someone else who is currently feeling the same way. Infertility is still a very taboo subject. I've decided to be more open about my own experiences so that others know that they aren't alone. It's amazing how many people can actually relate (that you had no idea about), when you do bring the topic up.

So anyway, I'm super pumped for this Christmas season and so very thankful. Alexandra is going to be one spoiled girl on Christmas day ;) But what the heck-she only has one first Christmas! Well, I'm off to rummage through some cookbooks. My friends and I are putting on a D & D party this Friday. D & D being dips and drinks. We are making key lime pie martinis and everyone is supposed to bring a dip. So basically, I have to figure out what to make for that and for the other parties. Should be a fun weekend! Alex gets to see her friend Alex (he's Alexander though) on Saturday for his first birthday. It will be the first time that they are together when they BOTH can crawl...can't wait!