because they grow so fast

shocking, i know

I'm proud to admit that I have very few photos from Christmas Eve and Christmas morning to share! It's shocking, I know. But I spent most of the time soaking in the moments, reveling in seeing Christmas through a toddler's eyes instead of trying to capture the "perfect" picture.

Indeed, as forcasted, we have recieved a fair amount of snow over the past day and a half. But not enough to keep us from our usual Christmas plans. After worshipping the newborn Savior at church yesterday afternoon, we headed to Aaron's parents house for dinner and gift opening. Camille had a great time helping her cousin Adeline arrange the gifts under the tree.


After a fun (and exhausting!) evening of gift opening we headed back home and put our tired little girl to bed - two hours later than usual! Those of you who know us know that Camille has a pretty consistent 7 pm bedtime. It works for us and it works for her. But special occasions call for staying up late sometimes!

After waking in the middle of the night several times (and by several I mean at least 4), Camille was at least able to sleep in past 8!

She even woke up in a great mood! We enjoyed a leisurely Christmas breakfast of cereal (after which Camille declared, "I eat cereal with Boppa!") we took our time opening gifts and let her enjoy her new toys, books, blanket, and little red chair.

We stayed home all day, not caring to venture out onto snowy roads. Aaron spent much of the late morning and early afternoon clearing part of the front yard of snow into a little fort so that Camille would be able to walk around and enjoy the white stuff (pictures of that to come)!

Tomorrow brings another busy day. We'll be heading out in the morning to Aaron's grandparents' house in southern MN for a Christmas gathering of his Mom's family. We're looking forward to seeing everyone, enjoying great conversation, watching the kids have fun, and eating Christmas cookies! We're supposed to continue getting more snow throughout the night and tomorrow, so hopefully our travels will be safe and stress-free!

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Adeline

News from the sick house...

Well, I guess I spoke too soon...

So much for being healthy! We heard Camille crying at 4:30 this morning. Since I'm still dealing with a nasty cold, Aaron trudged upstairs to calm her down. Meanwhile, I hear through the baby monitor in our room sounds of whisperings, shuffling, whimpering. After about 20 minutes of listening, I trudge upstairs to see my mom sitting in the living room in the dark with Camille on her lap. I say, "What's wrong?" And she says, "She threw up." Thus began 12 long hours of having a very sick baby. She slept most of the morning, and by about 2:30 began slowly improving. Her fever is now gone, and she's in bed for the night (hopefully). But if you could, would you please pray for our household's health! Pray that Camille has a quick recovery from her stomach bug, that I have a quick recovery from my cold, and that nobody else in the house gets either of the viruses!

Despite spending the day in a sick house, I have two very special people in my life that I must wish happy birthday to...

Happy Birthday Megan! I'm so sorry I couldn't spend the evening with you like we'd planned, but please know that I was thinking about you and wishing you many blessings. What a blessing you have been to me and to my family! I thank the Lord that He placed you in my life nearly 11 years ago!

Happy Birthday Adeline! It's been so much fun watching you grow into such a beautiful little princess! Uncle Gus and I love you so much and we hope your birthday was truly magical!

I have returned, as promised! Camille was a real trooper at the doctor's office today. She was spunky and happy and talking up a storm to her nurse and doctor! She weighed in at a whopping 14 lbs 11 oz and is now 25" long! Even though I'm sure they tell nearly everyone this, I was especially proud when they told me how perfect and sweet she is :) What a blessing she's been!

And as also promised, here are a few pictures...

Hanging out by the pool on 4th of July, tasting the air.

Sporting her sunglasses from the Urbachs - gotta protect those pretty eyes!

Adeline and Lydia enjoying the kiddie pool on Sunday.

Lydia really enjoyed the big pool once she got used to the water!

Our smiley girl just before we left for the doctor's office today.

Here are a few other pictures from the past few weeks that I finally had a chance to get up here:

Aunt Megan and Adeline having fun with the camera!

Wearing her "Little Version of Daddy" shirt.

Helping Mommy do the laundry!


Thanks for the t-shirt, Elyse! One day it will fit me :)

Taking a walk around Maple Island at Grandma and Grandpa Martindale's house.

Camille was having a great time with her toys, but as soon as I turned on the Twins game she had to turn around so she could watch it with me!

Spending some quality time with Auntie Megan.

Uncle Bryan and Aunt Megan FINALLY meet Camille!