Advent 2013 - Dec. 1-16

Justin and I came up with an advent calendar this year for the first time and I hope it continues as a tradition each December. We came up with a different "advent activity" for each day in December and Eloise picks a new one each day along with a piece of the nativity scene. She seems to have enjoyed many of the activities we've done but as she gets a little older I think she will enjoy the anticipation and preparation for Jesus' birth even more.

Our first activity of the month was to decorate the Christmas tree. That same evening I was starting to wrap gifts and Justin was getting ready to put Eloise to bed. Though it may have been another one of her stall tactics, she said, "Mama, I want to stay and make Christmas with you." It was pretty adorable. Another day's activity was to hang mistletoe. And again this evening as I was saying goodnight, she said, "We better go under the mistletoe!" I think she's starting to catch on. The baby Jesus is the final figure to our calendar who of course comes on the 25th. She asks for him every day so she's patiently waiting to be able to get him out on Christmas day. What fun this season has been this year as I start to see it again through the eyes of a child.

Decorating her part of the tree.

Setting up the nativity.

Making a Countdown to Christmas chain.

Santa shakes!

Making snowflakes and drinking hot cocoa. 

Early Christmas.

Decorating cookies with friends!

Mirabel - 5 months

So, we have this nanny for the girls. She is amazing. My life would be so much more stressful without her. She loves my girls and the second I walk out my front door to catch the bus, my mind is at ease. Knowing she is caring for our girls brings me so much peace. (And quiet!) God bless you, Miss Leah. Oh, and she finds time somewhere between juggling my two girls as well as her own curious boy to take some fantastic photos of Mirabel at 5 months. 

Warming up to the camera.

"Wait a minute, what is going on here?"

(Probably being distracted by Eloise.)

There's my girl!

Just can't get enough of this crinkled nose, big mouthed grin!

Sweet, sweet girl.

Oh, these girls.

We live a simple but crazy, hectic life these days. An almost 3 year old keeps us on our toes from before the sun comes up until long after the sun has set. She is go. And go, and go! Eloise, you crack us up all day long. It seems you have a new trick or new phrase every day to keep us in stitches. You are currently in a phase where you call everyone "Hon". The other day we caught each other's eye from across the room, and you said, "I love you. You are my best mommy ever." You melted my heart.

And Mirabel, oh, Mirabel. Your sweet voice and beautiful eyes have us smitten. You are a focused and determined little one who, a lot like your big sister, takes some time to figure things and people out before sharing that big mouthed smile you have. You are a terrible sleeper. As you near six months of age, I'm reminded of how long it's been since I've had more than 4 consecutive hours of sleep. Oy. But, again, those sweet coos you make over the monitor in the morning and that big, drooly smile you give me, I can't help but squeeze you in my zombie state of mind as I fill my coffee cup for the third time...

In other news, Mirabel cut her first tooth today. Yay! We looked up in Eloise's baby book to see when her first tooth came and low and behold, she was only one day older than Mirabel when hers popped. Crazy!

Sweetie pies...

...7 seconds later...

My two stooges. 

Kisses.

Love.

Watching the snow fall.

More snow to see.

And a shout out to my man. We got to get all fancy for his work's Christmas party this year and thought we'd better get a picture of this rare occasion. You can't tell by the picture, but just minutes before this shot was taken, Mirabel spit up on Justin's fresh shirt and tie. (Who, I might add, hardly ever spits up!) Disaster was averted and we had a wonderful time. This crazy thing called life would be nothing without him to share it with. Love you, Babe.