Our Christmas

It is hard to believe Christmas has come and gone already.  Especially since it has been 60 degrees outside.  I mentioned some in the last post that this year was already a little different for us.  

With Annie's arrival, we missed parties and festivities leading right up to the big day.  And then, the day after we arrived home from the hospital, Caroline got sick. Caroline really has not been sick much in her short little life, but this might have been the one of the worst for her.

High fever, bad cold, ear infection, 2 trips to the doctor,  2 prescriptions, and almost 10 days later (Christmas day) she finally started feeling better.  Normally, it would not have been a huge deal, but having a 4 day old newborn at home too wasn't a great thing.  Oh, and the fact that Caroline  wanted to hold Annie and touch her all the time!  

We basically tried to divide and parent.  I had Annie and John had Caroline to try and prevent the sickness from spreading - at least to Annie because John and I did end up catching the cold from C.      

It definitely threw a curve ball in our plans and it was not our expectations for the holidays.  But, it truly was a sweet time for our family of four.  We felt stir crazy a few days, but overall enjoyed just being together.  

We were able to really celebrate Christmas.  The real meaning of Christmas.  No hustle and bustle.  Not that those things are bad.  I am one that loves the business the Christmas season brings.  But, I am guilty of letting it distract me of thinking about why we even celebrate this season.  

And I guess having a baby at Christmas makes you ponder even more our Saviors birth. 

I am grateful for the simplicity this year.  For time to reflect, be grateful for this stage of life we are in, and be together.  

I am grateful for the joy of Christmas that Jesus' birth brings to us.

I hope you and your family had a very special Christmas season too.  

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."   Isaiah 9:6

Don't be fooled by these pictures.  None were taken until Christmas day when we were on the mend and really just to document that we did have Christmas at our house despite sickness, lack of sleep, and new baby chaos.  

More Christmas

Even though I have our Christmas tree to stare at everyday I keep forgetting Christmas is this week.  Obviously, Christmas looks very different for us this year.  We have missed most holiday parties and I finished shopping and wrapping everything weeks ago.  So, sadly it just hasn't been on my mind.  

We did get to see Santa a couple weeks ago though and the whole experience was much better than last year's meltdown.  No smiles, but no tears either.    

Apparently, Santa likes a family photo too.  

Exactly a week before Annie was born...very ready to deliver a baby at this point!

And last week, Caroline had her Christmas party at school. 

C's sweet little class

Just sitting down to finish some chocolate leaving the party

The Tree

We finally got our tree decorated!  If you read a couple posts back, we were a little slow in decorating it this year.  We loaded up the day after Thanksgiving with some friends to pick out our trees.  

A stop at Starbucks first has also become a little tradition. 

Mark and Kuz came as well as the Simmons crew.   

We typically go to the Farmer's Market.  In my opinion, it is more festive than going to Home Depot, (no offense, we used to do that too) but not quite as good as going to a real Christmas Tree farm and cutting down a tree.  However, it is fun and easy with little ones! 

And there are tons of trees!

Caroline and Thatcher in their overalls. 

A big hug from Greg.

Bummed this picture came out blurry.  

And the final product.  There is something so wonderful and peaceful about sitting in a room with just the Christmas tree lights on.

Pink Pig

Lately, we have been filling our days with fun holiday activities and little mommy/daughter dates until the new little one arrives.  

Friday, we headed to the Pink Pig.  This is a fun Atlanta tradition that has been at Macy's forever.  My mom is from Atlanta originally and grew up riding the Pink Pig during the holidays too.    

It was a huge success for Caroline.  We might just have to go back one more time before Christmas!

A little hesitant until the ride started.

And we're loving it now! 

Talking to all the little pigs in the gift shop was a highlight as well.  

If you are planning to ride the Pig over the holidays, go during the week and go right at 10am when it opens.  No lines!