Christmas Week, Part Three
After a week of preparing and waiting, Christmas morning finally came.
Bean’s little eyeballs lit up when he saw what Santa had left him and thanks to his visit earlier in the week from the Big Guy himself, Bean even seemed to understand where the gifts had come from.
After playing for a while with his Santa toys…
…and checking out his new big boy bed…
Bean was ready to tear into some wrapping paper. Fortunately, Nana and Granddad bought every toy available under the sun, so he had hours of wrapping paper to keep him entertained.
But Bean wasn’t the only one who had a lot of presents to open. We all had a fantastic time giving and receiving presents and just spending time with each other.
There were some really thoughtful presents given this year, but one of my favorite that I received was this little outfit for Gracie from my sister. First, I opened the little shirt that had a big pink G on it. I’m a sucker for anything that is personalized, so this gift was off to a great start.
There were also little bloomer bottoms in the box, too. And as soon as I saw the pink tulle, I started squealing! Pink! Tutu! Tulle! OH, HOW I NEED THESE THINGS IN MY LIFE!
But then I flipped the bloomers around to examine them from all angles and to contemplate how possible it would be to squeeze myself in them and I found the best part of the gift yet…
THEY’VE GOT HER NAME ON THEM!
Such a cute gift! And it matches the diaper bag that my sister got me, too, which also has Gracie’s name on it.
I had a Gracie-themed Christmas this year because my parents got Chris and I a stylish, sporty double stroller, too. But I was in such shock over the fact that I would actually be needing one of these soon that I didn’t get any pictures of that yet. When I sober up and accept the fact that I will soon have two children under two years of age, I’ll post pictures of that, too. For now, I am still just staring at it going, “I can’t believe I need that. I can’t believe I need that…”
After presents were opened and the inside of my house was completely destroyed and stuffed full of wrapping paper and boxes, we decided rather than cleaning up we’d just go outside where we couldn’t see the mess. It was a beautiful Christmas day and so we sat out in the sun and watched the dogs play.
(Check out my baby bump! Six months down, three more to go…)
And, of course, it wasn’t long before someone got in the pool. We just didn’t expect it to be my sister’s crazy dog, Sugar. She was running around chasing a ball and her back legs slipped and in she went! It was really cold outside, so John Michael showed her where to get out of the pool, but Sugar had no interest in getting out. She swam in that cold pool for half an hour.
It was such a funny, weird, unexpected way to spend our Christmas afternoon!
By the time we headed back inside, everyone was tired and happy.
All in all, Christmas was pretty spectacular this year. And not even because of the gifts. It wasn’t even because of Christmas Day. It was just a great week with family, laughter, and joy. I was reminded so many times how much I have to be thankful for this year – and not one of those things are material. I’m thankful for the love in my life and for the people who show me that love. I’m thankful for my family. I’m thankful for my children – both of them. And I’m thankful most especially for my husband. Nothing would be as joyful or as complete if he weren’t sitting right here beside me.
22 Comments
Alaina
OH my gosh, I absolutely love the tutu! So cute!!! Looks like a great Christmas!
Ginny
I love reading these post… it’s like I get to relive last week all over again!!! 🙂 And, I love the picture of Lucy. It’s so her.
Rebecca
Thankfulness was a theme in our house too. With me quitting my job to stay home with our newborn there were very little presents…but so much love! I look around every day and see the amazing husband I’m blessed with, the perfect little angel I get the privilege of raising and I just can’t help but to be thankful. It’s a wonderful life, isn’t it? =)
Courtney
It looks like your Christmas was as great as mine. On Christmas morning it was just my husband, my 3 year old son, and myself. After opening presents they were playing with toys while I made deviled eggs for my mom’s house. I had “A Christmas Story” going on the t.v. and suddenly I just felt an overwhelming sense of joy and peace. I know it sounds corny, but I just realized how truly blessed I am. And like you it really has nothing to do with material possessions (although I am very thankful for God’s provision). I’m glad your Christmas was wonderful. And don’t worry, you’ll be as an awesome of a mom to two kids as you are to one.
Sarah H.
Great post! This looks awesome!! I am finding it a little odd to read all of these Christmas posts while people are wearing short sleeves and tanktops in your pictures! Maybe I’m a little jealous. Anyway looks like everyone had a great time! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Jen c
I love the tutu! I’m surrounded by adidas outfits and soccer balls. Her name on the butt is ridiculously cute. Sigh…maybe next time. What a beautiful Christmas you had. How lovely to have your parents there. Those are the best memories.
JenniferLO
I’m so thankful to have you back to blogging! I love reading your posts! It looks like you had a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
Maybelline @ Naturalmente Mama¡
Awwww!! so many great memories!! I love love love Gracie’s gift!!!
Tressa
LOVE THE PICTURES!!
Somebody did an excellent job catching your and Ginny’s suprised faces on those few gifts!!!
Happy days, happy memories! 🙂
Nikki
I’m glad that you had a wonderful Christmas! I was completely sick and miserable during the 3 Christmas celebrations that we had, but being with 3 families that love so much made it so much easier. Also, I can’t believe you are only 3 months away! Where in the heck does the time go?!?
Nate's Mom
Your sister *rocks*! Gracie needed a tutu – and Gracie’s Mom needed a fabulous diaper bag! 🙂 Such lovely, lovely pictures – looks like your Christmas was merry and bright!
Kat @ Living Like the Kings
I love the baby bump! Wow I can’t believe it’s already been 6 months! Presents for Grace are so totally cute! I love the tutu – I want one!
Carrie
Katie, I’m lovin you new “31” diaper bag. Both of my sisters are consultants and I am in the process of becoming one too. They have some ridiculously cute stuff!!!
Lindsay (YoungMarriedMom)
I am loving that photo of your parents together. What a blessing for you, Chris, Beanie, and Gracie to have them in your lives–and what a joy for them to have their family grow so beautifully. My parents and in-laws just had their first Christmas as grandparents, and it was surreal to have so many generations enjoying each other and sharing such a special season!
Kristin @ Our Life Beyond the Game
What did Lucy think about Sugar? I can only imagine 😉
P.S. Bailey loves to jump in the pond when it’s freezing…they are both nuts.
Carrie T
What a wonderful Christmas you all had. I wish our weather would have been nice. We didn’t have any moisture, but the wind was so cold. It didn’t get above 20 degrees.
Alyssa
OMGoodness! Your sister has to spill the beans on where she got that adorable little outfit. I need one! This is assuming that I am having a baby girl, I will be able to find out in 3 weeks!
Mindee@ourfrontdoor
Excuse me. I have to go find Rich and inform him that I’m making an appointment to have his vasectomy reversed because, clearly? I need a baby so I can have an outfit like that one!
Heather ben
You are looking great!
Amy @ Serve At Once
LOVE your facial expression when opening the tutu, Katie! And holy crap–how on EARTH do you look so fresh and ready for the day on CHRISTMAS MORNING?! There’s an unspoken rule that everybody looks a little on the awful side in those pictures…but seriously. You’re BEAUTIFUL.
And I’m loving Bean and the basketball set. Geez, you’ve got yourself a cute little guy!
Megan
Sounds like a perfect Christmas week! Your Christmas day was obviously a lot warmer than mine – we barely made it home in a snowstorm. In Georgia!!! Also, I love the picture of Lucy halfway in the floor 🙂
Amy
Gosh, I love these posts. Sometimes I have no freaken idea what to buy my son and you give great ideas!
Also seriously in love with those personalised clothes for Gracie. Wonder if I can put an order into my womb for a girl? Hmmm….