While We Were Out....

Shortly after Halloween we suffered some technical difficulties and then we got caught up in some busy-ness. But hey, we're back!

Here are some highlights of what you missed over the past couple of months:

We cooked a giant turkey for Thanksgiving...

Craig's parents and his grandma (Grandma Peanut) helped us eat the giant turkey and put up with me taking photos...

 Sofia slept through turkey time but woke up just in time for pumpkin pie... coincidence? I don't think so.

The girls love Craig's grandma dearly. To be honest I think they have softened her heart a little :) 

The next day we busted out the Christmas decor and added some festive touches to this home.

 They love their little people nativity but Maddy was very concerned that Mary couldn't hold baby Jesus, since he was stuck in his little bed.

A few weeks later we made some Christmas cookies with "Stephy" and Ang

 and this handsome little man! Sofia's baby-boyfriend Owen, Ang's little man. Cute stuff, right?

Over the past 2 months Sofia gained 6 new teeth and subsequently fell in love with brushing her teeth. She also took her first steps! She has been toddling around a bit but still prefers crawling... I can't say I blame her, she's quick! She has also mastered stair climbing and finds the word "NO" absolutely hilarious!

When you have teeth you get to gnaw on pretzels... and hang out sans pants?

We went on a Christmas light tour, complete with hot chocolate, PJ's and snuggly blankets.

In the middle of December we attended the annual NICU Parent to Parent Program (PPP) volunteer Christmas party. They put on a fantastic party for NICU grad parents who currently volunteer in the NICU. Complete with crafts, singing and even presents from Santa.

Madelyn and Georgia were crazy for Santa this year. I have heard the words "I love Santa!" so many times over the past couple of months.

Sofia, not so much.

Just to make sure... ok. We believe you now.

The party was manned with lots of GVSU occupational therapy grad student, volunteeers. They were so much fun, playing and crafting with all the kids. Georgia is obviously smitten.

I couldn't help but think how far they have come since their NICU days.

Sometime in December we also got a little nutty with smelly markers... thanks Aunt Pat!

So, there you have it. Our lives in a nutshell during November and pre-Christmas December!

Merry Christmas!

I strongly believe there are fewer things more enjoyable than Christmas with 3 yr olds. They are old enough to anticipate but still easily impressed.

Craig and I tried to strike a happy balance between santa/presents and Jesus and the meaning of Christmas. We read lots of books about both topics. At one point after explaining to the girls about when were going to see different family members to celebrate with I asked them who was coming to our house for Christmas? maddy yelled "baby Jesus!" haha

We left Santa cookies and carrots for the reindeer on Christmas Eve. After the girls went to bed, Craig and I were wrapping and assembling gifts in the living room when Maddy got up and announced she needed to go potty. We both jumped... guilty. Luckily, she didn't see us but she also didn't give in to sleep until about 11pm... good for her Santa was still awake, barely.

Sofia woke us up bright and early, I guess she was excited. We opened stockings right away...

Everyone needs oranges in their stocking, right?

Then we opened presents while breakfast was cooking. Santa left a note to say thank you for the cookies. I thought it was a nice touch, the girls were not so impressed.

The girls each received 1 present from Santa, wrapped in special wrapping paper. About 3 days before Christmas they told me what they wanted Santa to bring them... really?

Georgia asked for a blood pressure cuff (thanks for planting that idea Sara... :)

and Madelyn wanted a car seat for her baby.

Sofia asked for this special puppy... in squeals and giggles of course.

The girls knew the rest of the presents were from mommy and daddy, but that didn't make them any less special.

 The aquadoodle in my opinion is the most fantastic invention, although I keep fighting the compulsion to put a lid on the marker (filled with only water) so it doesn't dry out. 

The castle was my favorite gift even though it poses some issues with hoarding the small pieces so Sofia doesn't choke on them.

We rounded out the morning with some hot cocoa (or LOTS of coffee) and breakfast.