Christmas time

The Christmas season is rich with family traditions, and we realize that having young children is the perfect time to establish those traditions (and try out new ones). This year, Caleb and Madeline baked Christmas cookies! They didn't do any of that store bought stuff (like I would have done, LOL). Instead they made the cookies and icing from scratch, which is more time consuming but a lot more fun. Madeline LOVED it! Few activities keep her engaged for very long, but she participated from start to finish in this one!

 

(Notice she's sticking out her tongue in the effort!)

Madeline kept scooping big finger-fulls of icing, while Daddy did the work of icing the cookies.

 

I think a new Christmas tradition at our house will have to be baking cookies!

 

Yesterday Olivia went in to the doctor for her TWO MONTH check up! I cannot believe she's two months old already. She continues to be an absolute delight, and is growing well. She is 21.75 inches (26th percentile) and weighs 11 lbs 6 oz (65th percentile). I looked at a post from back when Madeline was 2 months old (and I'm still in denial that it's been 2 months for Olivia!). Here is a post from Madeline at that age, and you'll see that Olivia is a little bigger in length and weight. As we suspected, Madeline takes after Mommy and Olivia is built more like Daddy.

 

Olivia is a very happy baby for the most part, although once again we're struggling with reflux. Fortunately we recognized the signs early on and have been trying to find a good medication to help her. Aside from a sensitive tummy she's a very happy and easy baby. Madeline adores her and giggles whenever Olivia smiles at her. It's so sweet to see!

 

Recently Madeline figured out that if she carried her step stool around the house, she could turn on any light she wanted. She's so delighted with her own cleverness! We'll have to see if our electric bill sky rockets as a result...

 

After she showed us her enthusiasm for cooking with Daddy, Caleb enlisted Madeline's help with a dish for Christmas day. She was so proud to help!

 

 Christmas morning was really fun with a two and a half year old! She's old enough now to begin to understand about Santa, as well as the real reason for Christmas. She has a few nativity sets that we've played with, and sometimes when we "act out" the story with her toys she'll get a very thoughtful look on her face. Of course, the excitement of seeing her presents was a sight to behold! It took a moment for her to realize that there were new toys and gifts for her under the tree, but then she attacked the presents with all the fervor you would expect of a young child.

 

Santa came and gave her a basketball hoop!

 

She LOVES her new Mr. Potato Head toy!

 

Daddy likes playing with it, too!

 

 

While it was so tempting to just go nuts getting toys and things for the girls, we tried to limit their gifts to just a few a piece. Madeline has been thrilled with her new toys (and was even good about sharing when her friend came over a few days ago).

 

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!