Christmas, New Years, and another tooth

2010 has quickly arrived following five holiday parties, an abundance of loving family, a happy new wedding engagement of an auntie and awesome new uncle, several new tastings for Amelia and countless blessings that we thank our merciful Lord for each night. Amelia's first Christmas was completed with flying colors. Our gorgeous hardwood floor is now hidden by bright, colorful plastic toys with blinking lights.

As cliche as it is, this Christmas I was reminded more of Mary as I grow as a mother, loving Amelia with so much of my heart. I already have so many hopes and dreams for her, and believe that her smile is certain to have an impact on anyone who lays eyes on her. Mary must have worn her heart outside of her body as she carried her sweet baby boy around, loving his little coos, smiles and pure body as I love Amelia's. But in addition to that, she also knew that he would impact the world with his life. Forever. Not just impact the world, but save it. Mary must have really wanted to show off her cute baby, and smiled as people played with him, knowing that they had no idea that that happy little baby would save their lives. Wow!

Our Christmas morning couldn't have been better. I was determined that although it would be just the three of us, that we would have it together alone in our own home for the first time as a family. I kind of planned on it being a little lonely, and maybe a touch boring just because Amelia's too young to really get into Christmas, and we didn't do tons of gifts this year. Plus, our tree was dead, dead, dead because we got it way too early; which makes for a dreary-looking decoration.

Man, was I wrong about it being lonely and boring. I don't care how old you are, you are excited when you wake up Christmas morning. It was so special. Grant and Amelia woke up first together, and he built a fire. I woke up, started our coffee and gave Amelia her first present to begin unwrapping: a bottle of soap. Grant and I exchanged a few thoughtful gifts and layed around playing with Amelia by the fire. It was wonderful. After a quick nap we headed to Meg and Andy's for some rather intimate playtime with Uncle Andy and Aunt Meg, and also exchanged a few small gifts over scones and, yes, more coffee. Our first Christmas morning as a family turned out to be a pretty memorable one.

I recorded a couple little videos of just some typical night time fun. Dad coversing with Amelia during dinner, and of course the always-cute bathtime. They're kind of long and don't really have a point to them, but if you feel like staring at Amelia just "doin' her thang", then go nuts...