Bailey's First Christmas!

Morning

Brandon and I were awake before Bailey like little kids excited that it was Christmas day. I still have difficulty sleeping the night before Christmas; so much anticipation! And this Christmas was extra special with Bailey. Brandon and I made coffee and waited with excitement to go wish Bailey a Merry Christmas with the video camera.

Bailey was so sweet and puffy eyed and very excited about her rambunctious morning greeting from mom and dad. I would of liked to post the video but I got a little embarrassed thinking about people watching it--we can be a little silly at times.

Bailey has been playing with wrapped Christmas presents all month and she had no idea that there was anything better inside the shiny paper. She squealed with excitement as Brandon helped her open her first present.

Bailey got 3 Dr. Seuss books, stacking cups, and a Children's Bible with bible stories and pictures for us to read to her and to one day take to Sunday School.

Brandon got a new Clippers hat, a deck of cards with a picture of Bailey and Frani on them, and a clapper so he doesn't have get up to turn off his bed-stand light (lazy). The funny thing is, the clapper is a bit quirky and keeps turning off or on from coughs or us talking but never from clapping. It has been entertaining to us - but it's going back to Rite Aid.

Brandon got me a beanie, a hat, piano playing flashcards, a mug with a picture of us on one of our morning Saturday walks, and he got me a very special necklace. Brandon surprised me with a beautiful 1920s gold heart necklace with our initials inscribed on the back. Inside is a picture of us kissing on our wedding day and the other side has a picture of Bailey. I love the necklace and will always cherish it. One day, maybe Bailey will have it. Brandon has always been and continues to be a very thoughtful and loving husband. I am continually blessed by his love.

Afternoon

After a very nice Christmas morning we went to my parent's house where all my siblings were. We then did our family Christmas exchange. The kids have been drawing names the last few years to save on cost and time as our family keeps getting bigger. There are now 8 adult "kids" so our exchange is a lot more fun. Brandon had Michael this year and I had Tawnia. Brandon got Michael a gift card and did not want to seem insensitive so he wrote him a letter arguing why gift cards are the best and most personal gift you can give-it was funny. I got Tawnia a carry-on luggage bag that she is now using in the Cayman Islands. We got my parent's a Bailey calender that goes through her first year of life month by month. They love Bailey and will enjoy re-living the memories of her first year of life. My parent's continue to spoil their children, children-in-laws, and grandchildren. They always exceed our expectations and get us too much! But we are thankful for their generosity and we love them dearly. It was a lovely Christmas.

Evening

We then went to Palm Springs to be with Brandon's family. His grandparent's (mammer and papa) live there and so his mom, kenny (brother), Mike, (step-dad), Hollee (sister), Tim, Tank (nephew), and great grandma Mammer Jan were all met there.

Mammer, Papa, and Mammer Jan--------------------------- Hollee, Tank, and Kenny

We got a 5 generational picture. Bailey, Me, "Mammer Lee" (Brandon's Mom), great-grandma "Mammer Lynette, and Great-great grandma "Mammer Jan." If you have not noticed the pattern, all the grandma's on Brandon's mom's side of the family are "mammers."

It was really nice spending time with everyone. We do not get to see them that often so it is always nice to catch-up. It was also fun to see Tank and Bailey move about the room and play. They are only 7 months apart so it will be fun to watch them grow-up together. Brandon's mom always gets us very thoughtful gifts. She got us a few ornaments which depict what our last year looked like. For example, a little alarm clock which on every hour shows what the baby needs next; diaper change, food, nap, etc. It is cute and all so true.

Brandon and I were happy to spend Christmas with both of our families and enjoyed the busy day.