Kaitlyn's First Christmas!

We have internet! So I'm now able to share a few shots of Kaitlyn's first Christmas. With the chaos of moving, Jeff and I have barely had a spare moment to put a whole lot of thought into Christmas. There have been tons of boxes to unpack, way too little space to put all of our stuff (seriously, we should have sold it all!), repairs to make to our new home, and a very active baby to keep up with! However, last minute, I was able to get a few cute outfits for Kaitlyn for our Christmas events -- which consisted of no more than church on Christmas Eve and unwrapping presents Christmas morning -- and Jeff even decked the house out in Christmas decorations on Christmas Eve, after Kaitlyn was asleep. So Kaitlyn was able to wake up to the surprise of presents and a Christmas tree!

I think we may have overindulged a little this year...but I guess that's a right to a first-time parent, right? I did sing Christmas songs with Kaitlyn and despite her inability to understand right now, I explained that the real reason for Christmas is not about Santa and making a list of presents we want, but rather is about the greatest present we ever will receive - the gift of Jesus. I know those words went in one ear and out the other, but I will continue to teach her in hope that the words continue to press on her heart so that when the day comes that she understands them, she embraces them. Until then, I will have to work on restraining myself from indulging Kaitlyn too much and sending mixed messages!

First are a few shots from Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas!

Moving

Sorry for the lack of posting! We're moving and won't have internet at our home until next week. I've been withdrawing from blogging, facebooking and email for almost a week! The only internet fix I've been able to get is through Jeff's iPhone anytime we are out. Just a few more days...I can hang in there...

It's the Little Things

It's the little things that make you smile!

Here are Kaitlyn's latest "tricks".

10 Months Already!

Kaitlyn is a full 10 months today! It amazes me how fast time can go when your days often seem so slow. We have our routines now, but looking back at the first couple months, the days (and nights!) were so long, I never could imagine being at this point. This means her first birthday is only two months away! I know Kaitlyn could care less, but I'm brewing up a few plans for a little first birthday party. Can't wait to share the details with you, but I don't want to spoil any fun now. Until then, here are a few pictures from Kaitlyn's "10 Month Birthday."

Wake up to playtime! Check out her cool monkey pj's that Grandma K bought last time we visited. Yes, they still fit...but are getting a little short in the legs!

Kaitlyn's favorite (indoor) activity? Filling up the diaper bag with toys, then yanking them out and going through them one by one. She is particularly fond of the toy cell phone we picked up last time we were at Grandma M's house. This thing could be as old as Andrew. We aren't sure whether it was Uncle Andrew's toy or more recently counsins Vincent and Victoria's toy.

 

 Here, I believe Kaitlyn was looking at me and letting me know it was time to put the camera down and come play with her.

Standing up...and still playing with the cell phone. Like how we made a play pen from suitcases?

Lunchtime! But, she did not want to eat without Bun-Bun. So Bun-Bun joined her in the high chair.

Kisses for Bun-Bun.

Just finishing up some lunch. Bun-Bun sure looks happy to be hanging out with her friend Kaitlyn, doesn't she?

I promise, not every post will be so loaded with photos.

Family Photos

We recently had a few family photos taken. Nothing fancy. We found someone in the area who does photography as a hobby, not as a professional, so we didn't have to spend a lot of money. Jeff and I had fun but poor Kaitlyn! It was a bit windy out and we had a hard time coaxing a smile out of her for most of the shots! I had planned on using one of the photos for our Christmas card, but a few days after our photo shoot, I ended up snapping one of Kaitlyn myself that I decided to use instead. You'll see those on a Christmas Card Coming Near You (soon I promise!). Until then, enjoy our latest family pictures!