A Very Merry Christmas

Christmas through a 2 year old's eyes is something magical. This year the Christmas Season seemed to be more purposeful for us as a family. We took the time to explain the nativity scene, read Taylor the story of Jesus' birth, and watched simple cartoons describing the miracle of Christmas. It will also be our last year as just the three of us. Next year we will have another member of our little Lile family to join us and we can't wait to meet the little one!

It was such a blessing to have Kirsten's family in town to celebrate Christmas together. We had a great time watching movies, playing games, eating, and laughing.

Family and friends have become more treasured to us as we are 2,000 miles away from those we love most.We are so thankful for each person in our life and we miss you all during this Christmas season.

Taylor was abundantly showered with Christmas gifts this year. Thank you to everyone who sent a package to her. She loved opening each one. In fact, I think she liked opening the boxes and wrapping more than seeing what the gift was.

Below Taylor is working hard like daddy...except on her Elmo cell phone and Lap Top.

Here is the Christmas dinner that Kelly, Chris, and I made for our family.
This was the first year I hosted Christmas!

And last but not least, our favorite picture from Christmas. Taylor received a Disney Princess coach from her Nana & Papa...along with just a few Dora dolls. So we thought we would show how many babies, Dora's, and other "friends" she has =) She loves each one so much you would think she had just one!

Save The Date! July 14, 2009

Cousin Maddy and Taylor on Thanksgiving at Grandpa & Grandma's House

We have had some exciting and new things happen with our family in the past month! First, we found out in October that we are having our second baby July 14, 2009! We are so excited and Taylor is slowly understanding that she can't jump on mommy's tummy anymore because there is a baby inside.
I am feeling much better now that the first trimester is almost over. Taylor has been a trooper, watching more Dora and Mickey Mouse than I ever thought I would let her...I think she is loving me being pregnant!

We also went to Seattle for Thanksgiving and had so much fun seeing our friends and family. It was a busy weekend but we loved every minute of it! The highlight was telling everyone about the pregnancy and seeing Taylor with all her little friends that she has missed so much!

Melanie and Me at U Village

We have also had lots of fun getting ready for Christmas. This is the first year that Taylor truly understands why we have decorations in our house and loves to play with the nativity scene and advent calendar. The highlight for me as a mom this season was decorating the tree with Taylor and seeing her face light up as she looked at all the ornaments. It is a special time of year and I love that we can celebrate as a family.