Hollyn's First Christmas

Yes, I am ridiculously late in posting this but I needed some recovery time from the holiday madness (as well as the bronchitis I've had for a month, treated with two rounds of antibiotics and steroids and an inhaler... and still having issues! Boooo!)

Anyways, our Christmas was amazing!

We celebrated Christmas Eve by attending church followed by Mexican food at my parents' house.

My Grammy had started a tradition with us from the time we were born in which we opened one present on Christmas Eve and it was always pajamas (that way you had new pj's for Christmas morning pics). My parents carried this on with us through adulthood until we stopped exchanging gifts a few years back (which I think almost killed my mom). Now, they are continuing the tradition with Hollyn :)

My sister and I always had our own box for pj's and now Hollyn has one.

Christmas morning was at our house as usual. In addition to our traditional pigs n' blankets and my MIL's breakfast casserole, I made a cinnamon roll cake from scratch which was to die for! (I couldn't even get a pic before it got cut into!)

We played White Elephant as we have the past few years only this year I changed it to ornaments. I really enjoyed it this way but some people really missed doing regular presents so I guess we will put it to a vote next year.

We didn't know how interested Hollyn would be in her presents but she LOVED it! She enjoyed every. single. one. She helped tear the paper and she would hold and look at each gift as if it was very interesting.

Hollyn's first Christmas was so much fun and I know it will only get better as she gets older and can participate even more.

Merry Christmas (2011)!!!

My Hubby is the Big 3-0 Today!

I really can't believe this! When I met my hubby he was a mere 20 year old, and today, he turns 30!

In order to celebrate this momentous occasion,  I threw him a 1920's themed 30th birthday party (a week early since his birthday is Christmas Eve Eve ;)

Get the connection to the theme??? ;)

I used cute music sheet note scrapbook paper since my hubby is very into music and it tied in with the jazzy-ness of the 1920's

Guests were greeted by a prop stand...

"Another decade in Jeff's life has past, his roaring 20's sure were a blast. So let's celebrate this new chapter to come, by stepping back into a decade of fun. Pick your prop and dress in style, of this jazzy decade ending in a short while."

And "photo booth"

My MIL actually just happened to have a set of these "roaring twenties" glasses! So perfect!

I used playing cards and ribbon to make streamers throughout the house.

The spread

I had to get a close up of this yummy chicken caesar salad spread! I just kinda threw it together and it turned out pretty good! (shredded chicken, caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, lime juice, finely shredded arugula, and dashes of garlic powder and pepper)

I used wine and martini glasses as candle holders

I set up a "Mocktail Bar" full of fun mocktail recipes

I have to say the old man mustache was quite appropriate ;)

We couldn't resist...

And the guys joined in on the fun (Dustin, you are killing me! lol!)

Grammy and Grandpop watched Holly Bug so mommy could play hostess but she had to get a quick pic with daddy at the end of the night.

Happy Birthday to the love of my life! I hope all your birthday wishes come true!

Hollyn is Five Months Old Today!

Hollyn, you are five months old today. I'm so in love with this age you are at... I just wish I could freeze time.

Let's see what you've been up too...

We went to the doctor today for your five month check up and you weighed in at 15.6 lbs (still 50-75th%), you were 26in long (75-90th%...coming down to earth a bit ;), and your head was 40.25cm (still my little peanut head at the 10th%). The doctor said you are advanced for your age since you've hit a lot of the 6 month milestones...

You have discovered you can fold in half to reach your feet and you've decided those tootsies are quite tasty.

You are sitting up with very little support.

{21 weeks}

You have become quite the mover and groover... one way or another you wiggle around and you have recently taken advantage of your rolling ability, realizing you can get from one side of the room to the other. (Not sure mommy is ready for your mobility). Between your wiggles and strength, it's pretty tough to keep your play mat in one piece ;)

Your daddy turns... wait for it... 30 this week! So we threw a 1920's ("Say goodbye to your roaring 20's") theme party for him. (Grammy and Grandpop watched you so mommy could play hostess but you made your debut)

You got to participate in your first Christmas baking day with the girls.

You giving Aunt Kristy some love

You had your first picture with Santa...

And second (I wasn't so happy with the first).

When we went to Bass Proshop to see Santa, we also checked out the giant fish... you were quite impressed.

You have grown into your jumper and really like it.

You are discovering your voice more and more and you love to squeal... sometimes I can't help but egg you on ;)

{20 weeks}

You have always loved to be sang to... especially by your daddy... and especially when he makes up silly songs for you (so I had to sneak this video).

{19 weeks}

You love your tiny pillow pet from Grammy and Grandpop

{18 weeks}

Your smile and laughter is so contagious! You bring so much joy to our lives and watching you grow and learn is the best gift we could get this Christmas!