Annabella's First Christmas

Annabella had a wonderful first Christmas.  Brian and I enjoyed establishing Christmas traditions for our family, and celebrating our Savior's birth.  Being 8 months old, Annabella didn't really understand what was going on, but she took it all in stride and had a great time.  Her grandparents and family members spoiled her with love and gifts.  She is one blessed little girl.

On Christmas Eve day, Annabella had her picture made with Santa.  We couldn't get any smiles out of her while she was sitting on Santa's lap, but at least she didn't cry.

We celebrated an early Christmas with my parents.  Annabella's favorite part of unwrapping gifts was trying to eat the ribbons and tissue paper.  Grandmother bought her the sweet little red Christmas outfit (with a gold snowflake on the front).

On Christmas Eve, Annabella put out cookies and milk for Santa.  She had been sleeping 12 hours at night, but on Christmas Eve she was so excited about Santa coming that she woke up a couple of times during the night.  Oh, Annabella.

Annabella received Berenstain Bear books, pajamas, and a red puppy dog WubbaNub (pacifier) from Santa. 

Then, on Christmas morning, we made monkey bread for breakfast.  Annabella's contribution to the monkey bread was eating the ziploc bag.  Right now, she loves anything that crinkles or makes crunchy noise.

Reading one of her new books with Dad

After Christmas, we headed over to Brian's parents house to celebrate with them.  Great-Grandma, Kristin, Chris, Bradley, Skye, and Maya were there too. We had a relaxing week of catching up on TV shows and playing games.  I also visited some of my college girlfriends and had some much needed catch up/girl time (Hi Keri and Jess!).

Annabella on her first golf cart ride.

Auntie Kristin and AB in her blue jean skirt

Celebrating Christmas (Brian holding Annabella and Chris holding Bradley)

One of our Christmas traditions will be reading Luke 2 on Christmas Eve.  We are so thankful for Jesus, and as Annabella grows, we want her to know that Christmas is about the birth of our Savior (even if he wasn't actually born in December).  We celebrate the birth of the man who came to earth to save us all!

"⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." Luke 2:4-7