such a busy holiday season

We're full swing into our first Christmas with a toddler, as well as our first Christmas as a family of four, and let me tell you... We are BUSY!! From the pictures with Santa to the various Christmas parties we've been to and had we are having a blast.

Dash is getting really big. He rolled over on his own for the first time today. Which means that we have to start weaning him from his swaddle. I tried a little tonight but after an hour I gave into it and did the one arm swaddle. He was really pitiful..Just a little boy looking at me as if to say "Mama, why can't I sleep?".

Dash has started to use the bouncer we have and he seems to really enjoy it so far. I'm sure he likes being able to watch what's going on in the house. Delaney seems to think we brought it out for her, but she does enjoy bouncing Dash in it (gently).
We had our first snow this year and Delaney really loved it. She calls it "no" and we bundled her up and sent her out in it, with Papa of course. Mama was a little too chilly and decided to stay in and document it. Someone had to, you know.


We had our yearly Santa pictures taken with our wonderful photographer. Every year she schedules a time with Santa and we get to go meet him and talk to him. I'm not sure how she gets Santa to come here with his busy schedule but she does. And we're so glad for it. This year, Delaney was not so sure about Santa. It took a lot of work and encouragement, but we got some great pictures.


This past Monday we went to a Christmas party at our friends Christa, De, and Murphy's house. Our other friends Maisy and her mom Kristi were there and so were Stacy and Brynn. We know them from toddler gym. We had snacks, did some crafts, and opened some homemade gifts that everybody brought. Stacy made Delaney and Dash crocheted hats and Kristi made Delaney and Dash silly yarn hats. Christa and Murphy made little bean bags that Delaney is really loving playing with and tossing into the air.

We also hosted a Christmas Party with our meetup.com mom friends and it was such a blast. The house was PACKED with toddlers and mommies (many of whom have expanding bellies as they are expecting baby number 2). We ate a ton of great food and did a fun gift exchange.
Delaney was helping me with the gift wrap for the goodies we gave our friends.

Dash was looking great in his tie and dress jeans; I made the tie shirt for him.
Delaney and her new BFF, Kaylin, snacking at the little table. We just had Delaney's hair cut into a little bob and it is absolutely adorable on her.

More to come in another post: Zoo Lights!!!