Christmas Night 2007

Most of Christmas Dinner and Night are a blur. We were still suffering from the flu, but there was merriment to be had. The night consisted of a wonderful meal, and of course, more present to open!

Our sad attempt at a family photo, hey we were all sick!!!

Deirdre in her pretty Christmas dress, with Lorien's stuffed tiger.

"Mrs. Claus"

Apparently her Christmas Necklace was a hit.

Lorien the "Christmas Gnome."

Papa and Gnome

Lorien with fuzzy eyebrows.

Nathan's brother, Philip, and his wife Neshma. Mimi Becky making an appearance as well.

Aunt Rachael all smiles.

Christmas Morning 2007

Early Morning Traditions

Mom always had us open our stockings over breakfast and this was a tradition we wanted to continue with our family. We also had the traditional Christmas Morning breakfast which consists of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and coffee. Whenever I smell these baking it reminds me of Christmas.

Christmas Stockings Hanging Over the Fireplace. We had several guests stay over this Christmas, Uncle Philip and Aunt Neshma, so they got a stocking as well.

Deirdre tearing through her stocking. She got pretty headbands and necklaces which she insisted on wearing as soon as she opened them.

Sister with her "Baby's First Christmas Stocking." She slept through all of the "Christmas Morning" events. I guess it didn't really matter that the girls had on matching pj's, Lorien was never up enough to capture it.

Deirdre opening up her presents from Mommy and Papa. She opened Lorien's as well and even understood the idea that they weren't for her. After she opened each gift meant for Lorien, she would stack the presents all over a sleeping sister in her swing.

Nathan opening up his present from me.

Deirdre watching Aunt Rachael opening up her presents. Nathan was actually responsible for this one, he picked out some choice Origins products for her.

Back to Deirdre

Nathan with more presents from me.

Sweet baby opening presents.

Christmas Eve 2007 / The Fellowship of the Ring

"A Long-expected Party"

The build up to Christmas Eve was unbelievable. Deirdre knew something was up. Unfortunately right before the holidays Deirdre also wanted to share the "Christmas Spirit" with everyone and we all caught the flu. Most of Christmas Eve is a fog.

"The Shadow of the Past"

Watching Deirdre open up her presents made me a bit sad as I knew it would. I couldn't help but think of mom, both because she loved buying things for Deirdre, but also because while looking at my child I constantly saw my mother in her. Something about her features now remind me of my mom. Several people have commented on this too.

"Three is Company"

Our guests this Christmas Eve were the usual suspects: Rachael, Dad, and Becky. Our original plan was to have the celebration at the Pietra's, but due to our sicknesses, they came to us...and were infected themselves. Hey I learned to share!

"A Conspiracy Unmasked"


Or at least in the process of being unmasked here... you never know what you are going to find in those "mimi becky / grandad" presents.

After the official unmasking has taken place.

"A Shortcut to Mushrooms"

Deirdre playing with her little "gnome and fairy" boot/playhouse, complete with mushroom table and chairs!!! You thought I was stretching the mushroom title, didn't you? DIDN'T YOU?

A closer examination of the inhabitants of Bootville.

"Lothlorien"

Cause see...her name is Lorien. See how that fits? Come on, it's clever!

"Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall" - but Lorien falls pretty easily.

"The Council of Elrond"

I would be referring to the "elf" ears here. Plus we all know that Deirdre is going to vote to "cast it into the fire from whence it came" which sounds an awful lot like you know who...

Even Elrond needs to occasionally consult a parent in matters of world wide destruction, etc.

"In the House of Tom Bombadil"

After all presents were opened, all food had been eaten, and all guests left, Nathan and I blew up over 25 balloons and filled the living room for Deirdre and Lorien to come down to in the morning. We were quite happy with our creation and looked forward to seeing the girls and their reactions.

December 2007

November 2007

The girls are growing up too fast. Deirdre is now 21 months old, and Lorien is 3 months!


Deirdre in an outfit my mom saved for me when I had kids, something she used to dress me in. I have old photos of me in this very outfit. Deirdre seems pleased enough to be wearing it, though she has never given me trouble over outfits and I hope that continues to be our world.



I will have to ask my sister about this, but the expression on Deirdre's face just reminds me of a picture of myself growing up. It's strange because usually I think she looks so much like her Papa.



She is all smiles when she sits in big girl chairs. Sometimes her "playing" will consist of getting up into and down from chairs.



Lorien wondering what in the world is going on. Though she seems comfy enough in her new Bundle Me car seat cover.

Thanksgiving 2007 - November

Thanksgiving was held at Dad and Becky's house this year. It was a lovely meal and the babies looked fabulous in the dresses Auntie Rachael purchased for the occasion.

Becky and Deirdre, all smiles




Becky carving the turkey



Rachael trying to burn the house down.



Deirdre before dinner



A comfy Lorien in Mimi Becky's arms.



Mama and Lorien before dinner.



Lorien sporting her new threads Auntie Rachael bought for her. Notice how utterly ridiculous this child's hair is. There is NOTHING that can be done with it.



After dinner. Clearly.