Holiday Kickoff

Alessandra is moving fast these days.

Time is moving fast these days!

How can it be that we've already done the annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Crewson's? (Our favorite second family who has adopted we Michigan transplants far before our little package came as a trio.)

How can it be that our children are already another year older? My Alessandra to turn 15 months this week and little Keegan (or as Uncle Nowell calls him "Awesome") to turn one this week also. And so they together create trouble in the ball pit. Trouble with Grandma Jean's antiques and decor. Trouble with drinking unwatched erroneous beer bottles. (Don't ask.) Last year we just let them nap where they lied!

And Sous Chef Alessandra (my little protege) took it upon herself to take all that Thanksgiving cooking and eating to heart. It was mighty delicious (made by real-life chefs Adrienne and Jason) and so she has been dutifully practicing on her own accord for next year's meal, even after exhaustion sets in and she must retreat to the floor for a quick rest and giggle.

And then, all of a sudden, tradition laws (enforced by our own hand) state that Christmas is allowed to commence providing there is Johnny Mathis and a glass of wine in the background to trim the tree with. We waited this year until after Ali's bedtime. I can only imagine what would have happened to my precious ornaments collected over a lifetime if I had let my one-and-a-half year old anywhere near them. Note that the bottom third of the tree is ornament-free. When she woke up the next morning and saw the tree all lit up, she said "Whhhhooooooaaaa!!!" Daddy caught the priceless moment on camera.

And then I wrap her up in a wrapping paper cape. Super Christmas Toddler!

How can it be that it is already that time of year?!? While my Pandora blares Christmas music all day long my stress level is increased just a little as I wonder when on Earth I'm going to start my Christmas shopping and how can I do it on a budget AND conveniently enough so that we may travel home to Saginaw as lightly as possible?

The daylight is short and my hours at the office are long in the midst of holiday shopping season. It is always so refreshing to come home to a daughter full of so much life!

Her little shining personality is beginning to emerge now more than ever. She was born to be a dancer, I've always known. But now she's turning into a performer! Who else could combine all of their interests into one hobby? Reading, dancing, AND raising the roof??? Ali can!!!

She loves to make people laugh and will do something over and over again if it elicits the reaction. Her own laugh is highly infectious. It is the sweetest little giggle you've ever heard. And my favorite part about it is the little crinkle her nose makes between her eyes when she's truly entertained.

But she also has her moments of beautiful serenity.

But...Let's be honest...It usually always goes back to breakin' it down more often than not.

Happy Holidays, loved ones! I hope to post again very soon, as we are getting our holiday portrait disc dropped off tonight. I may be willing to share some early if they don't ruin the surprise on your Christmas card!

Hugs!

Danielle