Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Well. . . it has been a little busy around here with many holiday parties and family gatherings. So I apologize for the delay in updates, but we have had so much fun with our angel this holiday season. So many firsts . . . Christmas trees, stockings, Christmas Eve service, presents, pulling up, standing, Santa, Christmas carols, sweets, parties, clapping, falls (don't ask), and one never-ending runny nose.

I had to remind myself throughout the last few weeks to sit back and enjoy this miracle. Wade and I have been blessed with the birth of Jesus, with family and friends, with health, and with a very special daughter. She was my favorite gift this year. Last year at this time I was on bedrest in the hospital, holding on to faith, and longing to meet my Margaret Belle. How could I ask for more in life? I have an incredible husband and a beautiful baby girl.

Her first Christmas . . . so special to me.

On our sixth anniversary, we took Margaret to Walk Through Bethlehem. It was our first time to do this, and even though the line was very long and it was freezing outside, it was definitely worth it. Margaret loved the Bethlehem market and all of the live animals.

Margaret's first encounter with a camel

One night we traveled down to a nearby neighborhood to see some impressive lights and had a chance to meet Santa. Once again it was very cold, so we didn't try very long for that perfect photo--oh well.

Margaret's first encounter with Santa

On Christmas Eve, we went over to Grandma and Grandpa Rick's house. We opened presents and played in Margaret's first Radio Flyer wagon--she loves it!

Margaret and Daddy in front of her Grandparents' tree

Riding in her new wagon!

Later that evening we attended the 5 o'clock service at Westminster. Margaret didn't last very long in the nursery, so she sat in my lap for the last thirty minutes. She really liked the candles and all of the music. Then we stopped by Wade's cousins' house for some cocktails before taking Miss Moo home to bed.

On Christmas morning, we enjoyed the first few hours at our house while Margaret played with her toys from Santa and looked through her stocking (mostly socks and bath toys). Then we gathered at my parents' house for more presents and stockings.

Margaret still in her pjs with Uncle Josh

Mama Susie and Daddaddy gave Margaret her first doll for Christmas.

I have to admit I thought she was just going to throw it aside and have more interest in the box. However, she loved it! She kept touching her face and smiling when we squeezed it (it makes a noise).

Margaret telling Mama Susie thank you!

Around noon we headed over to GiGi-Ma's house for Christmas Dinner. It was delicious and Grandma Rick was even in her new personalized Titans jersey---too bad they couldn't pull out a win that evening!

The next day my sister and her family arrived. So we enjoyed celebrating with them for the next few days. I can't wait until Margaret is old enough to run around the house with her cousins and play with all of their toys. We had to keep a close eye on all of my nephews' little toys and gadgets--too many pieces!

Margaret thinks every baby is a doll and that she can just stick her fingers in their mouth and eyes. Poor Katherine!

My sister and her family can't make it back for Margaret's first birthday, so Aunt Lolli threw a little birthday party for Margaret before they left---so sweet! Margaret thought the little cake was very interesting. She really enjoyed squeezing it and pulling it apart.

Family shot at the birthday party

Margaret, Wade, and I escaped to the mountain house after all of the holiday festivities to enjoy a few days of rest and relaxation. It was great--lots of sleeping, some snow, and a few visits with friends.

My good friend, Ellen, is living in Poland for the year. She stopped by for lunch on New Years Day with her family and boyfriend, Bjorn. She was on her way to the Atlanta airport to fly back to Poland. We had a great meal including the lucky black-eyed peas and cornbread! It was a fun afternoon and a great way to ring in the New Year!

Finally--enjoy this sweet video of Christmas morning!

(I've tried to upload this video for hours. It is not working, but I'll keep trying. Check-in later.)