Making the same mistake wearing a different pair of pants.

I promise this isn't about pants.  Pants are not a topic I want to discuss at any length when I am 10 days away from giving birth.  I walk into my closet and the pants laugh at me. Except for the sweat/yoga variety...pants are dead to me. So this is not about pants. *How many times can I say pants in one paragraph?

I have been thinking a lot about life lately. I think it is because I will be bringing a new one into this world in a few short days.  Nothing will humble you like the feeling that overcomes you when are wheeled out to your car from the maternity ward by a nurse holding a warm, sweet smelling, little 8 pound bundle and she helps you into the passenger seat. And then she turns...and.walks.away.  Wait...what?  You're just going to let us take this baby?  Don't you need to verify our credentials? Isn't there some sort of training you provide? This seems highly irresponsible. I mean they don't even let you have the keys to the register at McDonald's on your first day...just sayin'. I digress...

I was getting ready one morning and looking at myself in the mirror and this question just overwhelmed me, "Steph...what on earth can you offer these precious girls?" It took me by surprise.  I didn't have an immediate answer. And I thought about it for days.  What can I offer these sweet girls? And then I heard a conversation about how so often women make the same mistake over, and over, and over again...especially when it comes to choosing the wrong man to share their life with. One of the women said, "It's like making the same mistake wearing a different pair of pants." And I knew instantly...that is what I can give my girls.  Mommy found the right pair of pants...

I can't begin to express how much I love these pants.

So I'll stop with the pants analogy as I am starting to even confuse myself...but you see where I am going here.  When I met Channing I had never met any man like him in my life.  I'm convinced God broke the mold when he created this man.  And it scared me to my core. You see, I had never been treated well by a man. Never.  I didn't know what it looked like.  I didn't know what it felt like.  I had absolutely no idea how to allow someone to be good to me. It seems crazy even to me to say that...but it really felt so uncomfortable to me. 

Because I had never seen what a healthy, respectful, honorable relationship looked like...when it presented itself I was completely unprepared. To be clear, I'm not writing this to disparage anyone, especially my own father,  but he was not a good husband to my mom. And he wasn't a great father to his kids. That's just the truth. I've dealt with that, been through my share of therapy, and know that people do the best they can with what they have.  When you know better, you do better and I accept who my father was and who he wasn't and love him in spite of the mistakes he made. But because a healthy, loving, happy marriage was never modeled for me...I had no idea what I should require of my relationships with men.  And so I accepted anything I was given. Anything. Bad stuff.  Ugly stuff. Painful stuff. And that became my normal.  It felt comfortable and natural to be insecure, sad, ashamed, embarrassed, hurt and distrustful. It felt natural to deal with the mistreatment of a man.  That was all I knew.

And then...

God brought me something better. And he whispered in my ear that I was worthy of the love I was being given...if I would just trust it. And I did....

There are not enough words to express how amazing this man is. My husband, my friend, the father of my children.  I never thought I would have this love...this life  I never thought I deserved it.  I didn't know it even existed.  But it does.  And I do.  And so do my girls.  And that is what I will offer them.  To show them what it looks like. What it sounds like. What it feels like...to have a man honor you, respect you, appreciate you, adore you, protect you, love you, lead you and share their life with you. 

Channing...before we travel down this crazy parenthood path once again, and before we are to tired and consumed with babies, bottles and binkies to even remember one another's name I want to say this.  You are the miracle of my life.  You love me in a way I have never known before. You changed my path and gave me a new story to tell. I will never take that for granted. I will spend the rest of my life trying to love you the way that you love me.  Thank you for this life.  Thank you for my babies. Thank you for this laughter. Thank you for this love. But most of all, thank you for giving me the opportunity to offer our girls a legacy to rely on when they are choosing their own pair of pants.

36 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 36 Weeks

Size of baby: About the size of a coconut.  During our sonogram last Tuesday 2/14 the tech. told us you weigh about 6.1 lbs.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 12 lbs. gained.

Maternity Clothes: Try to wear maternity pants or leggings but it doesn't last too long as waistbands are my nemesis.  Got some new yoga pants to wear for the next few weeks and for after Maesyn arrives, but shirts are a nightmare.  Never long enough and 2-3 inches of my belly end up hanging out...not attractive!

Sex of the baby: It's a GIRL!!!  Maesyn Sidney Doss.

Movement: Lots of movement again. Last night you wiggled and squirmed for 2 hours straight.  You are squirming around as I type this.  So anxious to have you squirming around in my arms and not in my belly.

Sleep: Sleeping a little bit better, but sure will be happy to be able to sleep on my stomach again.

What I miss: Not being exhausted. And not having to pee 20-25 times a day. I think I have worn the floor down from the couch to the bathroom for as many times as I walk back and forth to pee everyday.

Cravings: Back to craving Quik Trip 1/2 and 1/2 tea and lemonade.

Symptoms: Braxton hicks and lots of tightening in my lower abdomen.  At my last appt. Dr. Moore said I was dilated to 2 cm. so we will see if I have progressed any further at my checkup tomorrow.

Best Moment this week: Getting you all set up to be Mommy and Daddy's roommate for the next 7 or 8 months. We got your pack n' play all ready, your dresser, glider rocker, clothes, diapers, binky's...everything set up and now Mommy just needs to get her hospital bag ready.  So excited to meet you and see your sweet face.  During the sonogram we could see that you have big fat chubby cheeks and a head full of hair!  Unfortunately, we could also see that you, just like your sister, most likely have the notorious Doss big toe. Let's just say I don't think foot model is in either of my girls futures ;)

Love you baby girl...can't wait for your birthday!!!

Baby Must-Haves

***ETA:  I will probably be adding thing periodically to this list as I think of them to keep it as complete as possible.***


My sweet neighbor is having twins!!!  And we are so excited for them.  I can remember being at the beginning of my pregnancy with Sayler and thinking, "I have absolutely no idea what I need for this baby!"  I mean of course you know that you will need diapers, bottles, clothes, somewhere for the baby to sleep, etc. But how many, what brand, what is really necessary and what is just "stuff" that will never get used?  You will just have to accept the fact that your house is going to be completely overrun with baby gear...especially in the beginning when you need somewhere to put the baby that isn't your dirty floor or the kitchen counter.  So my neighbor asked me to give her my must have baby items and I thought I would just put it on the blog so she can look at it whenever she wants.  Just FYI these are just my personal preferred baby items.  You may love them or hate them...that is fine, it won't hurt my feelings.  If you have anything to add leave those items in the comments...I love me a good baby tip!


Basics

• Diapers - This is totally going to be a personal preference but I am a Pampers mommy...especially as an infant.  I think it's that powdery smell...and they are so soft.  I have tried them all (Luvs, Huggies, Pampers, Fisher Price, etc.) but I always come back to Pampers. Now this tip is going to change your life for whichever brand you prefer.  I have NEVER bought diapers off the store shelf...never.  Even with coupons the markup is ridiculous.  I used to swear by Amazon Mom subscribe and save, and you can get some good deals there on lotions, soap, baby food, diaper rash ointment etc. But as far as straight up diapers are concerned you will not find a lower price than on No Better Deal.  It is where I buy all my diapers.  I normally pay between $0.17 - $0.22 per diaper when using this site.  On average even with Amazon you will pay between $0.33 - $0.41 per diaper.  For example...today I bought 2 Pampers 84 count of newborn diapers and the total with shipping was $37.88 for both. 2 boxes of the same diapers on Amazon with free shipping was $56.98. So you can really save a lot of money using this site. They have tons of other items too...but I have never bought anything other than diapers.  My biggest tip is to stock up in advance so you never find yourself running out of diapers and having to run to the store in the middle of the night to pay retail.  I think during my pregnancy I have stockpiled diapers for Maesyn for the fist 4 or 5 months so when we need diapers we just run downstairs to the storage and grab a box instead of running to Walmart.
• Wipes - I prefer Huggies wipes as they are thicker but I will buy Pampers if they are cheaper.  I only buy the refills and have found some great deals on Amazon Subscribe and Save.  I usually try to pay $0.01-$0.03 per wipe.
• Lotion/Baby Bath - Johnson's Bedtime Lotion and Bedtime Moisture Wash.  I love how it smells and it is supposed to calm your baby.  Not sure if that is actually true...but it is a great lotion and wash.  I buy this on Amazon Subscribe and Save too.
• Diaper Rash Ointment - Boudreaux's Butt Paste It is thick and stays on for a long time without soaking into the diaper.  We haven't had very many diaper rashes at our house but when we have had even the slightest redness this has taken care of it immediately.
• Bottles - Dr. Brown's.  There are a bunch of parts and can kind of become a pain in the neck to wash and clean but I really think they make a huge difference in how much air gets into baby's tummy.  Sayler had reflux and her pediatrician said these were the best bottles for that as well.
• Pacifier's - Avent Soothie. No real reason other than it is the paci that they gave out in the hospital and during our birthing class it was the recommended pacifier.  I really think this is will be dictated by your baby's preference...but this is the one we used for the short time Sayler had one.
• Burp Rags - You will need 50 bazillion of these stationed all over your house.  Do not be caught anywhere near that baby without one over your shoulder.  These are your best bet by far as they are super absorbent, super cheap and available at any Walmart Gerber Cloth Diapers.

Nursery Items

• Swaddling Blanket - Miracle Blanket.  I can't say enough about this blanket.  It is seriously a baby straight jacket ;)  Your little escape artist will not be able to break out of this swaddle.  I didn't really understand the importance of swaddling your baby until after Sayler was born...but they really do need the comfort of being swaddled as they have been so confined in the womb for so long.  These blankets will ensure that they stay nice and cozy all night long (in the beginning they are kind of difficult to get swaddled in the middle of the night after feedings/diaper changes but you will get to the point where you can do it with your eyes closed).
• White Noise Machine - No preference as to the brand...but here is a Homedics model I came across.  In my opinion this is a must have for every nursery.  It drowns out all of the external noise from the house when baby is sleeping and you don't have to worry about ever creek in the floor or the doorbell ringing waking up your little one.  Also, when you travel it is great to have with you as it will make whatever environment baby is sleeping in seem familiar and make them feel right at home. I would say this is one of my top 3 must have baby items for sure.
• Night Light - These are so handy to have for middle of the night feedings and diaper changes. They are not bright enough to really startle the baby but will give you enough light to maneuver around a dark room.  Here are an example of the type of Push Touch Nightlights I am talking about.  You can just set them right on your nightstand and they are right there for those middle of the night rendezvous with your little one.
• Boppy - I am really pretty "ehhh" on the Boppy as I didn't feel I used it as much as people told me I would but it does come in handy for several different stages of your baby's first few months as you can use it to help them sit up and balance.  I have had several breast feeding Mom's say that the My Breast Friend was much better for breast feeding support. 

Baby Gear - 

• Pack n' Play - This is where Sayler slept for the first 8 months of her life right next to my bed.  My mom bought us this Chicco system and we have loved it.  Maesyn will use the same one for the first months of her life too.  It has really held up well over time and we are very happy with it.
• Car Seat - We have this Chicco Key Fit 30 which is great.  Not to heavy and easy to get the baby in and out of.  You will most definitely want to get a 2nd Base so both Mommy and Daddy can have one in their car.  We transitioned Sayler into a convertible carseat at about 8 months.  I will wait a bit longer with Maesyn but when we do get her a convertible it will be a Britax. They are pricey, but well worth it.  It is so sturdy and she has always been very comfortable in it.  Even with her long legs she was never uncomfortable when rear facing and transitioned to front facing with no problems.  It is a consumer reports top rated safety pick and we are very happy with it.
• Stroller - We have several strollers. The one we used when Sayler was an infant and that went with the carrier is this exact Chicco Travel System. It has worked great...but you will need an umbrella stroller for times when you don't want a big bulky stroller.  We have this Chicco Capri style. Can you tell I like Chicco?  They make a quality reasonable priced product and they have a ton of different style options. Can't go wrong with Chicco.  We just got a double stroller from my Mom as a baby gift for Maesyn and I can't tell you how excited I am about it!!!  I researched FOREVER and finally decided on the City Mini Double Jogger.  We won't be able to break it in for a few months...but I am giddy about cruising the girls around in style in our City Mini.
• Swing - We didn't get this right away with Sayler...she was probably 3 months old when we bought it and I regret it.  We will be using it a lot with Maesyn.  This is the brand we bought and I have seen several people that have the same one Fisher Price Little Lamb swing.  It swings both back and forth and side to side.
• Bouncy Seat - We used this every day for months and months and months.  It is a must have baby item Fisher Price Little Lamb bouncy seat is the one we have.  I also got this Boppy Newborn Lounger as a baby gift for Maesyn and am excited to use it.  I have also considered buying the Nap Nanny which has gotten great reviews especially for babies with reflux...but it is a bit pricey.  We'll see.
• Bumbo - I'm also not that big of a fan of the Bumbo.  Sayler just never really loved it.  But she did like sitting in it at daycare so it may have just been a "Mommy why aren't you holding me?" thing.  It is nice to be able to take to other people's houses when you don't have a highchair to feed them.
• Wipe Warmer - Lots of people say that they never used thier wipe warmers...but we used ours until Sayler was over a year old.  Cold wipes startled her in the middle of the night and that was the last thing I needed at 3am!!! We have this Munchkin brand and it has worked just fine.  Make sure you add a cup of water when you put a new pack of wipes in or the wipes will dry out from the heat.
• Highchair/Jumperoo/Exersaucer/Walker - I would hold off on getting any of these until around 4 or 5 months.  It is just more stuff to clutter your already cluttered house.  But here are what we have if you need ideas when you are ready:  Jumperoo. High Chair. We didn't have an exersaucer and my Mom got a walker at a consignment store for $15.  Once Sayler was 6 or 7 months old she lived in the walker...LOVED it.  Make sure you have gates on your stairs and let them wear themselves out!!!
• Video Monitor - I never thought I would really NEED the video monitor but registered for one anyway b/c...duh you register for everything right?  OK it ended up being one of the most useful gifts we got.  I can't tell you how reassuring it is to be able to see your little tiny in the other room while you are somewhere else in the house.  Especially when they get to the stage where you can hear them fussing a little bit and want to check them but you don't want to disrupt them falling to sleep if they are just kind of messing around and not really in need of Mommy intervention quite yet.  So we are getting the following monitor now that has dual cameras for 2 babies and a monitor that has a split screen capability: Summer Infant Dual Monitor.
• Car Seat Snuggly - When your baby is still a tiny, bendy, squishy little bundle you will need some support for their head in their car seat.  You can get these Snuggly Inserts for those early months.
• Digital Forehead Thermometer - Better than the ear as you can use this while your baby is sleeping without waking them. And also at some point if your child is anything like mine they get freaked out by putting things in their ear (thanks chronic ear infections!).  So the forehead model works great.
• Baby Carrier/Sling - I never had one of these until Sayler was about 4 months old and I got a great deal on Mama Bargains. It was an Ergo Baby and I paid like 1/2 of what they retail for.  I never really used it as I think I introduced it to late.  I'm thinking I will have to get the infant insert as I plan on using it a lot more with baby #2 as I know I will have to be hands free a lot more this time around.

Misc. -

• Onesies - We had a ton of these.  Babies wear them 24 hours a day under both clothes and jammies. I had long sleeve and short sleeve.  Any kind is fine but beware that the Gerber brand run very small.  Sayler was wearing 12 month Gerber onesies when she was 5 or 6 months old.
• Jammies - If you gather nothing else from this list...take heed of this critical advice: DO NOT BUY PAJAMAS THAT SNAP!!!  Oh sure they're cute. But I assure you trying to match up 16 snaps in the middle of the night while sleep deprived and grouchy is not something you want to do night after night. Zip up footie pajamas are the only way to go.  My favorite zip up jammies are from Children's Place and Carter's.  They hold up well and you can get good deals on both brands.
• Shoes - Do not waste your $$ on shoes until your child is walking.  I didn't buy Sayler a pair of shoes until she was a year old.  I know the tiny infant shoes are super cute...but they are a waste of $$ in my opinion.  It is also recommended to let your child begin to walk without shoes as they are able to balance much better with nothing on their feet.  Instead of shoes spend your money on these Trumpette Socks...my most favorite baby clothing item ever.  Seriously off the chart adorbs!!!
• Clothes - This is a very dangerous topic...especially when you have a girl :)  I really do try and shop very economically and swear by consignment sales like Just Between Friends, Kids Closet, Here We Grow Again, and shopping at Once Upon a Child.  I have found awesome deals on clothes and toys shopping consignment and would highly recommend it.  I also do a lot of shopping on Facebook through online auction pages.  My favorites are Lolly Wolly Doodle, Smockadot Kids, Rock n' Smock 'em, Sweet Chic-A-Dee, Styled Tot, Been There Done That, Monogram {re}play, The Monogram Swap, Baby Mudpie...I could go on and on.  I also do a lot of shopping on Ebay and search the following brand names for price lowest to highest:   Peaches N Cream, Potato Saks, Chatti Patti, Matilda Jane, Ragsland, Kelly's Kids, Castles and Crowns, Petite Ami, Bailey Boys, Mudpie, Vintage Couture.  I also love shopping on Zulily where you can find awesome deals for Mom and Baby. I could go on and on for days about this one...but those are my best clothing tips.

Well...I'm all tapped out for now.  If I think of more must haves I will add them to this list, and if you have things you absolutely LOVE just comment below so everyone can see.  

Hope this helps Jami :)  We're so excited for the twins to get here!!!

2 Years Old

My Sweet Sweet Say Say - 


I have started this post 3 times now and hope this one makes it to press!  I had almost the entire post written complete with pictures a few weeks back and then in an instant...it was all gone, and I was staring at a blank screen.  I almost cried a little bit ;) So I am trying again to tell you about your incredible 2nd year.

You have grown and changed from my baby into a little girl right before my eyes and though I miss my sweet tiny baby, I am just head over heels in love with the little girl you are becoming.  The biggest change this year has been you talking...and talking...and talking...and then a bit more of the talking.  Lately you will go on these talk-a-thon's for 30 or 40 minutes of just non-stop conversations with your self or your baby dolls and I get the biggest kick out of it.  Here are some of the funny things you have been saying:

• "Mama you sit by me? You be my fend (friend)?"
• "What you chewing on in your mouf (mouth)?"
• "What dat guy/waydee (lady) doin'?"
• "I talk-a-nana." - this usually gets said when both your Daddy and I have told you no.
• "Hair down Mama." - you are not a fan of me clipping my hair up and insist I take it down.
• "Wook at dat Ho-Ho Mama!" - anyone you see with a white beard is a Ho-Ho (Santa). Black, white, brown or yellow...if you have a white beard, you're a Ho-Ho.
• "Who div me dis Mama?" - you are always very interested in who gave you certain toys.
• "No Daddy dit you, Mama. Mama dit you." - you always insist on me getting you out of your car seat when we gt home from daycare...your poor Dad.  He is like a desperate boy in Jr. High that just wants the popular girl to give him the time of day...and you just break his heart every time.  You are most definitely a Mama's girl.
• "Mama, baby Maesyn dot you tired? She kickin' you?" - this is a big theme right now as I am exhausted most of the time and you are always concerned about me. So sweet.
• "You wanna pay if me (play with me)?
• "Be fy-et!" - Be quiet...sweet baby Jesus give me strength when you shout this in my face :)  Don't try this at 14 ma'am...but I'll give you a pass while you're still in diapers.
• "No like dis kind." - Any green food!
• "Ewwww....dux!" - this is how you let us know you think something is dih-dux-ing (disgusting). Nice.
• Get yo own piece!

I could go on and on...but those are the ones that come to mind.  You just keep your Dad and I in stitches laughing all the time...even at the naughty things you do and say.  It is so hard to discipline you many times because we cannot stop laughing!

Your Stats:

• You weigh 27 lbs. (50th percentile)
• You are 37.5 inches tall (97th percentile) - we still have no idea where you get this from but Nana wants you to play volleyball when you grow up!
• You wear 2T and 3T clothes and a size 7 0r 8 in your shoes.
• You still sleep from about 7:30pm - 7:30am and take a 2 hour nap religiously...such a great sleeper you are.  We are praying your sister takes your lead!

What you love:

• Juice (we still give you half water half juice and you don't complain to much)
• Anything Mommy or Daddy are eating :)
• Suckers
• Spaghetti
• Anything Disney Princess...you know all of their names.
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• Playing with blocks and building towers
• Playing "house" and being the Mama
• Snuggling and "rock-rocking" with Mommy
• French fries
• M&M's
• Doing your "work" on your cell phone and computer (hand-me-downs from Mommy)
• Visits from Nana and Papa
• Jumping on the bed
• Reading books

What you Do Not Like:

• Anything hygiene related (bath, brushing hair/teeth, changing your diaper, putting on lotion etc.) I don't think you like anyone trying to stop you as you are always on the go, go, go!
• Green foods...not sure when or why this happened but you are having no part of vegetables...won't even touch them
• Mornings.  You are not little Miss Sunshine in the morning...wonder where you get that? Ha!

You got some big news in July as we found out you were going to be a big sister.  This is how you felt about it when we broke the big news...

But you came around and now you are getting so excited to be a big sister to Baby Maesyn :)

 We have had so many fun times this year and you are just the light of our lives.  I can't wait to see what the next year brings as you grow and change with each passing hour it seems.  You are truly the best thing your Dad and I have ever done and we cherish every day we get to share our lives with you. 

We can't wait to see what year 3 will bring!!!

Love you baby girl,

Your Mama

32 Weeks

32 Weeks

Technically I was 33 weeks yesterday but finding the energy to do more than roll off the couch to run to the bathroom about 19 times a day has been challenging.  So I figured I better get this done before I find myself in the car on the way to the hospital trying to update my blog.  So here is the lowdown on week 32...aka feels like week 320!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 32 Weeks

Size of baby: About the size of a large jicama (no earthly idea what that is) so about 3.75 lbs. and 16.75 inches

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 10 lbs. gained.

Maternity Clothes: Try to wear maternity pants or leggings but it doesn't last too long as waistbands are my nemesis.  This little girl sits so low and the minute she feels constricted she squirms and kicks and throws a fit until I change into sweats.  

Sex of the baby: It's a GIRL!!!  Maesyn Sidney Doss.

Movement: I think it must be getting pretty crowded in there as she is not moving as much, but still lots of movement...especially late evening, and it is starting to be less cute and more ouch!!! :)

Sleep: Very interrupted flipping from side to side trying to get comfortable.  Can't wait to be able to sleep on my stomach again.

What I miss: Being able to walk up the stairs/get off the couch/walk through the grocery store aisles without feeling like I just ran the Boston marathon. I don't remember being this physically wiped at the end of the day with Sayler.  I think chasing a 2 year old around has a little something to do with it.

Cravings: Anything sweet. Not sure what this is about but I left the house at 8:30pm the other night just to get a root beer float from Wendy's. Out of control sweet tooth.

Symptoms: A few Braxton Hicks episodes and a lot of pulling and stretching. She's making lots of room for herself in there.

Best Moment this week: Asking Sayler if she was going to be a good big sister to baby Maesyn and her definitively exclaiming, "No Mine Isn't!!!" Ha!  She keeps it real for sure.  She's got 6 weeks to relish in her queen bee status.

Christmas 2011...The year of "Ho Ho!"

We had a great Christmas this year.  Sayler really started to get into Santa (aka "Ho Ho") this year and I know next year it will be ON up in the Doss house as far as Ho Ho is concerned.  She loved opening presents for herself and anyone else that would let her tear into their gift.  She did really well all day long on Christmas Day and didn't have to many, "Oh my word I'm overwhelmed by all of this stuff and sugar and attention and more stuff and attention meltdowns."  And for that we all said, "thank you baby Jesus."  Here are a few highlights of the days leading up to the big day and our big Ho Ho Christmas too.

WHAT??? Christmas is over???  Say it ain't so!!!

Sayler was quality control during Mama's Christmas candy making. Employee of the month material.

We had lots of Christmas inspired outfits to wear the week of Christmas.  I tried to get a picture each day.

Not really excited about the early photo shoot this particular morning.

This was more her speed.  Popcicles, Papa and iPad books!

One might start to think she likes being the center of attention.

We have a Griswold house near us and she loved showing Nana and Papa all of the Christmas wonderment.

Yay for tacky Christmas decor and candy canes!!!

Daddy and his little elf soaking in all of the Christmas.

There's a major love affair going on here folks.  She can't get enough of them.

I think the feeling is mutual.

We let Say open presents from her Aunts and Uncles on Christmas Eve. Not sure what was going on with my hair here...but I promise I did not sport a Princess Lea hairdo for the holiday.  Saving that for New Years.

She had her eye on this Dora present for at least a week.  Thanks Aunt Michelle!

She got a big ol' Princess book and wanted to see all of the princesses that had their "hair down."  She's obsessed.

Not a gender neutral environment here by any stretch of the imagination.  We are all girl...all the time.

Puzzles...yippee!!!

She LOVED her Peyown ("Penguin") pillow pet.

But let me tell you...for the $$$ nothing packs a punch like Elefun.  It was some serious Ele-FUN!!!

And it has some longevity people.  I bought this same gift for the two little girls I nannied for *gulp* 14 years ago.  They loved it in 1997 and my little sweetie loved it over a decade later.  I highly recommend it...for about 5 minutes.  And then you will want to throw it off the deck.  But anything for the kids right?

Does it get more fun than this...

As Sayler would say, "No ma'am!"

Getting Ho Ho's cookies ready. Apparently, she needed to have her Carmex at the ready. Moisturized lips are key for a successful Christmas.

Again...quality control.

I mean seriously...this is one cute Christmas Baby Girl.

We tried to get a good shot right before bed.  She was a bit focused on the cookies.

This was the best we could get.

I sure hope I'm on the nice list!  

Santa ate all the cookies, drank the milk and left a nice note.

Apparently, she was good.  Here was her haul Christmas morning.

Santa left a trail of candy canes from her bedroom to her presents.  She loved this and I thought it was such a cute idea.  I stole it from a former co-worker...and will do it every year.  I mean, I will tell Santa to do this every year.

She is a big time mother hen and loves to take care of her babies.  Changing their diapers was how we spent the majority of the day.

She was on the Elf diet on Christmas, "Candy, candy corn, candy canes, and syrup." 

She was "rock rocking" her baby.

Patting her back and "sushing" her.  Such a good little Mommy.

She got a Dr.'s kit and loved giving everyone their "meh-sun."

Nana and Papa got her the coolest doll house with all of the bells and whistles.  She LOVES it!

Our neighbors came over and Sayler decided to let them in on the Elf diet as well.

The next morning we celebrated Nana's birthday with a birthday brunch and Sayler sang her "Happy To You," no less than 7 times.  Happy To You Nana!!!

We are so blessed to have had such a special Christmas and can't imagine what it will be like next year with a 3 year old and a 9 month old!  Looking forward to all of the memories we will be creating.