It's the Most Wonderful Day of the Year!!!!

Christmas 2011

     Merry Christmas!  The Kane family anxiously awaited the arrival of Christmas.  It is my absolute favorite holiday and one of my favorite days of the entire year (I hope to pass the excitement on to Camryn as her dad certainly doesn't love it as much as I do, but did get more into the spirit this year :).  Everything was different for Christmas this year....it's such a strange feeling when you start a family of your own and all the traditions you once knew have to and do change.  It's definitely not a bad thing....just different.  For the first time in what seems like forever my mom had to work on Christmas Eve. :(  We hated missing her at my aunt's and this meant our holiday traditions were impacted significantly.  In the past Chris and I have always opened up our presents at home and then headed down early for breakfast with my family.  My dad has been making his signature breakfast on Christmas morning for as long as I can remember....biscuit and gravy, hashbrowns, eggs, bacon....pure deliciousness :)  Needless to say since my mom worked the night before we did not have breakfast at mom and dad's that morning.  Instead Chris, Camryn and I woke up on our own, gave Camryn her milk and headed out to the living room for some Santa excitement!  Camryn was in awe when she turned the corner.  She headed straight to the Mega Blocks table and took a seat.  

Taking it all in...

Lovin' the Mega Blocks!

It was actually hard to get her away from it...until she spotted the shopping cart. :)  

Watch out everyone....she does love to run into Brohdi with it :)

Opening presents with dad

And a few more with mom :)

While Camryn was preoccupied with her blocks and cart Chris decided to give me my gifts.  I really don't want to focus too much on the actual gift, but the thought Chris put into it.  He lead me on a scavenger hunt (which he and Camryn had worked on earlier in the week) in order to find my present. I loved the thought he put into that.....the last clue of my scavenger hunt was a picture of my C Monkey holding a present.  When I opened it I discovered my new camera...I immediately shook my head no and told him to take it back (we are trying to buy a house for crying out loud!).  He just looked at me in my frenzy of telling him no and told me of anyone he knew I deserved this more than anything.  In addition to my camera Chris gave me two more incredibly thoughtful DIY gifts.....it absolutely melted my heart!  My Chris is not one to share or express his emotions often and all the hard work he put into making my day just melted my heart.  I am truly a lucky girl! :)

After a few more gifts the three of us (mainly Camryn) took a break from opening presents to start our very first tradition of a family of three....eating Krispy Kreme for breakfast!  I LOVE Krispy Kreme, but don't allow myself to stop and eat them very often.  Chris suggested that we start a new tradition and it was pure heaven.  It was such a fabulous feeling not feeling guilty while eating something I enjoy so very much.  I also loved that we started something that is only "ours!"

Around 11:30 we packed everything and everyone (dogs included) up and headed down to start Christmas with our families.  We dropped the dogs off at mom and dad's and headed to Chris' parents to eat lunch and have Christmas there.  As we were unloading we saw the Lewis-Lawrence family leaving her grandparent's house.  A little piece of Camryn and I were so excited to say goodbye to Chrissie one last time before she leaves for Florida on Monday.  I think C made her day because when I took Cammie from her she just reached out and cried for her.....Aunt Chrissie definitely needs to know that C loves her so very much!  After saying good-bye we headed inside to visit with Grandma, Grandpa, Nate, Ryan, Maggie, Aunt Vickie, Uncle Ron and Great Grandma and Grandpa Kane.  C ate a great lunch and then went into I really need a nap, but I'm not  going to take one with all the excitement going on mode.  Although she was really, really good, Chris and I could both tell she was so sleepy.  She would pick up her blanket, come to you, but then would be afraid she was going to miss something and get right back down again.  She wouldn't really open her presents (I think we were getting into present overload at this point), but did play with them, once they were open and/or assembled.  It was nice having an opportunity to exchange gifts, visit and not feel rushed before packing up again and heading to Nana and Pop's.

Something is just SOOO funny to her :)

She LOVES that musical stocking that grandma picked out for her! This year she knows how to make it sing!

Daddy and C...still playing with the stocking

One of her newest, most FAVORITE toys....she LOVES the vaccuum!  She vaccuums everything! Thanks for finding the perfect one grandma!

Our last stop of the day was Nana and Pop's.  Pop did not disappoint as we ended up eating breakfast for dinner.  Chris and I eat breakfast for dinner every once and a while so that sure didn't bother me. :)  I also didn't have to miss an opportunity to eat dad's breakfast....my husband is an amazing cook, but there is nothing like comfort food that you have grown up on. :)  After eating we knew we were close to losing C...it was after 5:00 and she had yet to have a nap all day so we decided to head downstairs for the big event.   (Poor Nick had to wait ALL DAY to open his presents, since we had to wait for mom to wake up and we came there last....he was a great sport about it though! :)  Again, Camryn was in present overload and refused to open anything.  Pop pointed out her big present right away and although she played and enjoyed it, she climbed in Chris' lap about 15 minutes later and was out.  Poor baby....the day was just too much! :)  So thankful for a day when all 6 of us (plus Adrianne) could get together, laugh and remember how much we love each other. As we packed up the car and then rearranged it to get everything and everyone home I reflected on just how blessed we truly are.  The season is not about receiving presents, and can be very chaotic and sometimes even a little stressful, but I truly love the full feeling it brings to my heart. I am always hopeful that that feeling will continue all year long.  We are so very blessed and could not want for anything more! :)

"Pop...is this really for me???"

Pop and Uncle Walt trying to get her started :)

I can do it by myself!

Who needs new toys on Christmas...Camryn likes her old ones just fine! :)

Walt successfully taking a bow off without scissors...everyone in my family hates ribbon and bows on presents :(

Snuggling with Adrianne....someone needed a nap big time!

I think she likes it....what do you think?

Playing on my new Jeep with Tammy :)

Christmas Eve 2011

     The big day is almost here.....the day we have prepared for, anticipated and are so anxiously awaiting! :)  

     I had really planned on staying in all day on Christmas Eve until it was time for church, but the three of us headed over to Louisville to visit my grandpa for Christmas.  He had been sick on and off for a few weeks so we weren't sure if we were going to have an opportunity to see him before Christmas, so when mom called we packed up the car and headed over.  When we first walked in he had a Santa hat on and C freaked out.  Ever since we took her to Bass Pro Shop to have her picture taken she has been terrified of Santa.  Definitely doesn't want to have anything to do with him. :(  Once Papaw took it off, she slowly warmed up t him and even carried his presents to him. My grandpa is 93 and is such a kid at heart.  He loves to open presents as much as any kid. :)  I wish I would have had my camera to take pictures of him in his new Kentucky wildcat hat with ear covers and strings that hung down, but I forgot it. :(  So glad we were able to sneak in a little time with him for Christmas!

     Next we grabbed a quick lunch (LOVE being off and eating Chick-Fil-A multiple times a week :), ran to get doughnuts for the morning and headed home.  Thankfully C fell asleep on the way home, which allowed us to pick up around the house before the madness began.

     About 5:30 we headed to Northside for Christmas Eve service.  We met Nick, Chrissie, Danny and Tammy (Chrissie's mom and dad) and it was SO much better than last year.  Previously we went to church on Christmas Eve Eve (the 23rd) and it was crazy crowded!!!  Chris and Nick weren't even able to sit with Chrissie and I last year (they sat on the couches in the lobby).  This year we decided to see how Christmas Eve would be and it was fabulous!  We were able to easily get a seat and sit all together.  I love being in a place that I love with some of the people I love most!  Northside is such an amazing place and has done so much to better our family's lives in the past two years.  Don't want to sound like a broken record, but we are so thankful to Chrissie for getting us there!  After church we said good-bye to Nick and Chrissie (understandably they are super busy (as are we) Christmas day and then they are headed to Florida for the week after....not sure what we will do without Chrissie for a week, but I guess we'll manage. :)

     Next we headed to my aunt's house to celebrate with my dad's side of the family for Christmas Eve.  C walked in to an already assembled Mickey Mouse tent/ball pit and well the rest was pretty much history.  She was only interested in playing in the tent...wasn't too concerned with opening any more presents or eating dinner, just wanted someone, anyone to play inside the tent with her. :)  She would run inside and pat the space next to her for you to sit right beside her to play....she is getting so big! I love her so very much! We did convince her to eat a few bites of dinner and open a few more presents, but pretty much she was consumed with her ball pit. :)  Loved seeing the excitement on her face this year....it truly is magical! :)

The best present ever! :)

Going back in....

Aunt Tammy and C opening another present :)

Back in the ball pit again...

Granny adding a little Christmas cheer! :)

Uncle T and Cammie opening the next present

It's hard to see on here, but the curious look on her face is priceless...wondering what in the heck this new toy could be

Silly girl!

Opening presents with Aunt Cindy

Opening a present from Uncle T and Aunt Cindy

     Finally, we headed home so someone could go to sleep and Santa could arrive.  She fell asleep right before we got home, but didn't stay (stinker!).  We quickly unloaded the car so we could get Cammie right back in bed.  The excitement of the day took a toll on her as she was asleep quick!  Chris finished wrapping a few presents (nothing like waiting until the last minute :) and I was "working" to make sure everything was just so before going to bed.   Can't wait until she sees what Santa left for her.... :)

Just a few of her goodies :)

After Santa worked his magic :)
(And this would be why we are moving.....we had stuff EvErYwHeRe!!! :)

Breakfast With Friends

   Hillary, Brady and Cooper hosted their second annual Christmas pajama breakfast for all The Wood girls and their babies.  I LOVE when we are all able to get together, catch up and let our little munchkins play!  Most all of C's buddies were there, including Brittney and Kaidyn, Cara and Adalynn, Sabrina, Ellie and Ashtyn, Meghan and Maddie, Danielle, Riley and Luci, Kelly and Madison, Chrissie, Sarah and of course the Day family.  Cammie wouldn't eat much (way too much going on), but was intrigued with all the people and new toys (especially the Cozy Coupe :)!  We had tons of fun and left around noon right in time for C to take a nap.  She was so worn our she slept for over 3 hours!  What a fun day and new tradition! Thanks Hillary! :)

Best Buddies...in matching pj's :)

C and Cooper playing trains

Aunt C and Cammie in the Cozy Coupe....a favorite toy of C's :)

Riley AND Cammie in the Cozy Coupe....pretty squished :)

Aunt C snuggling with Maddie

Playing with the big girls! :)

 

Pictures with Santa

     Tonight we headed over to Bass Pro Shop to get Cammie's picture taken with Santa.  I LOVE that they do a free photo...I am way too cheap to pay for a Santa picture from the mall, especially to only display for a short time throughout the year.  Not to mention pictures with Santa typically turn out like school pictures...not the best picture, quality, etc.  While we waited in a short line C admired all the decorations, people walking back and forth and kids playing with the toys and activities they had set up.  She was so excited leading up to the picture.....

Admiring the Christmas Tree :)

Our Christmas Princess :)

     But once we walked into Santa's cottage for her picture she freaked out and started crying!  She wanted nothing to do with Santa and actually looks completely traumatized in her picture.  (Every mom needs a screaming toddler with Santa picture right??? I know my mom has one of me :)  She actually must have actually gotten scared because she now hates getting close to anyone that looks like Santa or has a Santa hat on. :(  Hope we didn't do permament damage trying to get an annual photo. :)

Modeling

    Yesterday Chrissie and I headed over to Oxmoor Mall to try and finish up some Christmas shopping (she finished..I didn't :/) and use some fabulous Old Navy coupons.  We each had an extra 40% off everything and certainly were not going to let those go to waste.  Chrissie was on the search for some cheap maternity clothes (despite the fact that most maternity clothes are not cheap, nor too cute for that matter...poor Chrissie winter maternity is even tougher than summer....the lack of selection is really depressing...maybe we should give up our teaching careers and design cute maternity clothes...I think I complained this same thing when I was pregnant :) and I was on the search for some clothes for C for next year.  So far I haven't been burned too bad and I pretty much buy everything for C in advance.  We found the deal of the day...I got C a pair of sandals for next summer for $0.29.  That's right 29 cents!!! That is the very reason I LOVE to buy ahead! :)  When I was trying to put everything away in her tote of future clothes she insited on putting these shoes on.  I stuck them on her and she modeled them around the house.  She especially loved the way they sounded when she hit the tile.  Silly, silly girl! :)

Still a little big, but they will be perfect for spring! :)  Hopefully we will have pants on when we wear them for real! :)

Chrismas Up North

     This past weekend we celebrated Christmas both days with Chris' side of the family.   Saturday we headed up to Indianapolis to spend some holiday time with Aunt Vickie, Uncle Ron, Vince, Holly and their family and Diane and Rodger.  On Sunday we traveled to North Vernon to spend the day with the entire side of Chris' dad's family.  We are so blessed to have so many wonderful grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins within our family.  Although it was a busy weekend it was fabulous seeing everybody for the holiday season!

Reading with Aunt Holly

Lovin' Aunt Vickie :)

Goofin' off with Uncle Ryan

Playing Legos with Savannah

Kisses from Savannah...too cute! :)

C and Aunt Maggie

C and her favorite cousin...Xavier! :)

Snuggle Time with Grandpa :)

Mommy's Girl

     Chik-Fil-A has definitely become a favorite of Cammie's since she started eating solid foods.  We are now VERY guilty of stopping there at least once a week, if not more for a quick lunch or dinner.  I certainly do not have any complaints, as it is and has been my favorite fast food restaurant for quite some time (I remember when the only free standing Chick-Fil-A's were down south and I would get so excited to stop at them as we traveled to Florida or South Carolina on vacation :).  Today we ran through the drive-thru to grab some chicky for C to eat for a quick lunch in between the Y and running a few errands.  As soon as we pulled in the drive-thru Camryn started doing the sign for eat and conitnued until they delivered our food through the window. Later as we were headed home we passed Chick-Fil-A again and when she looked out the window and saw it again....she immediately started signing eat.  Definitely a girl who takes after her mommy's heart. :)  

Little Miss Independent

     According to the weekly/monthy e-mail I receive regarding Cammie's development she has entered an autonomous phase.  According to the dictionary autonomy is described as having freedom or being independent. I don't think there is a better way to describe little Miss Cammie Marie right now.  She has started showing an interest in using silverware to eat (which means we head straight to the bathtub after most meals :), would much rather push the stroller and/or grocery cart rather than ride in it, sit in a regular kitchen chair vs. her high chair and is very observant at what her dad, I or any other grown-ups do and wants to do exactly what we do, but now independently.  She has become interested in sauces, such as ketchup and wants to dip everything in them.  She LOVES when you give her freedom to walk in a store, rather than make her ride. She loves to open doors and lead the way in or out anywhere we are headed.  She is just getting too, too big! :)

Yummy :)

Loving every second! :)

"Who needs a spoon...I'll just use my hand"...silly girl! :)