December has always been my favorite month. I just love the holidays and the build up to Christmas. Everything about the season brings me absolute joy.

But, boy has everything changed, now that we are a family of three. And, by changed, I mean for the better. Having our daughter to witness the magic of the season, right alongside us has made December, a month, I never thought could get better, well, better. Seeing the world through a child’s eyes, there is nothing sweeter or gratifying. And, I count my blessings for her each and every day.

This weekend has been festive!

It all started with a trip to Daddy’s Christmas Trees. Baby Lo was thrilled with the layers. Thrilled.

Unfortunately, this is the first time in the 10 years I have been with Nathan, that we were unable to sell trees from his family’s farm, but because it was the first year we weren’t spending our weekends at the tree lot, we actually made a little event out of going and picking our tree.

I swear for someone who grows Christmas Trees, I am a dream partner, because I could really care less about perfection, in fact the imperfect trees always have character to me. Besides maybe one other year that I can recall, Nathan would always put a tree for us to the side when cutting the rows for the lot. My first time seeing our tree, would be as he was bringing it into our house. So, this year, it was a nice change of pace.

And, then you find that perfect tree.

And, then as you are walking back across the farm to the truck… you realize your infant is missing her boot. Yes, her new boot. Lost. Somewhere on the farm.

This is Daddy’s “Wait! Two Trees.” face.

Yes, two trees later (we rescued one for our basement, and by rescued I mean some serious cutting and trimming because that tree was, well… hurting). Oh, and the boot was recovered!  So, we packed the baby up and headed home.

Baby Lo was a trooper. After a few swats at some low hanging ornaments, a few “No’s” and a few toys that were found well placed within the branches, she was over this new household addition and more in awe of its beauty versus touching and exploring.

This. Face.

Her new norm is to sigh in exasperation at the sight of the tree and the lights. She points and shrieks and looks at us and back at the tree. I cannot get over her excitement and it makes me fall in love with Christmas in a whole new way.

Saturday continued with festive touches throughout the home (notice that centerpiece), a girls trip with Baby Lo, my sister, Mom and Grandma to a local primitive shop where Baby Lo entertained fellow shoppers. And, I would call it a success as I was able to score a Christmas gift, some final decorative touches for the home and only one person referred to my blue eyed baby girl as a boy!

Years ago, my husband and I started a tradition. The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting! It was dramatic, it was an event, it was fun and more importantly it stuck and became a tradition.

We go all out with appetizers for dinner. Load up on some wine and festive beers. Play some Christmas music which usually includes some Aaron Neville, and of course put a Christmas movie on. We look forward to it each year.

New to this year’s festivities.

This one…

Initially she feel asleep super early. My husband and I went back and forth on how it did not feel right decorating our tree without her. I mean she was so much fun the night before with our basement tree. Just as we settled into the thought that our night would be like old times, our little one started to fuss and before you know it, Mommy’s little helper wanted in on the action.

Yes, that is a Halloween Trick-or-Treat bucket still out and yes, I am so glad she woke up to join us for round 2.

Sunday brought our little family Church, breakfast at home, an unnecessary trip to TJMaxx, complete with a meltdown and a delicious pot of chili (This Recipe)…

As the weekend comes to a close, I sit here and reflect on the busyness. But, for once in a long while I do not feel overwhelmed as I stare at the twinkling lights around me.

We jam so much into our weekends because it is our days to get stuff done around the home, prepare for the holidays and just spend time together. Through it all, my heart is bursting, because this special time of year, which has always been my favorite, is now filled with even more magic and joy.

I hope you all had a beautiful weekend!

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