This was Finley’s first Christmas EVER and Brielle’s first Christmas that she truely understood the excitement of Santa, the story of Jesus and his impact on us, and all of the beautiful family time associated with it all! It was, by far, the best Christmas Ive ever had. Seeing their little faces light up watching Christmas movies or being SO interested in the story of Bethlehem just made me enjoy everything so much more! Bob and I really loved starting new traditions with our growing family. We had a light show and cocoa party with the Ferruzza crew that was tons of fun. An elf also came to live with us during the month of December, sent by Santa himself Brielle named him “Holly” and he would go to the North Pole each night to report to Santa about Brielle’s day. Each morning he would position himself in a different spot around the house for Brielle to find. On Christmas Eve he left the girls a few presents, including pajamas to wear that night and a letter saying that he would see them next year. Brielle cried hysterically for 30 minutes when she realized that Holly was leaving- the sweetest, most heartbreaking cry that Bob and I have ever seen! I will be so excited for Holly’s arrival next year!
On Christmas Brielle was excited to recieve a new My Little Pony, a tea party set that she could paint, and a Leapfrog learning center that helps her learn to read (all from Santa). Mom-mom got her a new baby named “Ally” and a really cool scooter, as well as various other toys. Finley was happy with tissue paper and boxes, but I think she will enjoy the gifts left inside as well as time goes on.
On Dec. 31st, 2008 Bob and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary by going on a date (without kids!) and then coming home for a game night with Beth and Matt. Bob proves to be the best teammate I could have EVER asked for and I cant imagine loving him anymore than I do- yet everyday it grows. He is an amazing father, companion, and lover. No words can describe how blessed I feel with this man in my life.
In the coming month we will be celebrating Finley’s FIRST birthday and this mommy is feeling such a mixture of emotions. The past year has been my best yet, and the addition of this princess has everything to do with that. I feel complete! She has been exclusively breasfed since birth, and now has added a hearty diet of mostly meat, veggies, and pretzels to her diet. She crawls faster than some people can walk, and just recently started walking (of course Brielle has been eager to teach her).

Brielle is quite the little mommy. She is a confident but sensitive child who makes me break out in hysterical laughter multiple times each day.
Overall- things have been going great! Watch for Finley’s birthday pics to come