Thursday, December 24, 2009

'Tis the Season

Over 2 weeks without a post? What's up with that? Let's just say that the holiday season was hectic but joyous in our household and I've never been more tired. (I know...break out the violins...)

Every day I think "I have to post this to the blog" as I have been wanting to capture every big moment in Kristina's first Christmas season with us. But there just aren't enough hours in the day. So instead -- as they say "a picture paints a thousand words" -- I'm going to just post some pictures and let them do the speaking for us.

Christmas Tree Hunting


Kristina paroosing the Christmas Tree Lot searching out her favorite tree.


Helping Papa and giving feedback as Papa whips out his Swiss Army Knife and opens up the 20th tree or so....I lost count...


Kristina and Mama rejoice when we found our "perfect" tree!!!

Preschool Holiday Program


Introducing our 2 year old class for their first public appearance! Our dear Kristina is center - "scratching" her nose...

I just gleemed with pride as Kristina (4th from left) danced & danced and shook her wrist to jingle her bells...while some kiddos stood there just staring and soaking up the experience.

After the show, Santa Claus showed up! Unfortunately, Kristina finds Santa very "scarey" (her words!) and she had to be taken out of the room by her teacher due to crying. This was the closest we got to Santa Claus this year. As indicated by Kristina pointing, Kristina was literally telling Santa "Santa, go away." Oh, bah humbug...

Kristina and her friend, Gaby. We've requested that Kristina stay in the 2 y.o. class for another few months, even tho' she's turning 3 soon, just so she can stay with Gaby. Kristina has had so many changes in her life in the last 7 months that we decided consistency would be best at this time. The teachers are so understanding and supportive.

Christmas Eve 2009

Kristina checking NORAD to track where Santa Claus is and texting him to add something to her list...

Kristina putting our first Christmas ornament on the tree...the Russian Angel girl. Last year, I wrote an entire post about this ornament. Check here for details: Angel Ornament

Kristina was so excited to leave cookies and milk for Santa!

After our little one nestled to sleep in her bed, Mama and Papa worked feverishly to prepare for Santa's arrival. Let's just say...Mama and Papa saw the sun rise the next morning. Stay tuned...more to come regarding Christmas morning with a toddler who doesn't understand the concept of opening gifts (but soon learned!).

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

9 comments:

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

I remember your post about your ornament and seeing the picture of her putting it on the tree...oh my goodness...we come full circle and I love seeing that!

Happy New Year!!

Kristine

InWeighOverMyHead said...

GREAT update. Glad you had a wonderful Christmas.

Anonymous said...

looks like it was a wonderful season!

Melissa said...

It's amazing what a difference a year has made. We had a wonderful, yet tiring Christmas season too! Kristina is getting so big and I love her pigtails. Have a wonderful 2010! We're looking forward to many wonderful things this year.
Melissa

Malissa said...

So happy that your first Christmas went well. How did you all do with over stimulation?

When Anna arrived home (almost 3 years ago) I asked that she be held back for an extra few month, and it was really worth it. Seems like no matter how physically ready they are for change, it takes a while for them to emotionally/socially catch up.

Christine and Stephen said...

I wondered where your holiday posts were!!! It's crazy trying to keep track of everything AND get it posted so all know what has been happening.

Everyone looks so happy and looks like it was a wonderful first Christmas!

Christine

Margaret and Tom said...

Love the pigtails and pajamas as she waited for Santa. I can't wait to hear about her opening presents! And I need to go back and read about the ornament...

Margaret and Tom said...

OK, just read the post about the ornament...that is soooo cool. Wow, isn't it great to see things come full circle...and it just really confirms what we all know...that she was meant to be your daughter from the beginning of time!

Amy, Jeff, LM, SC, & Ashton said...

looks like fun times, and no doubt the actual day all the way thru to her bday were busy, fun, and full of smiles for all!!! so glad your real life angel is home with you now!!