Babies First (White) Christmas

Owen and Emmaline celebrated their first Christmas last week, and while it probably wasn't memorable for them :), it definitely was for us! We made it to Vince's Dad's home in Hydro, Oklahoma last Wednesday night and woke up to what the news creatively named "Blizzard 2009." It was windy, white, and cold cold cold! Since we were snowed into Hydro and snowed out of Norman (where my family celebrates), my family rescheduled for that Saturday. It was short, but at least we were able to spend time together.

Owen and Emmaline received so many wonderful gifts, and are having fun playing with them this week. Vince's dad (Papa) bought them each their first pair of leather cowboy boots, which I need to take a picture of to post. I had no idea boots came in such tiny sizes! My mom (Grandma) gave them, among other things, a wiener dog toy that moves and barks to encourage crawling. The babies love him, but Ella definitely was not amused!

We took so many cute pictures, and I've picked my favorites below.

Santa's lap...score!

Emmaline with friends Laura and Trey's daughter, Riley.

Lisa (Sarah's sister) smiling through Owen's yells.
"Aunt Lisa, you can call me Crankypants...Owen Crankypants."

Owen and Emmaline, look at the camera! Hey-eeee, look at the camera!

Look at mommy acting like a fool! Look, look!

"Ha, I knew you'd blink before me!"

"Oh...my...gosh, will Santa be able to make it in this blizzard?! I need answers now!"

"Hey, I'm cute!"

"Fun For All That Children Call Their Favorite Time of Year"

Holiday Fun

This has been the week of holiday get-togethers, and my friends are pretty creative when it comes to reasons to have them!

On Saturday, I went to my friend Laura's house in Fort Worth for her annual Gingerbread House Party. I'm not exactly a "make and do" person :), so I was a little nervous since she has been throwing these parties since she was in middle school and some of her guests have been going since then! Anyway, we had brunch and worked away on our houses, it was a lot of fun!

Laura took a break from slaving away on her house to take a picture.

My house held its own against the fierce competition. Sadly, my "tenant" lost an arm when I had to break quickly in the oh-so-jolly holiday traffic on my way home. R.I.P. little man.

On Monday night, my friend Bianca had a wrapping party at her house. Each guest brought a roll of wrapping paper, gifts to wrap and, in my case, their children. Owen and Emmaline loved the attention, and played on the floor in Bianca's living room (on one of the gorgeous quilts my friend Angela made for them when they were born...so talented!). They loved being held by so many cute girls too, especially Owen! And, thanks Angela for wrapping a few of my gifts while I took care of babies!

Showing off the CUTEST socks from Bianca for the kids: Skater socks for Owen and Anniversary mary janes for Emmaline, by Trumpette! Love them!

Owen: "Hel-lo ladies..."

Emmaline: "Hey Mom, come eat the rest of your Sprinkles cupcake before I put my foot in it!"

Owen: "Real men suck their thumbs."

Owen and Bianca (Owen wouldn't stop sticking out his tongue!)

O Christmas Tree

I love, love, LOVE this time of year!! And, the holidays are even more special this year since we're celebrating it with Owen and Emmaline.

I worked on our Christmas decorations little by little each night last week after the babies went to bed. It's so much fun to watch them captivated by the lights, not to mention a nice distraction if they're upset! :)

The weather also turned very cold last week, so we weren't able to walk around the Arboretum. Instead, we walked around Northpark mall a few times, and Owen and Emmaline had their first visit to Santa (a very impressive Santa too, stay tuned for the adorable picture!). Luckily, they were taking a nap while we waited in line. When it was our turn, they were still asleep, so a very sweet "Santa's helper" (and did she ever earn that title with me!), unstrapped one sleep baby from the stroller while I woke up the other. Needless to say, they were a little stunned! I don't think they really knew what was going on, but I still had my moment watching them sit on Santa's lap!

We're working hard during playtime, extending tummy time and spending time in the Bumbo seats working the neck muscles. I feel like their personal trainer but, (sigh) doctor's orders at their four month check-up. Since they were born early, they struggle a little more than most four month olds, but they get stronger every day!

"Hey, take our picture, this is cool!"

"And no Mom, we just can't make the letter M right now!"

Owen: "Hey, toy...I said, HEY TOY!"

Owen: "So, we conclude this meeting with the decision to see Santa today."

Emmaline: "Either way, I've got the keys, let's go!"

A pretty picture of Emmaline. :)

"Um...how did we end up like this?"