Christmas recap

Ok, the pictures are posted at the Shutterfly site. Use the link on the left to see them. But here's a quick rundown of Lily's first Christmas:

1. Lily missed decorating a tree with her cousins because she was a grump. And grumps go to bed. 

2. We decorated our tree, our house, and even the outside. Much better than last year when I was so nauseous I was not interested in Christmas at all. 

3. We finally made good on the threat of "going cheap and easy" for gifts this year. We would've loved to do more, but this year was not the year for that. And the bonus: we managed to fit everything into 2 suitcases as compared to 4 last year. 

4. We wore ugly sweaters and gave crappy gifts at our annual Christmas party. 

5. Lily is an awesome little traveler. Mama, on the other hand, apparently forgot everything she knew about traveling. It took me three tries to get through security because I forgot about my cell phone in my pocket, my belt, and my shoes. But just to prove how awesome I did -- I forgot my cell phone on the plane on the way home. Smooth. But, I got a free pass to go all the way back through security to the gate to go get my phone.

6. We all got sick. Starting with me. I missed seeing my friends, I missed my boss' retirement party. Then Lily got sick and the fun really started. 

7. We made a complete disaster every where we went. First Dad's guest room and then Mom's. Trail of destruction in our path. 

8. Lily got to spend time with her uncles. and it turns out her uncle Ben is a baby hog. 

9. Erik's Ben spent his first Christmas with our crazy family. Hopefully the first of many. 

10. Louise went overboard in the hospitality department. Though we much appreciate - truly - all her hard work, it was really nice to see her take a break. Even though it was less than a minute long. 

11. Lily got to meet her great grandparents. 

12. We took a family portrait. A bit of an adventure, but we got a few good pictures out of it. And that's all you need. 

13. We spent an afternoon at Brandy's and Miinan loves babies. Too cute. 

14. Lily was LOADED with gifts and showered by paparazzi. This little girl needs cousins.

15. Lily shat all over her daddy. That's what he gets for being a baby hog. 

16. It was the year of the matching pajamas.

17. Ugh, the 26nd was not a good day. A terrible night, a terrible cold, and a nursing strike led to Lily crying, fussing, and screaming all.day.long. And that led to Mama's breakdown. Shari and Nana got me out of the house and we had some girly girl time. A very nice break. Thank goodness Lily's Daddy can handle the stressful times so much better than me. 

18. Nana introduced solids. Rice cereal was a hit! 

19. Lily got her first haircut. Don't worry, it was just a little bang trim. 

20. Lily had another photo shoot in a gorgeous little green dress. Pictures coming soon! 

21. Shari and Lori spent a nice long Christmas with us. Very cool and hopefully the first of many. 

Overall, there was good, there was bad, and there was definitely ugly. But it was nevertheless a very special Christmas for our family.